Historians feared the worst when St Bart's in Rochester, Britain's oldest surviving hospital closed in 2016.

There were grave concerns that the majestic landmark overlooking the River Medway would be demolished by bulldozers to make way for housing, and, at the same time, destroying centuries of history.

But thankfully its fate has been partially sealed because much of the hospital is listed and therefore has to be protected from development.

While work is now under way to convert it into 155 luxury homes, certain parts of the very fabric of the hospital, including the morgue and distinctive water tower, must remain intact.

Indeed there are proposals to restore certain features to their former glory and open them up for community use.

St Bart's, as it is known locally, was founded on the original site in 1078 for the care of the poor and for lepers.

This building was on the main road between Rochester and Chatham, now known as Rochester High Street, and part of it still lies in the nave of the ancient Grade II-listed chapel, now used as a gym. The much larger hospital opened in New Road in 1863, just a few yards up the hill from the original site.

St Bart's was the oldest existing hospital in England, pre-dating its more famous namesake in London by 50 years.

Six hospitals were founded before the Norman Conquest in 1066 - none of them are still functioning.

For centuries before coming under the umbrella of the National Health Service it was funded by local wealthy businessmen and charities.

Notably, the Richard Watts charity - founded by the MP for Rochester Richard Watts - granted its trustees £4,000 to enable them to build a "hospital and dispensary for the relief of the sick poor".

It also contributed £1,000 a year, in latter years raised to £1,500, and gained the right to nominate patients up to 20 people at any one time. These donations continued until 1948 when the NHS took control.

Local benefactors included Mr G Winch and Mr TH Foord which led to the children's ward, an operating theatre and a hydraulic lift being installed.

Its running relied totally on funding from well-wishers and although built in 1863 was not fully operational until 1894 when funds became available for the west wing to open.

With no ambulance service as we know it today, an operational note was found saying: "On receipt of a message by telephone, it will be dispatched promptly to the scene of any accident, it being understood that the person summoning it is responsible for the horse hire."

During the first half of the 20th century, the hospital continued to grow to accommodate the increasing population of the Medway Towns.

An Association of the Friends of St Bartholomew's Hospital was launched in 1928 and income raised paid for a more modern pathology laboratory, two new operating theatres and the new building of the nurses's home.

When the NHS took over, grants were discontinued and much of the general medical care and treatment transferred to Medway Hospital in Gillingham, now Medway Maritime Hospital.

Under the management of Medway Community Healthcare, work diminished although it remained a rehabilitation centre for patients recovering from strokes and other similar conditions, including major surgery.

It also provided physiotherapy, occupational therapy and nursing care for people living in Medway and Swale.

It was used by the Medway Clinical Commissioning Group to run its service, but it was eventually declared not fit for purpose.

Robert Flood, chairman of the City of Rochester Society, said: "When we heard the hospital was closing we thought the worst. We thought it would be demolished and make way for something horrible.

"But we are pleasantly surprised with the plans. They are keeping all the key elements, which is so important."

The £1.4million housing scheme will see the vacant building revamped with a mixture of houses and apartments being built over the next three years.

The redevelopment is being overseen by the new owners Aspenisle Ltd, part of the specialist MCR Property Group which bought the site for £2.65 million from NHS Property Services in October 2018.

Of these, most properties will be conversions in the main block and the remainder will be new build.

The houses are planned at the back in a separate Mews Quarter which will include a garden and south-facing terrace.

Rochester West ward councillor, Cllr Stuart Tranter (Con), said: "Towards the end of last year, people were getting worried thinking the building was looking derelict.

"It's great that it is coming to life and it is great the people that do live there are going to reflect on the history and importance of the building."

Chris Taylor, asset manager of MCR Property Group, said: "Within walking distance from the rail station and adjoining the high street, the former hospital buildings will present an attractive setting for new homes.

"We are excited to bring further investment into the area with the purchase of the site."

The NHS will reinvesting proceeds from the sale into the health service.

David Thurgar, senior transaction manager at NHS Property Services, said:"The sale of a site like St Bartholomew's not only raises significant capital receipts to put straight towards the improvement of the NHS estate, but also makes space for new homes on a site, which is a piece of local history."

Watch KMTV's report on the transform the hospital

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