The Institute of Naval Medicine - Historic Collections

The history of INM, the RN Medical Service and the Historic Collections reflect the role of naval medical staff and their work to ensure that naval personnel were fit for service. The library, museum and archive collections held in Monckton House are comprised of books and museum objects from the RN Hospitals at Gosport (Haslar) and Plymouth (Stonehouse), also some material from Naval Hospitals abroad such as those at Gibraltar and Malta and items donated by medical staff and their families.

Covering the history of medicine over some 500 years, you will find items related to the lives of naval surgeons and changing attitudes towards medical developments, many of which we now take for granted. The materials held include books on anatomy, pathology, infection, and disease, particularly those impacting life at sea during the 18th and 19th century. There are books and items related to surgery, dentistry, and naval hygiene as well as the treatment of scurvy and fevers. The collections also reflect the Navy’s contribution to science and exploration and naval surgeons’ interest in natural history.

On display are a collection of medical instruments, medical ceramics, paintings, and photographs, as well as medals and decorations awarded to naval medical personnel. Visitors will also be able to view displays and artefacts related to the history of the Queen Alexandra Royal Naval Nursing Service (QUARNNS).

Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time.

Timings

Tuesday 15 September:

1030 & 1330

Wednesday 16 September:

1030 & 1330

Location & directions

Institute of Naval Medicine, Crescent Road, Alverstoke, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 2DL

Directions:

Meet at the Main Gate for security checks.

Contact on day:

Janice Conway

Telephone number:

+443033778976

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Please book online via the booking website, if you experience any difficulties with the booking system, please contact us.

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.gosportheritage.co.uk/booking-2026/

Booking opens:

22 Aug 2026 09:30 AM

Booking closes:

08 Sep 2026 05:00 PM

Accessibility details

No lifts in the building. The tour will start at ground-level with an internal ramp to the entrance of Monckton House. There are 7 steps up to the Historic Collections main floor. The floors are not suitable for wheelchairs, buggies or scooters. Limited parking is available for disabled visitors (Blue Badge Holders) by prior arrangement (car registration number will be required on booking). Assistance dogs by prior arrangement. Information can be provided in large print by prior request. There are rest points. There are water dispensers on site but no other refreshments on site.

Additional information

Visitors will need to bring their ticket for presentation on arrival at the INM, as well as some identification (photo-ID). As a MOD establishment, there will be security checks at the entrance gate including bag searches, so please arrive ten minutes before the start of the tour. Visitors will be accompanied throughout this guided tour and access will be restricted to Monckton House only.

Max number of people:

22

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

Check out our online channels

Back to results