Historical books dating from 1892 to 1909 have found their way back to Compton Hall, the Grade II listed base of specialist palliative and bereavement support charity Compton Care, thanks to the keen eye of a supporter who recognised their significance.

The books, which once belonged to Mary Elizabeth Hodson, were discovered by supporter Joy Bell, after they were donated as part of a large collection to her local church in Dursley, Gloucestershire. Originally from the Wolverhampton area, Joy recognised the name Compton Hall and, realising the books may have a special connection, contacted the charity and kindly donated them.

Joy said: “I’m from near Wolverhampton, so I recognised the name Compton Hall straight away. I will be so pleased for them to be returned to their rightful place.”

Mary E. Hodson was the wife of Laurence Hodson who inherited Compton Hall from his father in 1890. A prominent patron of the Arts and Crafts movement, Laurence assembled an important collection of artworks and furniture and employed renowned designer William Morris to decorate the interior of the Hall. Many of the building’s original features remain intact today, offering a glimpse into its heritage.

Compton Hall has been the base for specialist palliative and bereavement support charity Compton Care since 1982. The Chair of the charity’s Board of Trustees, Ros Keeton together with Trustee Carolyn Cundy have been working on a heritage project of the Hall.

Ros said: “We are delighted that Mary’s books have found their way back to Compton Hall and are incredibly grateful to Joy for recognising their importance and generously donating them to us.

“The books provide a fascinating link to the Hall’s past, and it is wonderful to see them reunited with their original home. Since their return, the books have been carefully restored, helping to preserve them for future generations and further celebrate the building’s remarkable history.”

Compton Care is a specialist palliative and bereavement support charity which provides expert clinical care on its Inpatient Unit and in the community, supporting patients in the place they call home. Families and loved ones can also access the charity’s bereavement and counselling support services.

Click here to read more about the history of Compton Hall.