History of the NPC&TC ... part 2

In 1889, Miss Gurney found a place in a convalescent home for a young policeman but she heard that he had left the home and returned to work early. Miss Gurney made enquiries as to the reason for this and found that the officer had been given a bed next to a violent criminal whom he had recently arrested. Miss Gurney decided to use her best efforts to provide a convalescent home dedicated to police officers.

A home at West Brighton was bought in March 1890 and in the first year, over 100 officers attended. This home was too small and Miss Gurney began fund-raising and soon raised £8,000 for new premises. A house in Hove was bought in July 1893.

In 1897, Miss Gurney visited Harrogate. As she crossed the Stray from the railway station, she met a West Riding constable and asked him if he knew of any suitable premises to provide a police home. She was directed to a boy’s school on Otley Road and liked the place so much that she immediately made attempts to buy it. After a great deal of effort and a night of prayer - especially regarding the cost – the building was bought for £10,000. The estate comprised the main building and 12 acres of gardens and sports fields which today is the site of the Northern Police Convalescent & Treatment Centre.