Glynn May

Glynn spent much of his working life in various parts of the NHS in Sheffield in materials management, logistics, asset disposal etc.

Glynn says: "The NHS became more than just a workplace, it was a second home, a place where I witnessed the best of people and staff who gave everything, patients who showed extraordinary courage, and communities that rallied around their hospitals with pride. Early retirement, after twenty five years’ service, gave me the opportunity to pursue my interest in hospital history, its staff, and the people whose lives were shaped within its walls." This interest, sparked by an old photograph, led to him researching the history of the Royal Hospital.

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The Royal Hospital played a vital role in shaping Sheffield’s healthcare, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate today. From its humble beginnings as a dispensary in Tudor Square to its evolution into a major hospital, it stood as a beacon of compassion, innovation, and civic pride for almost 150 years. The book is the result of extensive research and is Glynn's interpretation of the stories and lives that made the Royal Hospital an integral part of Sheffield’s social and medical heritage, from its humble beginnings in 1832 to its final day in 1978, revealing how medicine, industry, and community evolved side by side.
The book draws on rich archives, rarely seen photographs, and the stories of individuals who shaped the hospital’s legacy, bringing to life the doctors, nurses, patients and pioneers who turned a local hospital into a cornerstone of public health. Their dedication, resilience, and compassion underpin a narrative that is as human as it is historical.