Rookwood was built in 1866 by Colonel Sir Edward Stock Hill in early English Gothic style built of Radyr stone with Bath stone facings and red tile roofing. The internal decorations and painted ceilings were carried out under the direction of Mr J .O. Grace, F.S.A. , the artist and designer of the Great Stair in the National Gallery. It was a private residence until 1917. The main building has a nucleus of 1866 and a south extension built 1881, it is 2 storeys. In 1918 Rookwood became an army officers? convalescent home. In 1932 it became a general hospital after a further extension.
