Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan
Album Contents
Album Contents
Wigan Album
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
3 Comments
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary Foundation Stone, 1870.
Photo: Chris Heaven
Photo: Chris Heaven
Views: 288
Item #: 35053
Item #: 35053
Wigan Infirmary Foundation Stone laid 26/12/1870. This is located to the left of the original Gothic arch entrance hidden behind some bushes. The campaign for a hospital was largely driven by the supporters of Wigan Dispensary. This was not a pharmacy but a form of community clinic providing rationed free healthcare for the poor of the town. It had premises in King St from 1801. When the hospital opened on 4/6/1873 it was known as The Royal Albert Edward Infirmary and Dispensary. The words "and Dispensary" were only dropped on the creation of the NHS in 1948.
Comment by: Cyril on 9th April 2024 at 14:55
A good find Chris.
A lot of foundation stones in buildings and usually in prominent positions do later become covered over and usually with Ivy. Was the drain there originally on the plans I wonder or more likely put in at a later date, whatever the leaky pipe has been helping to erode the stone, though if I was 154 years old I think I'd be a bit flaky around the edges.
Comment by: Sue S on 10th April 2024 at 06:59
I remember Crawford and Lancaster Wards at the Infirmary well
Comment by: Geoff on 13th April 2024 at 19:58
Well done Chris. A good photo and info regarding the Dispensary. You did well to find that stone hidden behind some shrubs. If no-one ever ventures behind those bushes, this piece of Wigan's history is here for all to see. It would've been a very important occasion with all those dignitaries present.
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