Was established in 1752, by Joseph Bancroft, Esq., in conjunction
with Charles White, Esq., M.D.; and in 1755, a building for the purpose
was erected by subscription. It has been liberally supported, and
since it was first opened for the reception of patients, has afforded
medical relief to more than half a million of the labouring class.
The buildings, which have been progressively enlarged, and to which
other establishments have been attached, contain 180 beds for the
accommodation of in-patients, with apartments for the officers and
attendants, and a surgery, library of medical books, committee-rooms,
and other offices; also a complete set of baths for the use of the
patients. The grounds are tastefully laid out in gravel-walks, lawns,
and parterres, and form a public promenade, to which a fine pool in
front of the buildings adds considerable beauty. A complete set of hot,
cold, vapour, and medicated baths has been fitted up here, with every
accommodation for the public use, the profits arising from which are
appropriated to the support of the institution. A Lunatic Asylum and
Hospital was founded in 1765, and the building was opened for the
reception of patients in the following year. The Dispensary was
established in 1792, and an edifice for its use erected by subscription
adjoining the Infirmary. In 1830, his Majesty, on the solicitation
of the chairman and committee, graciously became the patron of this
institution, which is now styled "The Manchester Royal Infirmary,
Dispensary, Lunatic Hospital, and Asylum." The buildings for these
several uses being previously contiguous, an uniformity of design has
been given to them by facing the front and the north side with stone.
The plan comprehends a principal and a side front, of which the
elevation is strikingly elegant and imposing. (_See the Engraving._)
The principal front has in the centre a lofty and boldly projecting
portico of four fluted Ionic columns, 38 feet high, supporting a
pediment, of which the frieze and cornice are carried round the
building, the angles of which are ornamented with antae of appropriate
character: the side-front is of similar design, differing only in the
slighter projection of the portico, which has but two columns in the
centre, with engaged antae at the angles. The whole building is three
stories high above the basement, and the lower story is channelled in
horizontal lines.