It was from this house, that the benevolent but eccentric Mr. Day,
deluded by the fascinating eloquence Rosseau, selected two girls on whom
to try an experiment on female education, in which he proposed to unite
the delicacy of a modern female, with the bold simplicity of a Spartan
virgin, which should despise the frivolity and dissipation of the present
corrupted age.
Having obtained the object of his wishes, he repaired with them to
France, taking no English servant, in order that they might receive no
ideas but those which he chose to instil. After spending about eight
months in France, he placed the one in a respectable situation in London,
and with his favourite actually proceeded some years in the execution of
his project; but experience and mature reflection at length convinced
him, that his theory of education was impractible, and he renounced all
hope of moulding his protegee after the model his fancy had formed. He
therefore placed her in a boarding school at Sutton Coldfield, in
Warwickshire; and after completing her education, she resided some years
in Birmingham, and subsequently at Newport, in this county: and by her
amiable deportment secured a large circle of friends. Mr. Day frequently
corresponded with her parentally. In her 26th year she married Mr.
Bicknell, a gentleman who accompanied Mr. D. to Shrewsbury, at the
commencement of this singular experiment.
Salop Infirmary.
This noble asylum, situated in St. Mary’s Churchyard, was formed in the
memorable year 1745, for the accommodation and relief of the diseased and
indigent poor. The munificence with which this excellent institution has
been supported by the inhabitants of the county at large, has enabled its
conductors to proceed upon the most liberal principles. Admission is
given to the diseased from whatever quarter they may come, provided they
are recommended by a subscriber; but in case of sudden accident, this
recommendation is dispensed with.
It was opened in 1747, and has the honour of being one of the earliest of
similar erections, those of Bristol, Northampton, Winchester, and Exeter,
being the only provincial ones established prior thereto. The building
is of brick with a stone portal, and the back windows, which look into
the country, command a varied and extensive prospect. Considered with
respect to its internal cleanliness and economical management, and the
humane and skilful attentions of the medical gentlemen of the town, its
advantages are such as will vie with those of any similar provincial
institution, and are calculated to excite in the minds of the benevolent
and reflecting, feelings of the most compassionate regard and generous
sensibility.
Since its foundation, £126,671. 9_s._ 10_d._ in voluntary subscriptions
and benefactions, has been contributed for its maintenance and support.
By the last report it appears, that up to June 1822, 33,589 in-patients
have been received into the house, 18,373 have been cured, and 3,481
relieved; also 52,142 out-patients, of whom 37,720 have been cured, and
4,877 relieved.
Besides the physicians and surgeons of the town who attend gratuitously,
a surgeon resides in the house, in order that medical aid may not be
wanting in cases of emergency. The domestic economy is superintended by
a matron. The pecuniary concerns are managed by a secretary, under the
inspection of a Board of Directors and deputy Treasurer. A Treasurer
also is appointed annually from among the subscribers of five guineas and
upwards, and on the Friday in the Shrewsbury race week, a sermon is
preached by the chaplain, and a collection made for the benefit of the
charity, the plates being held by two ladies, supported by two gentlemen
of distinguished rank or opulence. The clergy of the established church,
residing in the town, officiate in rotation weekly; two of the
subscribers also resident in Shrewsbury, are weekly appointed as house
visitors.