Dumfries, Dumfries-shire
Moorheads Hospital
A paupers' hospital was built in Dumfries in 1751-3, at a time when very few charities of a similar nature existing in Britain. It was endowed by James and William Moorhead and became known as Moorheads Hospital. Its location and layout are shown on the 1899 map below.
![Dumfries Moorheads Hospital site, 1899](DumfriesMap1899-2500a.gif)
Kirkcaldy Moorheads Hospital site, 1899
![Dumfries Moorheads Hospital, 2001](Dumfries1.jpg)
Dumfries Moorheads Hospital, 2001.
© Peter Higginbotham.
![Dumfries Moorheads Hospital, 2001](Dumfries2.jpg)
Dumfries Moorheads Hospital, 2001.
© Peter Higginbotham.
The building later became an old people's home but has now closed and been converted to other use.
Dumfries Poorhouse
A poorhouse was erected in 1853-4 in the Cresswell area to the east of the town. Its design was the subject of an open competition for a building to accommodate 150 inmates, and which was to cost no more than £3,000. The winning design was by Mr Henderson of Edinburgh who was also the architect of St Mary's Church in Dumfries.
![Dumfries Poorhouse](Dumfries3.jpg)
Dumfries Poorhouse from the east.
After 1930, the poorhouse became known as Rosevale House. The buildings were later demolished to make way for the Cresswell Maternity Hospital.
Records
Note: many repositories impose a closure period of up to 100 years for records identifying individuals. Before travelling a long distance, always check that the records you want to consult will be available.
- Dumfries and Galloway Archives, 33 Burns Street, Dumfries DG1 2PS, Scotland.
Bibliography
- Higginbotham, Peter The Workhouse Encyclopedia (2014, The History Press)
Links
- None.
Unless otherwise indicated, this page () is copyright Peter Higginbotham. Contents may not be reproduced without permission.