The Town Hospital Paisley 1752 - 1850's
Report of Receipt and Expenditure of the Town's Hospital of Paisley, 1836-37
Paisley's Town Hospital or Poorhouse was opened in May 1752 to provide accommodation for the town's aged and infirm poor and to provide support and education for destitute children. As time went on, and the town's population continued to grow, several additions were made to cater for increasing numbers of the town's poor.
The Hospital was managed by a Committee comprising representatives of the Town Council, Kirk Session and trades and other societies. Annual running costs were met by an assessment or tax on property owners and other inhabitants, together with lesser amounts from other sources. Children were trained for a working life and their future employers were expected to contribute to the costs.
The care of the inmates, old and young, was entrusted to a Master, who might also act as Clerk to the Hospital, and a Mistress, with the help of one or two servants. A salary was also paid to a surgeon for regular visits and medical treatment. People suffering from mental illness, who lacked other means of support, were also admitted, in conditions which seem to have been particularly grim. The Hospital's funds also helped to support the 'Out-house Poor' who required help, but who, no doubt thankfully, were able to remain in their own homes.
Report of Receipt and Expenditure of the Town's Hospital of Paisley, 1836-37
Paisley's Town Hospital or Poorhouse was opened in May 1752 to provide accommodation for the town's aged and infirm poor and to provide support and education for destitute children. As time went on, and the town's population continued to grow, several additions were made to cater for increasing numbers of the town's poor.
The Hospital was managed by a Committee comprising representatives of the Town Council, Kirk Session and trades and other societies. Annual running costs were met by an assessment or tax on property owners and other inhabitants, together with lesser amounts from other sources. Children were trained for a working life and their future employers were expected to contribute to the costs.
The care of the inmates, old and young, was entrusted to a Master, who might also act as Clerk to the Hospital, and a Mistress, with the help of one or two servants. A salary was also paid to a surgeon for regular visits and medical treatment. People suffering from mental illness, who lacked other means of support, were also admitted, in conditions which seem to have been particularly grim. The Hospital's funds also helped to support the 'Out-house Poor' who required help, but who, no doubt thankfully, were able to remain in their own homes.