The Dispensary, Brighton: perspective view. Wood engraving, 1849.

1849

1 print : wood engraving

New dispensary at Brighton, founded on Thursday. Lettering on the façade: Brighton Dispensary. Erected 1849 Lettering continues with details of the opening ceremony: "Brighton Dispensary. This institution was formed at a meeting of the inhabitants of Brighton, held at the Town-Hall, on the 27th of November, 1809. The first building for the purposes of the Dispensary was situated in Nile-street, near the Market; but the benefits conferred by the charity were so appreciated, that, in 1812, the Institution was removed to North-street (now No. 148), where it continued till 1819, when much larger premises were required, and the house 25, Middle-street, was purchased. … The proposed new building is to be erected at the north-west corner of the ground on the east side of the Queen's-road, opposite Windsor-terrace. The edifice is in the late Elizabethan style, exhibiting a new characterof public building in the town, worthy of the object, and of the benevolence of the inhabitants and visitors of Brighton. The architect is Herbert Williams, Esq., of Great Ormond-street, London; the contractors are Messrs. Cheeseman and Sons, of Brighton. The first stone of the new building was laid on Thursday by the Earl of Chichester, the President of the institution. A large platform was raised, covering the whole site, to which admission was obtained by tickets. The proceedings commenced by Thomas Attree, Esq., the Vice-President, taking the chair and, after a few introductory remarks rom him, Somers Clarke, Esq., Honorary Secretary to the institution, presented the Earl of Chichester with the silver trowel prepared for the occasion, and read the names of the trustees, the list being deposited in a bottle provided for the purpose. Eardley Nicholas Hall, Esq., the treasurer, then deposited some coins of the present reign; the Rev. J.N. Goulby, deposited an engraved brass plate; and the bottle was then sealed by the architect, and placed in a cavity prepared for it. The Rev. Vicar then offered prayer, and the stone was laid by the Earl of Chichester; after which further prayer was offered, and the ceremony closed by three cheers, and the Band of the 7th Dragoon Guards playing the National Anthem. The principal clergy, magistrates, and the high constable and parochial authorities of Brighton were present; and, considering the state of the weather, a very large attendance of the fashionable visitors and inhabitants."

Wellcome Collection 25164i