The History of Oswestry / Comprising the British, Saxon, Norman, and English eras; the topography of the borough; and its ecclesiastical and civic history; with notices of botany, geology, statistics, angling, and biography: to which are added sketches of the environs

by William Cathrall

DISPENSARY AND BATHS.

The establishment of these two institutions is honourable to the founders, and, we are glad to observe, of great benefit to the poor and needy afflicted with disease. The origin of both is part of the annals of the town, and claims especial record in our volume. We find that in the year 1828 a meeting of the leading gentlemen of Oswestry was held, for the purpose of endeavouring to establish a Dispensary. That assembly was presided over by William Ormsby Gore, Esq., and the benevolent institution was at once founded under most liberal auspices. Donations amounting to one hundred and sixty guineas were subscribed at the meeting, and a Committee was appointed, to carry out the objects of the Charity. At the same time a liberal amount in annual subscriptions was determined upon, that the new institution should be rendered permanent. The following parties formed the first Committee, &c.

President:

Wm. Ormsby Gore, Esq.

Committee of Management:

The Hon. Thos. Kenyon, T. Bulkeley Owen, Esq., J. V. Lovett, Esq., H. P. T. Aubrey, Esq., Rev. Thos. Salwey, Rev. G. N. K. Lloyd,

Robt. Morrall, Esq., T. L. Longueville, Esq., T. N. Parker, Esq., Rev. Thos. Hunt, Rev. C. A. A. Lloyd, Mr. Lucas.

Honorary Treasurer:—C. T. Jones, Esq.

Visiting Physician;—Dr. Evans.

Surgeons:

Mr. Morris, Mr. Cockerell,

Mr. E. D. Bennion, Mr. Cartwright.

Dispenser and Secretary:—Mr. J. M. Hales.

The original Dispensary rented for the Charity was situated in Lower Brook-Street; but the premises being found too limited and inconvenient for the benevolent objects contemplated, a new building was suggested, and accordingly, in March, 1852, the Committee adopted a resolution to the effect, that it was desirable to erect a Dispensary, with Baths attached to it, for the accommodation of the public, as well as for the use of the patients of the institution. To carry out this excellent design a handsome subscription was entered into, amounting to between seven and eight hundred pounds; to which was added, from the accumulated fund of the Dispensary, the sum of five hundred pounds. The present Dispensary and Baths were immediately erected from a design by R. Kyrke Penson, Esq., on ground near the site of the former Dispensary. The building is roomy and convenient, containing handsome and suitable rooms for the Dispensary, with the addition of Warm and Cold Baths, Shower Baths, a Vapour Bath, and Plunge Baths.

The number of patients who have partaken, within the last three years, of the benefits which the Dispensary affords, shows the necessity and value of the institution. From May, 1851, to May, 1852—Patients, 455. In 1853—Patients, 496. In 1854—Patients, 555.

The Dispensary, with the Baths, was opened May 1st, 1854. Mr. Ormsby Gore still holds the office of President of the institution, and Mr. Hales continues to officiate as Secretary and Dispenser. The Committee and officers are:—

Committee of Management:

E. Wright, Esq., Rev. G. Carew, R. K. Penson, Esq., Thos. Minshall, Esq., Thos. Lovett, Esq., T. L. Longueville, Esq.,

Rev. S. Donne, Rev. J. Luxmoore, J. V. Lovett, Esq., Rowland J. Venables, Esq., E. Williams, Esq., John Croxon, Esq.,

Treasurer:—J. T. Jones, Esq.

Surgeons:

Mr. Cartwright, Dr. Fuller,

Mr. Blaikie, Dr. Williams.

The Trustees to whom the site for the new Dispensary and Baths was conveyed are, William Ormsby Gore, Esq., Thomas Lovett, Esq., Edmund Wright, Esq., and Thomas Longueville Longueville, Esq.

The proposition for building the Dispensary with the addition of Baths originated with Edward Williams, Esq., of Lloran House; and his efficient and zealous efforts were used in promoting the benevolent design, which was most successfully accomplished in the end. In the prosperity of so valuable an institution all classes in the town and populous neighbourhood, who are blessed with this world’s goods, should consider it a Christian privilege to take a lively interest, by contributing to its funds, and thus extending its usefulness among the labouring poor who have few to help them.