must be 60 years of age; are elected by a court of mayoralty, and must carry with them, a featherbed, blankets, and ten shillings for a coffin.
Doughty’s hospital, in St. Saviour’s parish, was originally endowed for 24 poor men and 8 poor women, each being 60 years of age and upwards, having a room in the hospital, partly furnished, with an allowance of two shillings a week, and one chaldron of coals annually delivered them, at several stated times, by the master, who must be a single man, has two rooms, and double allowance; the men were also allowed a coat, and the women a gown, every 2 years, of purple cloth; but the trustees have been enabled to add sixpence per week, at several times, to the original donation, in consequence of various benefactions left of late years to the foundation; at present, the establishment is for 28 men and 10 women, who have an allowance of three shillings and sixpence weekly; the coals as heretofore, and the coats and gowns changed to a pair of shoes, and a shirt or a shift each annually.
Cooke’s hospital, in the Rose-lane, St. Peter’s per Mountergate was endowed by Robert and Thomas Cooke, Esqrs. for the habitation of 10 poor women being 60 years of age or upwards, of good character, and who had been inhabitants of the city at least 10 years. Each of them in addition to their room are allowed thirteen shillings per quarter, and some who are exceedingly needy, assisted with clothing.
The Norfolk and Norwich hospital was first opened for the reception of patients, in 1772;
it stands about a quarter of a mile from the walls of the city on the London road. Its front aspect is nearly south east; it is a neat brick building, in the form of an H; it was erected and is still supported by voluntary contributions, and cost upwards of £13,000. A new wing was added in 1802, which completed the original plan. The governors meet every Saturday at eleven o’clock, to transact the business of the hospital. It appears from an abstract of the register to the end of the year 1808, a period of 36 years—there have been on the admission list, 27,051 in and out patients, out of which 17,727 have been discharged as cured; 3786 relieved; 3400 for non-attendance, and other irregularities; 640 incurable; 1292 died; and 206 remaining on the books, the number of patients have been much increasing, as appears from the yearly statements.
Bethelham Hospital, or Bedlam, was founded in the year 1713, for the reception of lunatics; for its endowment, the founder settled by will, all her estates on a body of trustees, who were to have the management of the house forever. As many poor lunatics are kept here gratis, as the funds will allow—the inhabitants of the city having the first claim; after which the trustees have the power of selecting proper objects from any part of the county; they may also admit others, while there is room, whose friends will agree to pay the moderate allowance of four shillings and sixpence per week. Additions were made to the building in 1807. The number of objects are considerably increased,
by the good management of the trustees, and some late benefactions, and the funds are in a thriving state. The master’s salary is £40 besides his dwelling, and two chaldron of coals yearly.—There is also a private lunatic house, situate near where brazen doors formerly stood.
The Norwich Dispensary, in Pottergate street, instituted in 1804, for the purpose of giving advice and medicine gratis to such indigent poor of the city, as are unable to procure assistance. Mr. Powel, the apothecary, has a liberal salary, including house rent and taxes. The physicians attend every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Mornings, for the examination and admission of patients. The number of patients who have received the benefit of this institution, have in the course of 12 months, amounted to near 600, of which the greater part have been discharged cured.
The Infirmary in St. Augustine’s parish, just outside the city walls, was probably founded by a bishop of Norwich, as an hospital for lepers, but is now occupied by ancient poor of both sexes, who are past labor, and not fit to be put into common workhouses; they are in wards from 8 to 12 in each ward, and have every necessary, both of food and raiment; the number entertained here is 103, and as soon as one dies, the vacancy is filled up by election of the committee of the court of guardians for the poor. The master has a good house on the premises, and a liberal salary.
The hospital for indigent blind of Norfolk and Norwich, was instituted in 1805, and in the