We now resume our walk; and, proceeding southwards from the Water Tower, on the left, is
The Infirmary;
a handsome brick building, founded by Dr. William Stratford, who bequeathed £300 to the charity. It was opened on the 17th March, 1761. It is capable of containing 100 beds, with commodious offices, and excellent accommodation for its respective officers. The north part of the building is exclusively devoted to a fever ward. This asylum for the afflicted is liberally supported by voluntary subscriptions. Donors of twenty guineas, and subscribers of two guineas per annum, are governors, with the privilege of recommending two in-patients, and six out-door patients annually.
The inmates receive the most humane and skilful attention from the medical staff, which consists of Honorary Physicians and Surgeons, a Resident Surgeon, and an Assistant.
The number of patients admitted during the year 1857 were—
| In-patients | 547 |
| Home-patients | 1,120 |
| Out-patients | 2,393 |
| The total number since the foundation of the institution, | 230,075. |
Of all the charitable institutions which do honour to the benevolence of the city, the Infirmary ranks the first in beneficial and important operations, and eminently deserves the sympathy and support of the public.
The next large building close by is
The City Gaol,
which also includes the House of Correction; both are under the superintendence of a committee of the Town Council. The Gaol is in the western part of the building, with a good Doric entrance. Over the front entrance, within the iron railing, the condemned criminals are executed. The entrance to the House of Correction is at the east end, and is also of stone. Each of these establishments has four courts, with cells and day rooms adjoining; and both are under the government of one gaoler and a male and female assistant. There is a chapel common to both establishments. The chaplain is appointed by the Corporation. In consequence of the escapes the prisoners have succeeded in making from time to time, many improvements have been made in the internal arrangements of the prison, since it was first built, respecting the classification of prisoners and other matters; and the outworks of the building have received some important additions to ensure their greater security. A little further on to the left is Stanley-place, a pleasant, open square of modern residences, leading to the Linen Hall Cheese Mart, which is well supplied at the fairs, held six times during the year, with Cheese from the dairies of Cheshire and North Wales.