1854 The Story of the Old Infirmary

The old DRI

By the middle of the 19th century it was plain that the old Infirmary was utterly inadequate for the requirements of the town, whose population had meanwhile increased from 27,000 to nearly 80,000, and that expansion was absolutely necessary. A report was therefore prepared by an architect on the comparative cost of enlarging the existing building and of erecting a new hospital, thoroughly adapted to its purpose and worthy of the town, as recommended by Sir John Ogilvy and his supporters. These gentlemen favoured a fine site, well chosen to what was then the north of the town, with open spaces on every side, overlooking the estuary of the Tay and the northern fringe of the Kingdom of Fife, a position unsurpassed by any in the land.

This report was the subject of keen discussion at a Governors' Court, when an influential section strongly opposed the erection of a new hospital. It was ultimately agreed, however, to remit the whole subject, including the question of site and accommodation to Professors Christison and Syme of Edinburgh and to accept their decision as final. After visiting Dundee these authorities indicated that in their opinion the old building was obsolete and that any extension of it, even with the purchase of additional ground, would be exceedingly unwise, whereas the site proposed by Sir John Ogilvy, and either of the two rough plans submitted to them, would provide everything that could be desired. In answer to open advertisement, twenty-nine offers, with detailed plans, were received, and again with the help of the Edinburgh professors the choice of an architect fell on Messrs Coe and Goodwin of London. The building in¬corporated all the modern improvements of the time in drainage, ventilation and internal arrangement and was "susceptible of enlargement whenever the increase of population or other cause might render it necessary." The cost of the building, to accommodate 280 patients, was about £14,500, and was largely met by a handsome bequest of Mr James and Miss Elizabeth Soutar of Thornbank.

The foundation stone was laid on the 22nd July, 1852, one of the most memorable days in the history of the town. It was a complete holiday, with all business suspended. The weather was perfect, and many travelled considerable distances by road and rail. A procession assembled at noon at the Mid Quay and proceeded through the Royal Arch, Castle Street and High Street, which were densely packed. Reform Street was also thronged, with its balconies and windows and a platform, erected at its north end, crowded with "an assemblage of beauty and fashion which had a very imposing effect." In moving up the hill, the parade extended the whole length of Constitution Road, from top to bottom. "So admirable was the spirit exhibited, so cordial the union of all classes, that there is only one regret possible, that similar celebrations are not of more frequent occurrence."

His Grace the Duke of Atholl laid the stone with full Masonic honours. It rests in an octagonal buttress immediately to the east of the centre building, and in its hollow lies a glass vase with the fine lithograph of the Infirmary, reproduced in this booklet, arranged around its inner side, so as to allow the whole picture to be seen through the glass. The other contents are nine different newspapers, the Edinburgh Almanac, "Punch," a Masonic ode, a plan or me sue and building of the Old Infirmary, the monies of tie reign of Queen Victoria, the Dundee halfpenny, the Arbroath Railway Bill, the current price-list, an envelope with the Queen's head, and eleven other documents relating to the Dispensary and Infirmary from 1735 onwards, some of which would have been invaluable to the writer of this article.

After the ceremony a "royal" salute was fired from four cannon by a company of Fencibles stationed in the south-east corner of the grounds, and three cheers were given for the Queen, three for the Duke of Atholl and three for Sir John Ogilvy.

It is related that an old mason took particular care to ensure that the vase was not deposited in the Normandy stone, which had been specially imported to face the house, but instead procured for this purpose a block from a local quarry. "Na, na, we'el nae trust it in the heart of a Frenchman, we maun pit it intae a native." And to be sure his apprehensions were better founded than he thought, for the foreign stone did not stand up to the Scots climate and later caused the Directors a great deal of trouble and a great deal of expense.

The ceremony of opening the new Infirmary on 7th February, 1855, though less pretentious, was likewise marked by a procession t and also by a sermon and prayers in Mr Berwick's church. The congregation and others then made their way as best they could through the snow to the hospital, which had been thrown open for their inspection, and to a gathering in the present Ward 4 with a company of about 1000. After remarks by Sir John Ogilvy, Professor Syme expressed his gratification at the completion of the building, which he considered a great ornament to the town. "But the exterior of this building is not our principal claim to admiration. I have visited many hospitals and say most sincerely that I am not acquainted with any which seems to combine all the requisites of comfort and salubrity as this does. And I cannot doubt that if other institutions of this kind should be wanted elsewhere, yours will be taken, on at least should be taken, as a model for imitation." Thereafter for a few days the house was open to inspection by the townsfolk, and some weeks later the patients were gradually moved to the new quarters. In passing it may be noted that the Board, doubtless impressed by the grave reports received from the Crimea, immediately resolved to place 100 beds at the disposal of the Government to be used for the sick and wounded on their return home, but this wish could not be met owing to the long journey from the ports at which they disembarked.

The old Infirmary was sold in 1857 for £3,000 and ultimately acquired by the School Board. Though modified to suit their purposes, the building still presents a dignified exterior and deserves a visit from all who are interested in those early days.