THE INFIRMARY

Was established in 1752, by Joseph Bancroft, Esq., in conjunction with Charles White, Esq., M.D.; and in 1755, a building for the purpose was erected by subscription.  It has been liberally supported, and since it was first opened for the reception of patients, has afforded medical relief to more than half a million of the labouring class.  The buildings, which have been progressively enlarged, and to which other establishments have been attached, contain 180 beds for the accommodation of in-patients, with apartments for the officers and attendants, and a surgery, library of medical books, committee-rooms, and other offices; also a complete set of baths for the use of the patients.  The grounds are tastefully laid out in gravel-walks, lawns, and parterres, and form a public promenade, to which a fine pool in front of the buildings adds considerable beauty.  A complete set of hot, cold, vapour, and medicated baths has been fitted up here, with every accommodation for the public use, the profits arising from which are appropriated to the support of the institution.  A Lunatic Asylum and Hospital was founded in 1765, and the building was opened for the reception of patients in the following year.  The Dispensary was established in 1792, and an edifice for its use erected by subscription adjoining the Infirmary.  In 1830, his Majesty, on the solicitation of the chairman and committee, graciously became the patron of this institution, which is now styled “The Manchester Royal Infirmary, Dispensary, Lunatic Hospital, and Asylum.”  The buildings for these several uses being previously contiguous, an uniformity of design has been given to them by facing the front and the north side with stone.  The plan comprehends a principal and a side front, of which the elevation is strikingly elegant and imposing. (See the Engraving.) The principal front has in the centre a lofty and boldly projecting portico of four fluted Ionic columns, 38 feet high, supporting a pediment, of which the frieze and cornice are carried round the building, the angles of which are ornamented with antae of appropriate character:  the side-front is of similar design, differing only in the slighter projection of the portico, which has but two columns in the centre, with engaged antae at the angles.  The whole building is three stories high above the basement, and the lower story is channelled in horizontal lines.

THE ROYAL INSTITUTION

Embracing a variety of objects connected with the pursuits of literature and science, and the cultivation of the fine arts, originated with a few public-spirited individuals, in the year 1823, and was soon honoured with the public, and finally, with royal, patronage, The building, which has been erected from a design by Mr. Barry, of London, and is of a durable and richly-coloured stone, from the vicinity of Colne, forms a splendid