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Summary

Description

Mental hospital built in several phases, original part by William Burn designed 1835 and opened 1.6.1839 (only north half executed of original conception of 2 linked cruciform-plan blocks); extended to south by William B. Moffat, 1867-71 approximately following Burn's scheme, but in T-plan, with South show front. Rear (east) dining wing by Sydney Mitchell 1903-4 extended for a board room and nurses' residence 1923-6

by J Flett, Clerk of Works. Numerous lesser alterations/additions, including some glazed verandahs. 3 storeys. All stugged red ashlar with polished dressings and band course between 2 lower-floors; windows are single or tripartite and have keystoned architraves; most have aprons and open or scrolled pediments at 1st floor.

Original building: essentially 4 arms in Greek cross plan radiating from octagonal 4-storey stair well, and canted in angles. Wings have terminal blocks (substantial north block with 9 north-facing bays), main west-facing entrance (re-modelled by Mitchell) in original south terminal. North-facing arcaded depressed-arched galleries to upper floors all now galzed.

Cornice; some pierced parapets. 1867-71 addition: elevational treatment similar to that of original composition; long south elevation: variety of planes in symmetrical composition, 3 inner bays with central porch, round-headed 1st floor windows with broken pediments, square windows above and elaborated parapet; 2 circular stair turrets on east elevation (larger by Sydney Mitchell 1900-1). Dining and board room extensions are plainer, and have pedimented dormers; steel fire escapes on latter. Slate roofs.

Interior: 2 principal stairs one in original and second in 1867-71 range both by Moffat each enclosed by decorative lattice cast-iron and lit by cupola; stair in former range is octagonal and supported on Corinthian columns at each level; dining room in Edwardian Baroque style with Ionic pilasters, elaborate friezes and coffered ceilings; much fine wooden panelling and ceiling plasterwork; some corridor ceilings barrel- vaulted; recreation room above south door converted (with movable partitions) to form 3 rooms, inner room with Corinthian pilasters below remaining gallery.

Statement of Special Interest

Endowed by Mrs Crichton of Friars' Carse, whose husband had left his fortune (made in the Far East) to establish a university in Dumfries; that project failed and the money was used to found this hospital.

References

Bibliography

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