Leigh Infirmary

The first step towards the realisation of a hospital for Leigh sprang from the generosity of Miss Elizabeth Farnworth, of Town Lane, Astley, who, when she died in 1886, left £1,000 towards the cost. By the time her bequest was needed the original donation had doubled in value. In November 1900 it was announced that Lord Lilford of Atherton Hall had given a site of approximately 3.25 acres off the Avenue for the proposed hospital. The scheme was not without controversy (as recorded in the British Medical Journal) and a year was to elapse before an architectural competition was announced. J C Prestwich was awarded first premium and the decision to proceed made in July 1902.  The foundation stone was laid in May 1905 and Leigh Infirmary was opened by the mayor, William Smith, on 27 October 1906. It had been funded by public subscriptions totalling £16,615.

It has now been decided to proceed with the new infirmary for Leigh at a cost of about £15,000 from designs by Mr J C Prestwich, architect, Leigh, who was selected in open competition by Mr A Graham FRIBA. Thirty beds are at first to be provided for, with a possible extension to 60. [British Architect 11 July 1902 Page 20]

INFIRMARY, LEIGH - The foundation stone of the Leigh Infirmary was laid on the 29th ult. The contract for the new building has been let to Mr J Cocker of Walkden for £13,500. Mr J C Prestwich of Leigh is the architect. [Builder 13 May 1905 Page 521]

Reference    Manchester Courier 30 November 1901 Page 8 – architectural competition announced.
Reference    British Architect 30 May 1902 Page 378
Reference    British Architect 11 July 1902 Page 20
Reference    Leigh Chronicle and Weekly District Advertiser 25 March 1904 page 4 – contracts
Reference    Leigh Chronicle and Weekly District Advertiser 6 May 1904 page 5 - tenders
Reference    Builder 13 May 1905 Page 521 – Foundation stone laid 29 April 1905 by Alderman T. R. Greenough
Reference    British Medical Journal 11 October 1902 page 1178