Miscellaneous documents
Reference: D/X 1147 Catalogue Title: Miscellaneous documents Area: Catalogue Category: Other Records Description: Seaham Harbour Infirmary and Londonderry Colliery
Covering Dates: 1843-1927
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- Miscellaneous documents
Catalogue Description
Records given29 October 1996 Acc: 2401(D)
Catalogue Contents
Seaham Harbour Infirmary
Seaham Harbour Infirmary was built in 1844 by Frances Anne, Marchioness of Londonderry, at a cost of £800. She dedicated the proceeds from the sale of her book, A Three Months' Tour in Portugal, Spain and Africa, published in 1843, towards the undertaking.
The infirmary was a Gothic-style stone building on the corner of North Terrace and Tempest Place. The building was an infirmary until 1918, after which it was used as council offices. The building was demolished in 1974.
At first, Seaham Harbour Infirmary was supported entirely by subscription and the payments of boarder patients. From 1855 a levy was made on every ship entering the harbour, which entitled all seamen visiting the port to free admission to the infirmary.
The infirmary was managed by a committee of twelve, elected annually by the subscribers, the Marchioness of Londonderry being patroness. It was staffed by a resident surgeon, and a visiting staff of one or two physicians and three surgeons.