1786 – Simpson’s Hospital, Parnell St., Dublin

Simpson’s Hospital was founded in 1779 under the terms of a Mr George Simpson’s will, a Dublin merchant who left bequests to many charities including funds to establish Simpson’s Hospital.

“Simpson’s Hospital, in Great Britain-street, for blind and gouty men, was opened in 1781, by means of a bequest of a citizen of that name, who had himself laboured under a complication of these complaints. It is a large plain building, with a small plot of ground in the rear for the accommodation of the inmates: its interior is divided into 24 wards, containing about 70 beds, but the number supported is about 50. The annual income of the hospital averages £2700.”
A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, 1837

Moved to their present location in Dundrum in 1825, the building was eventually taken over by confectionary manufacturer Williams & Woods in 1876. The main hospital building was an important site in the history of the 1916 Rising, and originally included a garden which extended as far as Loftus Lane. Sold by Williams & Woods in 1978, and is now the site of cinemas. Demolished in 1978.

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