Passmore Edwards (1823-1911)

Passmore Edwards was one of Cornwall’s most famous people. Despite only receiving a basic education went on to become one of the most successful newspaper owners of his time. He was also a political and social reformer, and after a brief spell as the Liberal MP for Salisbury, decided to use his fortune to fund 70 public buildings; hospitals, libraries, schools, convalescent and holiday homes, art galleries and museums. The Passmore Edwards buildings are unique in that they were given to address a common need, an improvement in the poor living conditions that existed for the majority in the late 19th century.

1892 – Cornish Convalescent Home, Perranporth, Cornwall

Constructed by philanthropist Passmore Edwards as a Convalescent Home for men

1895 – Cottage Hospital, Woodgreen, London

Architect: Charles Bell

Cottage hospital funded by philanthropist Passmore Edwards.

1896 – Lord Leighton Memorial, Camberwell, London

Architect: Maurice B. Adams

Built as the Passmore Edwards South London Art Gallery &

1896 – Passmore Edwards Convalescent Home, Staplehurst, Kent

Architect: Charles Grieve

1896 – Passmore Edwards Free Library, Liskeard, Cornwall

Liskeard Library is an original John Passmore Edwards Library, designed as a purpose-built library for the town of Liskeard in 1896,

1896 – Passmore Edwards Home, Limpsfield, Surrey

Architect: John J. Thompson

One of several auxiliary hospitals and convalescent homes around Limpsfield and Oxted.

1897 – Passmore Edwards Convalescent Home, Herne Bay, Kent

Architect: Alfred Saxon Snell

Built of Canterbury red brick with Monks Park bath stone dressings under a Brosely red tile roof the design was said to avoid the idea of an “institution”

1897 – Passmore Edwards Free Library, Shoreditch, London

Architect: H.T. Hare

Perspective View including ground & 1st floor plans published in The Building News,

1898 – Frederick Greene Home, Chalfont St. Peter, Buckinghamshire

Architect: Maurice Bingham Adams

The Frederick Greene Home for 21 Men –

1898 – Isolation Home, Chalfont St. Peter, Buckinghamshire