Building record MAB17327 - CHALMERS HOSPITAL

The Neo-Jacobean Chalmers Hospital was founded by the late Mr Alexander Chalmers, Wine Merchant and ship owner of Banff who died in 1835.

The Neo-Jacobean Chalmers Hospital was founded by the late Mr Alexander Chalmers, Wine Merchant and ship owner of Banff who died in 1835. In his will he left the whole of his estate to be applied, upon the death of his wife, towards funding and building a hospital for the people in the Royal Burgh of Banff. Mrs Chalmers died in 1861 and Chalmers Hospital opened on 19 July 1864 . Designed in 1861 by William Lambie Moffat, it has been described as a Jacobean fantasy which conceals the ordered symmetry of its E-plan with cupolas, gables and mullioned and transomed windows. It is built of dark whinstone, with contrasting sandstone ashlar dressings and margins. The symmetrical E-plan frontage has advanced outer bays and slightly advanced centre 3 bays with wide segmental-headed entrance in centre of ground floor approached by shallow flight of steps with 'Chalmers Hospital' inscribed above the lintel. There are long transomed and mullioned 2- and 3-light windows with original timber and multi-pane glazed frames. Shaped Jacobean gables crown the wallhead of outer advanced bays and central bays, the remaining bays have finialled triangular gables. The centre white painted timber arcaded cupola has a facetted lead roof and weathervane. A maternity annexe was added in 1952 with balconies, railings and oversailing roof of 1930s style. There have since been later alterations and additions to the hospital site. RCAHMS carried out a programme of building recording 2006 prior to demolition of several buildings across the site as part of redevelopment of the hospital. The main block on Clunie Street has been retained. During World War I it was used as an auxiliary hospital. In World War II a low range of buildings behind the hospital housed the Red Cross Depot.

JAMES A STEPHEN, ARCHITECTS, n.d., BANFF RENAISSANCE TOWNSCAPE HERITAGE INITIATIVE STAGE 2, THI (Bibliographic reference). SAB928.

Record last edited

Mar 9 2020 3:05PM