The old dispensary

Union Street, Hereford (Historic Environment Record reference 38135)

Extract from a letter sent to the Town Clerk in 1980 with reference to an application to demolish the Old Dispensary, Union Street and to replace it with an amusement arcade (David Whitehead, Newsletter 22, Hereford Civic Trust):

"The Dispensary movement had its beginnings in London in the second half of the 18th century. Here John Coakley Lettsom, a champion of Edward Jenner and vaccination, introduced a system of dispensaries where the poor could be treated as out-patients and even be attended at home by physicians of high rank. From London dispensaries spread to the provinces. Their work is generally recognised as one of the many factors contributing towards the 19th century improvement in health, and subsequent increase in population.

"The Hereford Dispensary was founded in 1835 and occupied premises in Commercial Street. It was supported by private charity and in its first year relieved 178 patients residing in the city and its vicinity. The medical staff attached to the Dispensary were prepared to visit patients, too sick to attend their surgeries, as long as they lived within the Hereford Turnpikes. In 1880 the number of patients receiving care had risen to 4,131 per year and following a number of generous legacies from local benefactors a new purpose-built Dispensary was built in Union Street on part of a site recently vacated by the Bye Gate Gaol.

"After 1881 the work of the institution continued to expand, particularly with the establishment of a providence scheme by Dr Henry Graves Bull (the naturalist) whereby the poor could secure regular medical treatment by subscribing 1d per week for individuals, 3d per week for a whole family. In 1901 the dispensary was still receiving 4,389 patients a year although its services became less important as the state began to take an increasing interest in public health. There can be no doubt however, that the Dispensary made a real contribution towards the better health and increased longevity of the poor of 19th century Hereford and as such it is a significant landmark in the history of the city... "

[Original author: Toria Forsyth-Moser, 2004]