Paisley, Orr Square
Hospital (17th Century)
Site Name Paisley, Orr Square
Classification Hospital (17th Century)
Canmore ID 43130
Site Number NS46SE 11
NGR NS 4802 6410
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/43130
- Council Renfrewshire
- Parish Paisley (Renfrew)
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Renfrew
- Former County Renfrewshire
NS46SE 11 4802 6410.
The first hospital in Paisley was built by the Town Council in 1618, using stones from St Roche's Chapel (NS46SE 6). It was really an almshouse, giving shelter to six poor old men, and was situated at the NE corner of what is now Orr Square. It had become ruinous by 1723, when a larger one was built on the site; this latter was removed in 1808.
R Brown 1875; W M Metcalfe 1909
NS 4802 6410. The NE corner of Orr Square is now occupied by modern building.
Visited by OS (JHO) 30 March 1951
Publication Account (1982)
The first hospital of which there is any record in Paisley was founded in 1618 with the town council as patrons. It was erected at the east corner of the present Orr Square and was designed for six poor old men who were too feeble to work (Metcalfe, 1909, 173). The structure had two storeys and was dominated by a steeple. In 1723 the hospital was in a ruinous condition and a new one was built on the same site with the addition of a public hall. This hospital was removed in 1808 when the present Orr Square was laid out.
Information from ‘Historic Paisley: The Archaeological Implications of Development’ (1982).
