This excellent institution was established in 1747, for the humane purpose of affording skilful medical assistance to the suffering poor, and is most munificently supported by the voluntary subscriptions and benefactions of the county. According to the last report the total number of persons who have received the benefit of this useful charity since its commencement, are,—In-patients 65204; whereof 32298 have been cured, and 25156 relieved; Out-patients 138039, of whom 98376 have been cured, and 24700 relieved. The yearly number of patients is 1277 in-patients, and 4835 out-patients. Several of the physicians and surgeons of the town most humanely afford their valuable advice and skill gratuitously; and in order that medical aid may always be ready in cases of emergency, a surgeon, retained at a salary, is constantly resident in the house. The pecuniary and ordinary concerns of the institution are superintended by a board of directors, consisting of eight trustees, the deputy treasurer, and secretary. The domestic economy is regulated by a matron. Two of the subscribers, weekly attend as house-visitors. The Chaplain the Rev. J. Lewis reads prayers daily and visits the sick in the wards. A treasurer is also annually appointed, who, on the anniversary day in the Hunt week, is accompanied to church by the subscribers and patrons of the charity, where, after a sermon, a collection is made in aid of the funds; the plates on this occasion, being held by two ladies and two gentlemen of rank or opulence. The house surgeon is allowed to take three pupils at a premium of 20 Guineas to himself, and 200 Guineas to the Infirmary, which entitles the pupil to board and residence for five years. Attendance at this hospital is recognized by the Royal College of Surgeons, and the Apothecaries’ Company, London. There is a Library of about 3000 volumes, to which the best new medical works are yearly added by purchase. The present building was erected in 1830, on the site of the Old Infirmary, after a design by Mr. Haycock, of this town, at an expense of £18,735 18s. 10d. of which £12,994 1s. 3d. was raised by subscription, and the remainder disbursed from the funded property of the charity.