Famous Givers and Their GiftsBolton, Sarah Knowles
History
Famous Givers and Their Gifts
Bolton, Sarah Knowles
Philanthropists
He never had any desire for title or public prominence, and when, after
his gifts had made him known and honored, a baronetcy was suggested to
him, he would not consent to it. Mr. Holloway had worked untiringly; he
had not spent his money in extravagant living; and now, how should he
use it for the best good of his country?
The noble Earl of Shaftesbury had been giving much of his early life to
the amelioration of the insane. He had visited asylums in England, and
seen lunatics chained to their beds, living on bread and water, or shut
up in dark, filthy cells, neglected, and often abused. He ascertained
that over seventy-five per cent may be cured if treatment is given in
the first twelve months; only five per cent if given later. He was
astonished to find that no one seemed to care about these unfortunates.
He longed to see an asylum built for the insane of the middle classes.
He addressed public meetings in their behalf; and Mr. Holloway was in
one of these meetings, and listened to Lord Shaftesbury's fervent
appeal. His heart was greatly moved; and he visited Shaftesbury, and
together they conferred about the great gift which was consummated
later. It is said also that at Mr. Gladstone's breakfast-table, Mrs.
Gladstone advised with Mr. Holloway about the need of convalescent
homes.
In the year 1873 Mr. Holloway put aside nearly £300,000 ($1,500,000) for
an institution for the insane of the middle classes, such as
professional men, clerks, teachers, and governesses, as the lower
classes were quite well provided for in public asylums.
A picturesque spot was chosen for the Holloway Sanatorium,--forty acres
of ground near Virginia Water, which is six miles from Windsor, though
within the royal domains. Virginia Water is a beautiful artificial lake,
about seven miles in circumference, a mile and a half long, and
one-third of a mile wide. The lake was formed in 1746, in order to drain
the moorland, by William, Duke of Cumberland, uncle of George III. Near
by is an obelisk with this inscription: "This obelisk was raised by the
command of George II., after the battle of Culloden, in commemoration of
the services of his son William, Duke of Cumberland, the success of his
arms, and the gratitude of his father." This lake, with its adjacent
gardens, pavilions, and cascades, was the favorite summer retreat of
George IV., who built there a fishing-temple richly decorated. A royal
barge, thirty-two feet long, for the use of royalty, is stationed on the
lake.
In the midst of this attractive scenery Mr. Holloway caused his forty
acres to be laid out with tasteful flower-beds, walks, and thousands of
trees and shrubs. Occupied with his immense business, he yet had time to
watch the growth of his great benevolent project.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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