The History of The Crichton

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The Crichton History

The story of The Crichton begins in 1823 with the death of Dr James Crichton of Friar’s Carse who left to his widow, Elizabeth, the then considerable sum of around £100,000 to be used for charitable purposes. With the help of her friend, the Rev Henry Duncan, Minister of Ruthwell Parish and founder of the Trustee Savings Bank, Elizabeth attempted to endow a College of University status in Dumfries ‘for the education of poor scholars’.

After a twenty year battle, she recognised that her dream was not to be and instead endowed a ‘lunatic asylum’ on the edge of the town. In delivering the Crichton bequest, Elizabeth was determined to produce a hospital that was the best in Europe, not only in the treatment of patients but also in its architecture and environment. When recruiting the first Physician Superintendent, the same considerations applied.

The appointment of Dr William Browne was to be the first in a long line of very able and distinguished physicians in charge. The doors opened in 1839. The next 150 years saw the growth of that vision into an internationally recognised centre of excellence in mental health research and care.

In the 1980s the value of the large psychiatric hospital was being questioned and, despite its international reputation, the Crichton Royal Hospital was considered surplus to requirements. However, the local community was keen to ensure that such a magnificent estate remained in public ownership.

The Modern Era

In 1995, the local authority took the decision, with courage and foresight, to purchase the site from the Health Board. It did so with the primary objective of ensuring that this important public asset was saved, protected and sensitively developed for the good of the wider community. It also recognised that there was, at last, the chance to respond to local ambitions to develop a much needed University Campus offering local access to Higher Education, thus fulfilling Elizabeth Crichton’s dream.

Although Dumfries and Galloway Council still retains ownership of the site they have no direct control over its management having opted to lease the property long-term and unencumbered to The Crichton Trust, a registered charity and social enterprise. The current lease runs until 2147. The Trust is responsible for the sustainable development and management of the estate. In our fast-changing connected world of automation, climate change, ageing and work mobility we recognise a need to discover and develop new inspiring inclusive ways to live, work, learn, play and relax.

Future Vision

We want to empower and enable a new cross-generational, business, academic and individual knowledge exchange community that shapes the ‘Future Economy’. We will do this primarily via the enterprising custodianship of The Crichton Estate, creating a world-renowned home and destination for innovation; a place for people to cohabit and share ideas – all inspired by The Crichton’s extraordinary history, places and spaces. Rooted in our rural setting and gigabit connected to the world. Continued public access and enjoyment of the estate and the preservation of its character and integrity are key factors in its management and development continues to this day.

The Crichton Trust

The Crichton Trust has an ambitious vision for The Crichton, aiming to ensure the Estate is both preserved and sensitively developed to meet the needs of modern day life, business and education.

Click the button below to find out more about The Trust and our people.

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