Monument record 1160/496 - Royal Victoria Dispensary, Albion Place

Possibly built as a public bath in 1830s, it later marked the visit of Queen Victoria to Northampton in 1844 and was named the Royal Victoria Dispensary providing affordable healthcare. Now demolished.

{3} The Royal Victoria Provident Dispensary was founded at the suggestion of John Becke to mark the royal visit to the town in 1844. The cost of building the dispensary were raised by subscriptions from 'gentry and tradesmen' but the subsequent costs of running it were largely drawn from the subscriptions of working-class members. In exchange they could call on the services of three medical officers and of midwives.

{4} Built as a public bath, 1844-5 by George H Willcox. It had an elegant central bow with Doric pilasters.

<1> Richardson H. (Editor), 1998, English Hospitals 1660-1948: A Survey of Their Architecture and Design, (unchecked) (Book). SNN62723.

<2> Undated, ROYAL VICTORIA DISPENSARY, NORTHAMPTON, BF100506 (Archive). SNN113661.

<3> Brown C., 1990, Northampton 1835-1985, Shoe Town, New Town, p. 34-5 (Book). SNN101549.

<4> Bailey, B, Pevsner, N, and Cherry, B, 2013, The Buildings of England: Northamptonshire, p. 452 (Book). SNN111989.

Record last edited

Jun 9 2026 4:28PM