CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL VICTORIA BATHS. 17 



chief philanthropists of the large towns of Lancashire. It is 

 aided also by the great landowners and other principal capital- 

 ists of the county, the clergy and ministers of all denominations 

 also doing good service. During the year 1860 the number of 

 patients received was 1454 ; last year (1882) the number was 

 2628. The Convalescent Hospital has a good supply of salt- 

 water for the indoor use of its inmates, being connected, by 

 a line of pipes, with the Victoria Baths, which draw it con- 

 tinually from the sea by means of powerful engines. 



The Victoria Baths constitute one of the most valuable 

 possessions of Southport. They were erected in 1871 at a cost 

 of ^"40,000. Externally, the building is allowed to be very 

 handsome, the style of architecture being Italian classical, and 

 the frontage extending to a length of nearly 200 feet. Facing 

 the sea, and being central, the edifice is a great ornament to 

 the Promenade. The interior arrangements are excellent. 

 It may be allowed to claim for them that they are the best in 

 the kingdom. Every description of bath is provided salt 

 water and fresh water, hot air and vapour baths, are alike at 

 the command of the public. Visitors to Southport and invalids 

 have thus a permanent choice in regard to place for sea-water 

 bathing. Any difficulties or disadvantages that may at times 

 arise in regard to bathing upon the open sands are perfectly 

 met and compensated within the walls of this very admirable 

 establishment. 



Southport, like other towns, has its Infirmary and local 

 charities. There are also some excellent institutions, not so 

 general in character, which deserve special mention, viz., the 

 Convalescent Home, in Lord-street West, in connection with 

 the Manchester and Salford Provident Society ; the North of 



