The Crichton Memorial Church and Gardens

The story of the Crichton begins in 1823 with the death of Dr James Crichton of Friars 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.

• Gardens open both days - Guided tours on Saturday only at 10.00 am, 12.00 noon and 2.00 pm

• Church open both days

• Church Tower tours – Sunday only 00 – 3.30 pm

• Mostly Ghostly Tours available in Church both days, 11.00 am, 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm

Visitors are free to explore the Church and gardens themselves or to sign up for the guided tours - to be booked at Easterbrook Hall on the day, or by phoning

(01387)702020