3-034-846 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Lord Leigh laying the foundation-stone for the extension of the Queen's Hospital at Birmingham, 1871. Politician and landowner William Henry Leigh lays the foundation stone for a new outpatient department, with full Masonic honours. A hymn written for the occasion by the Rev. Charles Kingsley was sung by 1,000 child choristers from the Birmingham Schools Choral Union. The building was originally known as the 'Workmen's Extension' as it was funded by local working people. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.