Cowane's Hospital

Nestled in the heart of Stirling's Old Town, Cowane's Hospital stands as a testament to 17th-century Scottish architecture and philanthropy. This historic almshouse, established in 1637, offers visitors a glimpse into the past while showcasing the generosity of John Cowane, a prominent merchant whose legacy continues to impact the community today.

The Legacy of John Cowane

John Cowane, born in 1570, hailed from a family of Stirling merchants who had been trading with the Dutch since the early 16th century. The Cowanes were known for exporting fish, coal, and wool in exchange for luxuries such as prunes, saffron, and spices, which were supplied to the royal court of James V at Stirling Castle. In addition to his trading ventures, Cowane was involved in money lending, shipping investments, and land ownership. He served on the town council, was elected Dean of Guild in 1624, and sat in the Parliament of Scotland from 1625 to 1632.

Despite his wealth and influence, Cowane never married, though he fathered a child out of wedlock in 1611, for which he was fined. Upon his death in 1633, Cowane left substantial sums of money to various charitable causes, including 500 merks to the Church of the Holy Rude. His most significant bequest, however, was the 40,000 merks he left for the establishment of a hospital to provide for twelve decayed guild brethren—elderly members of the Merchant Guildry of Stirling who could no longer support themselves.

The Establishment of Cowane's Hospital

John Cowane's brother, Alexander, acted as his executor and signed the hospital's Deed of Foundation on February 13, 1637. The land for the hospital, located adjacent to the Church of the Holy Rude, was transferred to the Town Council, and plans for the new building were commissioned from the royal master-mason John Mylne. The design, influenced by contemporary Dutch architecture, features a distinctive bell tower and crow-step gables. A statue of John Cowane, sculpted by Mylne and William Ayton, adorns the tower. Locally known as Auld Staneybreeks (old stone-trousers), the statue is said to come to life and dance in the courtyard at Hogmanay (New Year).

The construction of the hospital, overseen by master-mason John Rynd, began in early 1637. The site required significant preparation, including the demolition of existing buildings and the leveling of uneven ground by burning peat to shatter the underlying rock. The hospital was completed in 1643, though it may not have been fully occupied until at least 1661. The hospital grounds were later leveled and laid out with ornamental gardens, vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens, and terraces overlooking the Carse of Forth to the east. An elaborate carved sundial was erected in 1673, and plants from Holland, including apricot, peach, and almond trees, were ordered by the hospital's gardener, William Stevenson.

Conversion to the Guildhall

By the later 17th and early 18th centuries, the hospital was well-used by pensioners, though strict rules discouraged some from taking up residence. In 1712, further improvements to the gardens were made under the direction of Thomas Harlaw, gardener to the Earl of Mar. A bowling green was laid out, surrounded by balustraded terraces and Dutch-style parterres of box hedging with herbs and flowers. Despite subsequent changes, the gardens largely remain as they were laid out during this period.

Around 1720, the trustees shifted to a policy of providing for pensioners in their own homes, and the hospital was converted into a hall for the use of the Merchant Guildry by removing internal partitions. The building was subsequently referred to as the Guildhall. In 1832, the building served as an isolation hospital during a cholera epidemic that claimed the lives of about one-third of Stirling's population. Further alterations were made to the interior in 1852 to create a single large hall, designed by Francis Mackison in the Gothic Revival style.

Preservation and Modern Use

Throughout the 19th century, the Patrons of Cowane's Hospital Trust invested in property, acquiring substantial land holdings. In 1957, the trust's income was divided between the Stirling Educational Trust and housing provisions. The role of elected councillors as Patrons of the Hospital Trust came into question in the late 20th century due to land deals that did not fully benefit the charitable trust. In 2003, the relationship was further scrutinized, leading to changes in the trust's constitution to limit councillors' voting rights on certain matters.

Today, Cowane's Hospital serves as a venue and remains in use by the Merchant Guildry. The Cowane's Hospital Trust manages the building, using its income to secure its future. A major conservation project began in April 2019, focusing on restoring the historic fabric of the building, including the statue of John Cowane, stained glass windows, forecourt lanterns, and inscribed stone panels. The restoration of the roof, windows, doors, and walls was completed in December 2019, with further interior improvements planned for completion by late summer 2020.

Visiting Cowane's Hospital offers a unique opportunity to explore a rare example of 17th-century burgh architecture and learn about the enduring legacy of John Cowane. The beautifully preserved gardens, historic building, and fascinating history make it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Stirling.