St. Annes Hospital.

St. Annes Hospital was once the world's leading centre for TB research.

Shortly after the Manchester hospital opened in 1875, it became obvious that a new hospital in the fresh air was required. In 1882, Dr Ransome lobbied his Bowdon neighbours to donate to the cause.

In 1884 The Beeches, formerly a private house, was opened to 16 patients. "It was the first British sanatorium until the 1900s to provide in-patient care for poor people. They just paid what they could afford."

In the first year 85 patients were treated. Only 13 died. The rest were cured.

In 1886 a state-of-the-art wing was added. The terracotta and brick purpose built addition instigated by engineer William Crossley still stands though it is obstructed by a prefabricated block added in the 1940s.

Another wing was added five years later and the original Crossley wing was subsequently given a veranda.

Children weren't admitted until WW1but some patients complained of the noise and the practice was stopped.

The house, first known as Beech Grove, was built in 1837 by Ibotson Walker, a merchant and deacon of Bowdon Downs Church. After buying more land for a garden in 1847.

The last private resident was Joseph Sidebotham who bought it in 1868. He was so interested in astronomy that he built an observatory in the garden. He also produced some fine photographs and was a founder of the Manchester Photographic Society.

When he sold it to the hospital in 1883, encouraged by his friend, Dr Ransome, he reduced the price on condition it was called 'St Anne's Home' after his late wife, Anne.