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Orphan Girls' Asylum
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Orphan Girls' Asylum

Historic Documents
David Oswald
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Orphan Girls' Asylum
Historic Documents
72
Orphan Girls' Asylum
The Aberdeen Orphan Girls' Asylum was also know as Mrs Elmslie's Institute. It later became Aberdeen High School for Girls and is now Harlaw Academy.

The HS/RCAHMS World War One Audit Project tells us that during WWI the school was part of the 1st Scottish General Hospital. This was one of four Territorial Force military hospitals established during wartime in Scotland. Buildings belonging to three other schools (Central, Rosemount and Westfield) were also used by the hospital, as was the city's Oldmill Poorhouse.

Correspondent Ed Fowler provided the following comments:

"This sketch by architect Archibald Simpson features the beautiful building in the Italian style of Architecture.

The central statue depicted above the entrance was not realised. It was instituted in November 1840 "For Maintaining, Clothing and Educating Orphan Girls", born of Parents who have resided in the Parishes of St Nicholas, Old Machar, or Nigg, for some 3 Years prior to their decease. The girls were admitted from the age of 4 to 8 years.

The building of what was then the Girl's High School (now Harlaw Academy) was incorporated into the 1st Scottish General Hospital, one of 4 Territorial Force military hospitals established in WW1 in Scotland. The buildings of 3 other schools were used by the Hospital (the Central School (later Aberdeen Academy); Rosemount; and Westfield), as well as the City's Poorhouse, along with huts and tents. The hospitals provided beds for 34 officers and 1,385 other ranks."
B05_24
Buildings, General Buildings
Aberdeen Local Studies
Yes
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