Consumption hospitals were a product of a serious health issue during the Victorian Period. Consumption, known to us as tuberculosis was responsible for almost 30% of all deaths during the reign of Queen Victoria. It was thought that by providing patients with bright airy conditions, note all the windows are open, the patient would stand a better chance of recovering. St Anne's, as it later became known as, is situated on the corner of Woodville Road and Higher Downs. The original owner of the land and house 'Beech Grove' was Joseph Sidebotham. He sold the land and house to the Manchester hospital for Consumption and Diseases. The hospital was named after his late wife Anne. Later additions to the building were financed by Frank and William Crossley of Crossley Engineering.
