John Cowane's Hospital
John Cowane aka Auld Staney Breeks was a very wealthy Stirling merchant and Dean of the Merchant Guild who left funds for this alms house and the maintenance of 13 elderly Guild members. Originally known as Cowane's Hospital, it was built beside the Church of the Holy Rude between 1637 and 1649. It was not popular with the residents due to very strict house rules.
For many years the building was used as the Guildhall where the Merchants gathered for meetings and dinners. The Guildry fixed the prices of goods, and dominated town council affairs.
Later the building was used as a schoolhouse and a hospital during epidemics. In today's times it is once again being used for concerts, meetings and ceilidhs, but the statue of John Cowane above the entrance and the portraits of Guild Deans inside remind us of its history.
Check out your local ancestors in the family history centre, view the grandeur of the Guildhall or enjoy the sunshine beside one of Scotland’s oldest bowling greens.
It is said at midnight on Hogmanay the statue will come to life and do a little jig in forecourt before returning to his post.
Find our more about the Guildry and the Guldhall or Cowane's Hospital
Open all year round
April-Aug Mon-Sat 09.00-17.00 Sun 10.00-17.00 Sept-March Daily 10.00 - 16.00
Cowane's Hospital,
49 St John Street, Stirling. FK8 1QG
Tel: +44(0)1786 472247
Free Entry
Disabled Access - Parking
© Copyright 2008 Stirling Council. All rights reserved.