The fever wards of the Stamford and Rutland General Infirmary were built in 1869-70, from designs produced by the resident surgeon, Dr William Newman (1833-1903), and architect Edward Browning. Newman's input is believed to be responsible for (at the time) unique features including the centralised arrangement of ward interiors and fully glazed internal walls, an important sanitary measure. It is also believed that Newman was responsible for the overall layout: three individual blocks of two five-bed wards, rather than a single 30 bed ward as initially proposed. The wards were built square instead of the more common rectangular form, in order to provide equal heat and ventilation to all five beds, which were placed against all four walls. For the glazed internal walls of each ward, three 3ft x 2ft tile pictures were produced. These tile pictures, showing scenes of the four seasons, are the earliest known scheme of their type in Britain and survive in generally good condition. The decorative iron stair newels and balusters were ordered from Walter MacFarlane & Co.'s catalogues and produced by his Saracen Foundry in Glasgow. {1} The fever wards were provided with their own mortuary and laundry and the complex was enclosed by a boundary wall, to prevent cross-contamination with the main infirmary wards (see MLI127365).