Fir Vale Workhouse Timeline1855 realisation by the Guardians of the Sheffield Union that a new workhouse was needed1874 - 441/2 acres of land purchased at Fir Vale at a cost of £16,0001874 Architect James Hall tenders invited for building, excl. boundary walls & furniture 1878 Foundation stone laid by Ald. Richard Searle1880 Finished and put into immediate use1881 Formal Opening 1882 Training school for nurses established1887 Midwifery School established training for the Certificate of the Obstetrical Association1894 Smilter Lane Children's Homes opened1906 became the Fir Vale Institution & Sheffield Union Hospital1930 Board of Guardians abolished, became the Fir Vale Infirmary & City General Hospital. 1967 became the Northern General Hospital