This chapter explores the foundation of the Manchester Infirmary, and the social circumstances that led to its establishment. It gives an overview of the socio-economic background of eighteenth-century Manchester, as well as the public health challenges the expanding town faced. The foundation of the Infirmary is illustrated through the use of a triumphant poem that appeared on the front page of Manchester’s newspaper, and the role of Charles White and other surgeons and physicians is explained. Hannah Beswick was an early, and generous, supporter of the new infirmary, and her donation is presented within the context of other members of the gentry. The chapter argues that Hannah’s early contribution suggests that she was familiar with the plans for the infirmary and was likely contacted directly by one of the founders during the fundraising stage of the hospital’s development. The chapter goes on to suggest that the level of trust such a donation requires means that Hannah had some prior knowledge of the person requesting the donation, and that her subsequent actions certainly allow us to believe that Charles White would be a person who commanded that degree of trust.