Originally known as the Chorlton Barlow Moor Work House, the hospital was purpose-built in 1854–55 as a workhouse for the poor of the Chorlton Poor Law Union, which covered most of south Manchester.
The hospital was originally known as the Chorlton Barlow Moor Workhouse and was built in 1854–55 to serve the poor of the Chorlton Poor Law Union, a large area of southern Manchester.