A place for William Simpson                           

The William Simpson that our home is named for was the son of Francis Simpson, a former captain with the East India Company, and Sophia Simpson (nee Cadell), who sadly died the year after William was born.

Our patron, Francis Simpson, was born in Alloa around 1760, the son of John Simpson, a clerk at Carron Ironworks. Francis joined the army and attained the rank of Lieutenant in the 4th Regiment before entering the merchant navy, where he captained a ship trading in the Far East.

Ventures in China and India brought Francis a large fortune, and he returned to Scotland in 1800 and purchased the estate of Plean. He spent a great deal of time and money improving the estate, including building the mansion that would later become William Simpson's Home.

Francis and Sophia's son William was born in 1805 and, after Sophia's death in 1806, Francis remained a widower and devoted himself to William, who was not a particularly healthy child.  William's health deteriorated in his late teens and, seeking a healthier climate, father and son spent some time abroad.  William died in Malta aged 22 in February 1827 and Francis returned to Scotland with a determination to do something as a memorial to his son.

A place for ex-servicemen

In the wake of his son William's death, Francis Simpson decided to use the bulk of his fortune to establish and endow an asylum for "Indigent Old Men", with a focus on old sailors and soldiers.  Naming the project "William Simpson's Asylum", Francis left money, property and detailed instructions for the establishment of the asylum before his death in 1830. At that time, responsibility for managing the estates and the asylum passed to the Plean Trust.

The home opened in 1836, was three floors high with accommodation for thirty one people and specialised in providing care for soldiers and sailors.   

Explore more at Stirling University Archives                                                                                          

A place for everyone

While our home has maintained strong links with former service personnel, it is now a place for anyone, of any age, with a mental health diagnosis.

Men, women, young, old, William Simpsons care home offers person-centred care in our modern, purpose-built home over the short, medium or long term that helps every resident to live their best life.

Be part of our history...

Volunteer