‘On the respectability of this person every thing depends’: hospital matrons and power relations in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, c. 1817–1820

This article takes a case study approach to shed light on the work of female managerial staff in Royal Infirmary Edinburgh and care medical sector more broadly. It as its point departure an example conflict between Infirmary’s matron member committee subscribers order examine complex workplace relations institution increasingly responsible for healthcare provision poor city Edinburgh. explores contemporary assumptions about gendered patterns work, housekeeping tasks implications this normative framework their personal, professional, familial lives. argues that expanding institutionalised proved space which women found avenues develop life-long careers line with gaining occupational identities financial independence. Finally, it provides evidence welfare strategies pose challenges standing life-cycle relationship women’s employment, marital status, residency arrangements.