later by ophthalmic patients from the Keresley branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital. To meet the demands for a modern up-to-date general hospital, a new Walsgrave Hospital was opened in 1970, replacing a hospital of the same name that had existed from 1926 to 1962. Whitley Hospital closed in 1988, followed by Gulson Road Hospital in 1998. Building work commenced on a new University Hospital project in 2002 which consolidated the Walsgrave and Coventry & Warwickshire hospitals into a single state-of-the-art development behind the existing Walsgrave Hospital site. In 2006 the two hospitals moved into the University Hospital, and the existing Walsgrave Hospital was demolished in 2007. Historic population 16,000 (1801) 62,000 (1901) 220,000 (1945) 258,211 (1951) 335,238 (1971) 300,800 (2001) Benefactors and founders Leofric, Earl of Mercia and his wife Lady Godiva were responsible for the first major act of benevolence when they founded a monastery in the early settlement of Coventry, and some of the more notable benefactors and people that have since aided its development are listed as follows: Thomas Bond draper, founded Bond's Hospital in 1506, and mayor of Coventry in 1497 The Botoners merchant family, reputedly instrumental in the building of St. Michael's church-tower, spire, chancel and nave. Andrew Carnegie outside benefactor, gave £10,000 to the city for the building of libraries in Stoke, Earlsdon and Foleshill, all opened in 1913 William Ford merchant, founder of Ford's hospital in 1529 John Gulson founded Coventry's public library service and twice mayor 1867–69. Donated the site and most of the money for the building of the Gulson library adjacent to Holy Trinity church, opened in 1873. Also added a reference library in 1890 John Hales writer and politician, founder of Coventry's Free Grammar school in 1545 Sir Alfred Herbert pioneer of machine-tool production, converted a slum area into the public garden "Lady Herbert's Garden" in 1930, built and endowed "Lady Herbert's Homes" – two blocks of dwellings adjoining the garden, and funded restoration of the longest remaining portion of the city walls and Swanswell gate. Gave an initial gift of £100,000 and subsequent donations to the city for an art gallery and museum Lord Iliffe presented Allesley Hall and grounds to the city in 1937, and donated £35,000 towards the rebuilding of Coventry Cathedral William Pisford co-founder of Ford's hospital Thomas Wheatley founder of Bablake school in 1560, and mayor of Coventry in 1556 Sir Thomas