The merchants and trades associations of Aberdeen ( "New" and Old Aberdeen) built several hospitals from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. Traditionally Hospitals had been built by the Church. In addition to Hospitals that served the needs of the poor and elderly, "hospitals" were built as schools. Robert Gordons College was founded by a wealthy merchant in 1731. In "Royal" Aberdeen and Old Aberdeen the Incorporated Trades formed associations to serve the needs of the craftsmen. Similar Incorporated Trades associations are to be found in Elgin, Edinburgh, Irvine, Stirling, Dundee, Kirkcubright and Glasgow. In addition to such hospitals, there were "correction houses" and Workhouses or Poorhouses.