Crichton was born in Rockhall in 1779 to Margaret Dalzell and Sir Robert Grierson fifth baronet.

In 1810 she married James Crichton who had qualified as a doctor at Edinburgh University but whose fortune was made after he had joined the East India Company.

He practised medicine but it was his trading in India and China that left Elizabeth a rich widow.

[6] She travelled to Montrose Asylum, interviewed Browne and offered him the equivalent post at the Crichton Royal in Dumfries.

[7] Browne remained at the Crichton for almost twenty years (1838-1857) setting new standards in therapeutic administration.