St. Andrews Asylum, Norwich, June 2010

Plans for the asylum were announced in 1876. The buildings were to be of ‘somewhat plain, simple and comparatively cheap construction’, later described as ‘a sort of go-between the Asylum and the Workhouse’.
Designed by the architects Cornish and Gaymer, they were modelled on Metropolitan Asylums Board institutions at Leavesden and Caterham. They comprised a two-storey ‘H’ shape with large and rather barn-like male and female wards linked, or rather separated, by an administrative cross-section, behind which lay a single storey complex of kitchens and staff rooms.
Costing £33,920, they accommodated 250 patients, two and a half times the original capacity. ‘Chronic lunatics, imbeciles and idiots’ were placed under the care of Hills’ assistant, who became resident medical officer, a head female attendant and a relatively modest staff of attendants and nurses.

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manof2worlds said:

The location is securely boarded up with regular security patrols, and required some careful and inventive thinking. This building doesn't compare to the West Parks and Hellingleys of this world, but it does have it 's own unique character and atmosphere. The following information was found on the Internet:


Sadly, much has gone from this place, including the fantastic journals and records, but St. Andrews still does it for me

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thepetrolhead said:

Great work boys! The hard access places are always rewarding - No chav damage!
Good to see you getting the nipper involved too.
Keep up the good work.

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manof2worlds said:

The small dude is my son, he's nearly 12 and is becoming something of a seasoned explorer - my view is that if he is going to root around on old and dangerous buildings, best he does it with his Dad and does it safely whilst still getting that thrill of being somewhere you shouldn't ;-)

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krela said:

Bet you're teaching him some cracking common sense which seems to be sorely lacking in people these days too. I'd say you're doing a good thing personally!

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