So with the promise of a near mint hospital, I set off at silly o clock in the morning to do the 305 mile, 6 hour round drive to Folkstone to see this beauty.
I’d love to tell you who I explored it with, but people kept on showing up, so apologies if I’ve forgotten you! Definitely present were: Nelly, Skeleton Key, Trogladyte, Mrs Trogladyte, Ian, Ginge, but I think I counted 13 of us at one point.
I’m not a fan of graffiti, but I have to admit this did make me snigger:
Most of the people had been around 6 months previous to this, and were constantly apologising for how stripped is was, but I love it like this!
This hospital is an oldie, dating back to 1846, and as such has been known by a few different names over the years: Folkestone Dispensary (1846-1863), Folkestone Dispensary and Infirmary (1863-1890), Victoria Hospital (1890-1910)
Cot & Scales
These take the p**s don’t they?
Folkestone's Royal Victoria Hospital was built, facing Radnor Park, between 1889-90, at a cost of around £7,300, it boasted such luxuries as 33 beds, a dispensary, consulting and operating rooms.
I think there are some missing lists
I was told this was a fully serviceable studio earlier this year:
In October 2008 Plans to sell part of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Folkestone were placed on hold after bats were found in the building. During an ecology survey bats were discovered in the back of the main building .
My favourite place there was the records office, and although stripped of nearly everything, there were still a few gems to be found if you looked hard enough:
Doctors diaries
Thanks for looking.