Kesteven County Asylum, latterly known as Rauceby Hospital, opened in 1902. Designed by prolific asylum architect G. T. Hine, the buildings followed his much used compact arrow plan. East Sussex County Asylum (Hellingly) shared many similarities in design and layout with Rauceby.
The main hospital building was closed in 1998 and abandoned for several years. In the early 2000s, exploring this asylum was popular but from 2004, parts of the site underwent redevelopment to convert it into private housing. The water tower was demolished in 2006. When I started in exploring in 2008, much of the site was developed and exploring what was left was considered pointless as other asylums had grown in popularity, such as Cane Hill and West Park. However, ward blocks and the admin building remained totally abandoned, despite having been stripped in preparation for conversion.
A couple of years into my urbex career, I came to realise that there were parts of Rauceby which were still explorable, even if they were stripped. Being fascinated by Hine designed asylums, I determined to see the place and am glad I now have! Tumbles and SeffyboyUK were excellent companions.
Before you go...
Rauceby Hospital (along with the nearby village of South Rauceby) was served by the adjoining railway station, which is still in use. I don't know of any other asylum railway lines which are still in use. Does anyone else?
The main hospital building was closed in 1998 and abandoned for several years. In the early 2000s, exploring this asylum was popular but from 2004, parts of the site underwent redevelopment to convert it into private housing. The water tower was demolished in 2006. When I started in exploring in 2008, much of the site was developed and exploring what was left was considered pointless as other asylums had grown in popularity, such as Cane Hill and West Park. However, ward blocks and the admin building remained totally abandoned, despite having been stripped in preparation for conversion.
A couple of years into my urbex career, I came to realise that there were parts of Rauceby which were still explorable, even if they were stripped. Being fascinated by Hine designed asylums, I determined to see the place and am glad I now have! Tumbles and SeffyboyUK were excellent companions.
Before you go...
Rauceby Hospital (along with the nearby village of South Rauceby) was served by the adjoining railway station, which is still in use. I don't know of any other asylum railway lines which are still in use. Does anyone else?