Construction at Whittingham began in 1869, with the asyluml officially opening on 1 April 1873. It had many additions over the years, and grew to be the largest mental hospital in Britain, housing 3,533 patients by 1939. At one time the hospital had its own church, chapel, farms, railway, telephone exchange, post office, reservoirs, gas works, brewery, orchestra, brass band, ballroom and butchers. During the late 1960's there was much scandal surrounding the hospital, with complaints of abuse of patients, poor conditions, theft, and fraud.
During the 1970s and 1980s, new drugs and therapies were introduced to treat people suffering from mental illnesses. Long stay patients were returned to the community or dispersed to smaller units around Preston. The hospital closed in 1995 and the site subsequently became known as "Guild Park". In 1999 Guild Lodge was opened on the edge of Guild Park, providing secure mental healthcare services to a small number of patients, followed the next year by purpose built rehabilitation cottages close by.
A good way to finish off the year, a visit to somewhere i've been wanting to see since the earliest reports of it appeared on the internet. Its already poor condition has got a hell of a lot worse over time, but still great to see before its gone. Visited with MD and Mr Sam on a very bleak and rainy day!
During the 1970s and 1980s, new drugs and therapies were introduced to treat people suffering from mental illnesses. Long stay patients were returned to the community or dispersed to smaller units around Preston. The hospital closed in 1995 and the site subsequently became known as "Guild Park". In 1999 Guild Lodge was opened on the edge of Guild Park, providing secure mental healthcare services to a small number of patients, followed the next year by purpose built rehabilitation cottages close by.
A good way to finish off the year, a visit to somewhere i've been wanting to see since the earliest reports of it appeared on the internet. Its already poor condition has got a hell of a lot worse over time, but still great to see before its gone. Visited with MD and Mr Sam on a very bleak and rainy day!
