Visited with Prickly_buzz.
Apologies for being cryptic with the name - this place is actually well known among explorers and it's nothing new! I'd just rather not contribute to the rapid deterioration/senseless vandalism of sites in any way or the dodgy scrap metal trade by throwing names about, regardless of the size or status of sites!
Me and PB were swinging by the area and decided to have a go at getting in and having a snoop around. Despite the day of the week we got in, there was a fair amount of activity on site and we had to dodge a transit van on our way in. We could hear plant machinery moving around for some time after we'd got in and used our urbex ninja skills accordingly
The hospital was founded in 1937 and was renowned for it's pioneering work examining the human brain in relation to mental health problems. The wards were shut in 2009 and the place was totally shut down in 2010, with demolition starting in 2012. The site is up for redevelopment and the building of 500+ houses. All the wards have been demolished, with only the water tower, admin building and grade 2 listed chapel being retained for the development. That's always something I guess!
The water tower cuts an imposing figure on the top of the slope.
Water Tower by SlimJim UE, on Flickr
Entering the water tower and climbing the narrow stairs to the upper level revealed two water tanks. The water tanks can be seen on platforms either side of the stairs that form a v shape. We considered climbing to the top, with PB getting to the first level and then descending as a quivering mass of jelly and me getting about 3 rungs up and then nearly pooing myself looking up, we gave up on that idea!
Terror by SlimJim UE, on Flickr
The water tower revealed itself to be a lot bigger and more complex than meets the eye. It also contains various pieces of kit including backup generators, a furnace, sub station and fuel store.
Atop The Giants by SlimJim UE, on Flickr
Dials by SlimJim UE, on Flickr
It was difficult to see how deep the water actually was in the sub level. I reckon at least 4ft in places.
DSC04022 by SlimJim UE, on Flickr
Incoming mains.
Incoming Mains by SlimJim UE, on Flickr
Incinerator.
Incinerator Room by SlimJim UE, on Flickr
The admin building is mostly pretty dull. It was colder in here than it was outside! The rooms still stink of hospital/doctor's surgery 5 years on.
DSC04041 by SlimJim UE, on Flickr
I was excited to be up in the attic and for good reason...
Roof Space by SlimJim UE, on Flickr
...Up the ramp was a creeky old ladder...
Creeky Ladder by SlimJim UE, on Flickr
...And at the top, the inner workings of the clock tower!
Clockwork PB by SlimJim UE, on Flickr
The rear of the admin building on our way out.
Admin by SlimJim UE, on Flickr
Guano encrusted group shot.
Water Tower Group Shot by SlimJim UE, on Flickr
Thanks to PB for his company and contribution to the fuel for the day! I will post the first part of the video I took once I upload it!
Apologies for being cryptic with the name - this place is actually well known among explorers and it's nothing new! I'd just rather not contribute to the rapid deterioration/senseless vandalism of sites in any way or the dodgy scrap metal trade by throwing names about, regardless of the size or status of sites!
Me and PB were swinging by the area and decided to have a go at getting in and having a snoop around. Despite the day of the week we got in, there was a fair amount of activity on site and we had to dodge a transit van on our way in. We could hear plant machinery moving around for some time after we'd got in and used our urbex ninja skills accordingly
The hospital was founded in 1937 and was renowned for it's pioneering work examining the human brain in relation to mental health problems. The wards were shut in 2009 and the place was totally shut down in 2010, with demolition starting in 2012. The site is up for redevelopment and the building of 500+ houses. All the wards have been demolished, with only the water tower, admin building and grade 2 listed chapel being retained for the development. That's always something I guess!
The water tower cuts an imposing figure on the top of the slope.
Water Tower by SlimJim UE, on FlickrEntering the water tower and climbing the narrow stairs to the upper level revealed two water tanks. The water tanks can be seen on platforms either side of the stairs that form a v shape. We considered climbing to the top, with PB getting to the first level and then descending as a quivering mass of jelly and me getting about 3 rungs up and then nearly pooing myself looking up, we gave up on that idea!
Terror by SlimJim UE, on FlickrThe water tower revealed itself to be a lot bigger and more complex than meets the eye. It also contains various pieces of kit including backup generators, a furnace, sub station and fuel store.
Atop The Giants by SlimJim UE, on Flickr
Dials by SlimJim UE, on FlickrIt was difficult to see how deep the water actually was in the sub level. I reckon at least 4ft in places.
DSC04022 by SlimJim UE, on FlickrIncoming mains.
Incoming Mains by SlimJim UE, on FlickrIncinerator.
Incinerator Room by SlimJim UE, on FlickrThe admin building is mostly pretty dull. It was colder in here than it was outside! The rooms still stink of hospital/doctor's surgery 5 years on.
DSC04041 by SlimJim UE, on FlickrI was excited to be up in the attic and for good reason...
Roof Space by SlimJim UE, on Flickr...Up the ramp was a creeky old ladder...
Creeky Ladder by SlimJim UE, on Flickr...And at the top, the inner workings of the clock tower!
Clockwork PB by SlimJim UE, on FlickrThe rear of the admin building on our way out.
Admin by SlimJim UE, on FlickrGuano encrusted group shot.
Water Tower Group Shot by SlimJim UE, on FlickrThanks to PB for his company and contribution to the fuel for the day!
I will post the first part of the video I took once I upload it!
