St. Crispin’s, designed by architect Robert Griffiths, was founded in 1873 and opened as Berrywood Asylum to paupers from a nearby General Asylum in 1876. Originally the grounds incorporated a large farm complex, gas works, a burial ground, a number of cottages for attendants and other estate staff, large residences for the superintendent, farm bailiff, head gardener, chaplain, and steward. The main building consisted of two major patients’ blocks on either side of the central services and hall, and was linked by single storey corridors and open metal walkways at upper levels which were later enclosed. Extensions completed in 1887 created a new block for idiot and imbecile children adjacent to the female wing. Blocks were also built for epileptics on either side of the main block.
After WWII Berrywood became known as St. Crispin’s and it was transferred to the NHS.
Since closing in 1995 it has stood derelict. Most of the land around the main buildings has been cleared and used for housing.
At least two fires have occurred on the site: one whilst the hospital was in operation which killed 6 patients who were resident on the Schuster Ward. Another fire took place in 2014 which seems to have gutted most the remaining building.
The hospital in operation:
Thanks for looking,
Rubex
After WWII Berrywood became known as St. Crispin’s and it was transferred to the NHS.
Since closing in 1995 it has stood derelict. Most of the land around the main buildings has been cleared and used for housing.
At least two fires have occurred on the site: one whilst the hospital was in operation which killed 6 patients who were resident on the Schuster Ward. Another fire took place in 2014 which seems to have gutted most the remaining building.
The hospital in operation:
Thanks for looking,
Rubex
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