Another one from my backlog of UK adventures!
This public hospital was established in 1804 as the first of its kind in the region, with an emphasis on the treatment of smallpox. Due to space constraints and pollution from nearby industry, the institution relocated several times until this campus was constructed on a quiet hillside in 1869. Following various expansions, the hospital eventually held over 1,300 beds. After merging with another area health provider, the institution again faced space constraints, relocating to an even larger campus in 2012. Meanwhile, redevelopment plans for the site have stalled in recent years.
The hospital in 1975, courtesy of a local newspaper clipping -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Because of its proximity to my university, this was one of the first locations on the agenda, but it was bound to be challenging; the site was still partially active, well-secured, and intimidatingly large. I eventually made plans to join a couple of local explorers who knew the place well, and we set off trying to see as much of the complex as possible. Winding through a labyrinth of corridors and halls, we found a great variety of interesting bits, from the powered operating theaters, to rooms stacked with chairs and other furniture, to food and bottles of Ensure still wrapped in packaging. The buildings also provided an interesting architectural contrast between the original structures and more recent additions.
After a couple hours of exploring, things took an interesting turn; security was very much on the ball, and having somehow been alerted to our presence, they were inside the building with us. After hiding out for a spell, and treading very cautiously, we made a brief visit to an outbuilding to check out the mortuary and laboratories. Due to the sheer size of the place, I felt my shooting was a bit rushed, and even then we saw about two-thirds of the whole complex. Overall though, it was a very exhilarating and rewarding experience, and I'm grateful that we made it out in one piece
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The original main entrance:
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The Chapel:
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Heading toward the surgical units:
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Taking a breather on the roof:
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Food prep areas:
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A small employee kitchen:
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Taking another breather in a courtyard:
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...And finally, on to the mortuary and laboratory:
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Thanks for looking!
