Eastmoor Secure Unit 18th May 2009

Explorers: j3bu, anclove

Opening in 1857 as “Leeds Reformatory for Boys” but later becoming “Eastmoor Approved School”. Originally when it was operating as “Leeds Reformatory for Boys” a child under 14 would be sent here for ‘crimes’ such as:

• Begging
• Wandering
• Consorting with thieves

However when it began operating as “Eastmoor Approved School” and later “Eastmoor Secure Unit” it began to house criminals of a more devious nature including Jon Venables (One of Jamie Bulger’s killers)

After it was closed as a childrens home it was used as a university campus by the University of Leeds up until 2003 when a new campus was opening.

Buildings included a swimming pool, dentists, church (later used as a gym), laundry and of course staff housing.

Further Reading:

No further reading.

Barnes Convalescent Home 24th March 2009

Explorers: j3bu, Damon2604

Barnes Convalescent Home was constructed between 1871 & 1875 and is a Grade II listed Former hospital which closed in September 1999. The hospital was sold in 2001 to a construction company, the plans for the building are to convert it into 42 flats. Initially a hospital it was then used as a Convalescent home during the second world war and later in its life it was mainly used for stroke and geriatric patients.

Further Reading:

Wikipedia.org

Whittingham Water Tower 2nd November 2008

Explorers: j3bu, Gimbulate

Whittingham Water Tower is the part of the hospital I had always wanted to visit ever since visiting many many years ago. Unfortunately on my first visit all those years ago it was steel sheeted shut. However it has been possible to visit the site so I instantly went to investigate!

Whittingham water tower has four levels, each one featuring something extremely photogenic including some beautiful spiral staircase. The most impressive thing about the water tower is the view from the top. You can see for miles around as well as a birds eye view of the main hospital complex. Another nice feature on the roof is the Air raid siren which was around a foot in diameter and around two feet in length.

Further Reading:

j3bu.com: Main Asylum Report

Denbigh Asylum 21st April 2008

Denbigh asylum, North Wales, was built in 1844 and opened in 1848. “The North Wales Lunatic Asylum” was the first psychiatric institution built in Wales. Over the years it was expanded in order to house more patients, reaching a maximum capacity of 1500 in the 1950s.

This asylum lasted roughtly 151 years when it closed in 1995. It is situated on over 100 acres of beautiful land on the edge of the town

The Future of Denbigh? On July 12, 2004, The Prince of Wales visited the hospital and administered a speech detailing his Phoenix Trust, a historic building trust that prevented the structure from being demolished. The hospital is currently slated to be converted into private homes.

EDIT – 27/10/08 – Most Haunted Live Special

Hello and welcome all Most Haunted fans as you probably know this week Most haunted are doing a live special every night from Denbigh Asylum, please head over to the gallery to have a look at my shots.

Before I get any e-mails NO I did not experience anything there at all having spent a long time in all the buildings and I did not see or hear anything. I’m not a believer in ghosts.

Further Reading:

http://www.northwaleshospital.co.uk/

http://www.northwaleshospital.ik.com/