From a few leaps of faith would theorise that townhall / high street maybe linked to old police station through to Mote park / Mote House. The fire brigade arrived promptly and by 7.31am the fire was under control. I travelled through Moat Park daily for five or six years andmy mother still lives within half a mile. Ashford - Maidstone. Queen's House, Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone DTS. A new housing development now occupies the site of the demolished Hermitage Block. Free parking is available in St Andrews Road, where the gatehouse and entrance to the gardens can be found. Hide this ad by donating or subscribing ! The site since then has been redeveloped for housing. But there was in fact another similar establishment in the county which holds its very own tragic story. Oakwood House Oakwood Park Tonbridge Road, Maidstone ME16 8AE England Check In / / Check Out / / Guests Contact accommodation for availability. (1) The hospital complex also includes a chapel of 1848-52 (TQ 7350 5528), a clergy house of 1869, offices of 1866, a house of 1845 , a water tower of 1834-66, a dining hall of 1834-66 and a farm of 1834-66. Following transfer of services to Maidstone Hospital, Oakwood closed in 1994 and was then developed as a residential estate known as St Andrew's Park. St. Andrew's House, Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone, Kent.. Miscellaneous Material: Not applicable. We are currently negotiating with thecouncil for occasional access. Initially, his complaints were rejected, so he and another nurse put together a list of 70 occasions when patients were abused, neglected and degraded. Oakwood Hospital St Andrews Rd Maidstone, designed by John Whichcord Snr 1830. You can also follow KentLive on Twitter here, as well as on our Instagram page where we share great pictures of Kent. The only evidence I can speak of is the road having collapsed on Heath Road a couple of months back. SKE6729. Hi, I live in Maidstone and as a child i remember going through tunnels up by the old mental hospital. Unpublished document: Oxford Archaeology. Asylum Project explains: During the 1970s and 1980s there was a change in focus on the best way to treat the mentally ill and housing patients long-term in large institutions was falling out of favour. The hospital shut in 1993 and most of its buildings, although not the chapel, were demolished. The Queen's House was sold off in April 1997 and was soon then turned into residential use. Cheers guys any info is a help. Oakwood Park, Maidstone is 337 meters away, 5 min walk. About the same time a small chapel was built for the needs of the staff and patients just to the south of Queens House. SKE7262. This was put in place in the late 1800s when the asylum needed additional water supplies and was the subject of a legal dispute with the owners of the river. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. The publication of the Short Term Program for 1986-87/1987-88 (paragraph 6.7) recommends the closure of St Andrew's House which by that time had ten wards (nine for Medway Health authority patients and one for all user authorities) and 186 patients. That's the beginning of one of the culverted parts of the River Len which runs under the Sainsburys, the Shopping Centre and a few other roads etc. Archaeological Evaluation Report.. This would lead to a reduction in patient numbers and a phasing out of functions to other hospitals. (Miscellaneous Material). Cheers are you from Maidstone then? (8)Additional Information (2,3,4). An archive of administration documents, patients case notes and burial registers is held at the Centre for Kentish Studies.See also (6 and 9). Located in Barming Heath, it opened its doors in 1833, admitting its first 168 patients. Buildings of England: West Kent and the Weald. However, there is supposedly a blocked off entrance in Mote Park which is near enough impossible to get into. You said at the time that you had been down there and the air was OK. Unfortunately, I don't have any evidence other than what my grandparents remember and what my mum remembers, as she worked there for a little while. Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone This page summarises records created by this Organisation The summary includes a brief description of the collection (s) (usually including the covering dates of. In the decades that followed there was a move towards de-institutionalisation. Asylum Project explains: During the 1970s and 1980s there was a change in focus on the best way to treat the mentally ill and housing patients long-term in large institutions was falling out of favour. In the proceeding years it was, however, deemed fit enough for royal visitors, with both Princess Anne and Princess Diana welcomed there. All rights reserved. Historic building survey in 2002 included photgraphic survey and research based on primary maps and documents, together with the principal secondary sources to provide a background to the development of the building (7).Description from record TQ 75 NW 123:The County Lunatic Asylum was constructed sometime prior to 1870 and occupies an extensive site on the E. side of Hermitage Lane. not sure about that bit of tunnel but iv recently been along some that run from preton hall. On that subject, there was a thread about Ramsgate a few weeks/monthsback in which I said that the author of an article in "Backtrack" hadsaid that there were dangerous concentrations of CO2 in the tunnelsdue to rainwater percolating through and reacting with the chalk. <6> Oxford Archaeological Unit, 2000, St Andrew's House, Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone, Kent. Maidstone is a town in Kent, England, of which it is the county town. Some internet browsing identified it as a psychiatric hospital long de-commissioned. 5 min walk. The Queen's House was sold off in April 1997 and was soon then turned into residential use. St Andrew's House, Oakwood Hospital, St Andrew's Road, Maidstone. It would be a great help if you had seen to take a picture as i live on the Isle Of Wight. St Andrew's House and The Queen's House are both Grade II listed buildings and so were spared demolition. "Steve Walker" wrote in messagenews:ak8p97$maj$1@news5.svr.pol.co.uk > "Steve Piper" wrote in message> news:3e2a07a.02082@posting.google.com, Have a look athttp://www.swanley1.freeserve.co.uk/miscellaneous/ramsgate_tunnels.htm. It even had an asylum farm. Date: 1971 Held by: The National Archives, Kew: Former reference in its original department: HAS(71)MI 22: Legal status: Public Record(s) Closure status: Open Document, Open Description Record opening date: 01 January 2002 Plans for a new hospital for Maidstone were approved in the mid-1970s and the site chosen was just to the north of the Oakwood Hospital. The story of Maidstone's Oakwood Hospital - Kent's forgotten mental asylum, St Andrew's House, Oakwood Hospital, St Andrew's Road, Maidstone, Located in Barming Heath, it opened its doors in 1833, admitting its first 168 patients. After closure there were a spate of arson attacks on the buildings and on 11 May 1997 work began to demolish the Hermitage Block and other unused buildings, explained Asylum Project. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. After closure there were a spate of arson attacks on the buildings and on 11 May 1997 work began to demolish the Hermitage Block and other unused buildings. But he knew the family of theproprietor of the old scenic railway and hed been in the tunnels acouple of times after the SubBrit visit and it was during the lastvisit he had experienced breathing difficulties from the CO2. The Oakwood Hospital was founded as the "Kent County Lunatic Asylum" in 1833. >>Nick Catford>Kent Underground Research Group (one of my other hats)>. She was also buried here. Also found anything else interesting!!? They later added: "In the men's side of the establishment we found just a little less of the decorative drawing room element, but everywhere pleasant features and ample facilities for enjoyment. I would like to express my deepest sympathy with the relatives of those killed and injured in this tragic occurrence and my deep appreciation of the courage and devotion of all members of the hospital staff, the fire service, the Civil Defenceteams and others engaged in the work of rescue.. During the 1970s and 1980s there was a change in focus on the best way to treat the mentally ill and housing patients long-term in large institutions was falling out of favour. In the decades that followed there was a move towards de-institutionalisation. By 1948 there were 2,000 patients being treated at the site. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Chances are the tunnels have since been filled in as a new housing estate has been built on moat park I dare say there was once a city of passageways under Maidstone. It was the principal location for those considered in need of institutionalising in Kent, and took in people from all over the county, as well as from London. Unpublished document: Oxford Archaeological Unit. At its peak, the asylum held around 2,000 psychiatric patients from around the county, and some of the London boroughs due to their close proximity. "The only depressing sight in these rooms was the patients themselves, but if we had not known that mental derangement was the cause of their being detained there, there was little in their demeanour to indicate the fact. It may not display this or other websites correctly. St Andrew's House was converted into apartments in 2001-2002 after some 60,000 was spent by a specialist firm to landscape the grounds which had become overgrown.. There are similar hotels available. The daily routine was a mix of classroom lessons and learning practical skills. The need for an asylum in Canterbury came about due to a local government reshuffle in 1889, when the city became a County Borough, independent of the rest of Kent. - See 446 traveler reviews, 130 candid photos, and great deals for Oakwood House Hotel at Tripadvisor. Among the more notable in Kent was one founded in the 1760s by William Perfect, a doctor who had a particular interest in treating people deemed to be insane. By the time that the hospital passed into the care of the South East Metropolitan Hospital Board in 1948 it was authorised to accommodate 2055 patients, although the figure is likely to have been higher than this. Oakwood Hospital in Barming Heath near Maidstone, England was a psychiatric hospital founded in 1833 as the Kent County Lunatic Asylum. Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center. Oneday I had to go inside a container which was loaded up and had the fangoing. Layout: Early corridor plan with additions Status: Part converted to housing, remainder demolished Opened: 1st January 1833 Middle Name. Many of the terms that once accompanied them, such as "lunatic" or "imbecile" are also now deemed inappropriate. First Name. It was originally known as the East Kent County Asylum and had room for 1,205 patients. We pay our respects to Kent residents who have died in recent weeks. Construction on the Maidstone Hospital began in 1980 and was completed in 1982/1983. But they were accepted in the 1800s, when provision of asylums in every county became law. Does anyone know anything about these tunnels? The reporter commented: "The entrance is from a road with a southern aspect, through a great gateway between which and the principal entrance is a wide intervening space planted with shrubs, trees, and flowers. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. [2] It was erected between 1829 and 1833 on a site in Barming Heath, just to the west of Maidstone. The photo (from what I can read on the sign) was taken at Igthham Mote. Culverts aren't really my thing thou, so I've never been inclined to check it out. Turn left and. Oakwood House Hotel: need a stop over before the tunnel or a place from which to visit Kent,? This place is literally five minutes from me- I live up the road from the old asylum site which is now houses. True! As demands grew, the capacity of the original accommodation building, St Andrews House, became increasingly insufficient. It couldn't be simpler and it takes seconds - simply press here, enter your email address and follow the instructions. Maidstone council is to pay the Department of Health a nominal 1 fee to take over responsibility for Oakwood cemetery in Barming. Our sister paper the Dover Express visited the asylum in 1904 and published a descriptive account of the inside of the building. Find nearby businesses, restaurants and hotels. This abandoned hospital village was once viewed as an innovative way to deal with mental illness. This website and its associated newspaper are members of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Its large site, on Chartham Downs, meant that it could be self-contained, and it had a farm, baker, butcher, chapel and even a cricket team. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. Mention the word asylum in connection with people who have a mental illness and it conjures up all sorts of images. There was work done on the town hall in the late 30's and the new police headquarters also came online in the 1930's. At about 9.50 am, while officers of the fire brigade and members of the hospital staff were inspecting the damage to ascertain the cause of the fire, the central tower collapsed, killing six people, including three fire brigade officers, a male nurse, the hospital printer, and a Polish patient, and injuring 15 others. Sorry this is just another urban myth. The Kent County Lunatic Asylum opened in Maidstone in 1833. Unfortunately also blocked! Each Small Candle Lights A Corner Of The DarkYou can visit my webpage at www.arthurghost.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk. The Oakwood Hospital was originally founded as the "Kent County Lunatic Asylum". Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. I found the article again last week. The building was designed by John Whichcord, who was also responsible for drawing up the plans for Maidstone Prison. The tunnels aren't completely sealed, they have left access for bats at bothends. Carbon Dioxide Poisoning comes on quite fast and starts offfeeling like you've inhaled the contents of 10 or so bottles ofextremely lively soda water). You can also enter your email address in the box below the picture on most desktop and mobile platforms. The cemetery chapel remains, but it is unclear if the cemetery is still in use or when it may have gone out of use. Perhaps the most notorious of Kent's asylums, it was opened in 1875 after it became apparent that the existing institution at Barming was not big enough. (Unpublished document). Oakwood Park, Maidstone. West Malling Lunatic Asylum, High Street, West Malling. Oakwood Hospital was founded in Maidstone as the Kent County Lunatic Asylum. Said the engineers were talking about a tunnel that runs under stone street from Maidstone to Mote park, 6 / 7 metres down, shopkeeper verified this with an elderly resident who said the tunnels were escape tunnels from WW2. <3> Oxford Archaeological Unit, 1998, Queen's House, Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone DTS (Unpublished document). Last Name(s) Special characters are not allowed. The block had been gutted but a 120-foot (37m) tall ventilation tower seemed to have survived unscathed. More buildings were added over the years, although the manor house is among the structures to have been demolished. The Oakwood Hospital was founded as "Kent County Lunatic Asylum" - a single building constructed between 1829 and 1833 in Barming Heath, Maidstone. Said the engineers were talking about a tunnel that runs under stone street from Maidstone to Mote park, 6 / 7 metres down, shopkeeper verified this with an elderly resident who said the tunnels were escape tunnels from WW2. Archaeological Evaluation Report. Six pumps attended and the 350 patients in that wing were evacuated. St Andrew's House and The Queen's House are both Grade II listed buildings and so were spared demolition. This would lead to a reduction in patient numbers and a phasing out of functions to other hospitals. Demand for beds became acute and at one stage it accommodated 2,000 patients, leading to the need for alternative provision to be found elsewhere. The asylum was intended to take in patients from across the entire county of Kent, which then stretched as far west as Greenwich. I've heard the opticians at the top of Gabriels hill (where the bus stops are) is above alot of tunnels, there is apparently a chapel inbetween that building and the Lush shop on the other side. 22. [4], In the mid-nineteenth century, the superintendent of the asylum was Dr James Huxley (1821-1907), the elder brother of Thomas Henry Huxley, the evolutionary biologist and friend of Charles Darwin. At about 9.50 am, while officers of the fire brigade and members of the hospital staff were inspecting the damage to ascertain the cause of the fire, the central tower collapsed, killing six people, including three fire brigade officers, a male nurse, the hospital printer, and a Polish patient, and injuring 15 others. Sign up to our daily newsletter for all the latest Kent stories and breaking news delivered straight to your inbox. Thanet: The lost island swallowed by Kent and how it could become one again Now known as a residential estate, the history of the site dates back almost two centuries. I was just wondering of you could repost the picture of the map because its been deleted. What's for dinner? im in and out maidstone all the time due to college i haven't seen anything that related to tunnels but you never know have you tryed looking in some history to see they was? Darenth went on to become a training centre, or colony as they were known, with patients taught skills that helped support the board's other institutions, such as making clothes and bedding. i've never found any reports from here. <7> Oxford Archaeology, 2002, St. Andrew's House, Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone, Kent. <2> RCHME, 1990, Oakwood Hospital RCHME Historic Buildings Report (Unpublished document). The buildings which were Grade II Listed were spared demolition, and can be seen today. Patients conditions also improved and they were allowed to keep birds, plants and pictures were permitted on the walls. SKE7623. It was constructed by A&C Harston and cost 88,750, according to workhouses.org.uk, a website created by Peter Higginbotham, who regularly contributes to hit BBC shows Who Do You Think You Are? Hi I'm new to this site but have been watching it for a while. Kent areas with worst pollution amid controversial ULEZ expansion, Current plans would see the Ultra Low Emissions Zone expanded this summer, Arrest after man has neck cut in 'serious assault', Police are now appealing for witnesses and those with information to come forward. View all View all photos (130) Traveler (120) Room & Suite (33) Dining (8) About 3.5 Very good 446 reviews #13 of 19 hotels in Maidstone Location 3.6 I thought it was, but you never know there might be more under there! . Maidstone Hospital Psychiatric Wing Previous name(s) Kent County Lunatic Asylum, Barming Heath until 1948 Oakwood Hospital from 1948 Address. By 1850 just before a new asylum wing, Queen's House, was added, the hospital could hold 443 patients. So i can not go to visit even though i go up once a year or so. [1] It was designed as one building, commonly referred to as St Andrew's House, using an early corridor design by the surveyor to the County of Kent, John Whichcord Snr (who also designed Maidstone County Gaol). The Cross erected to the memory of all the persons buried here, and avenue of evergreen trees. Located in Barming Heath, it opened its doors in 1833, admitting its first 168 patients. They said they could see up through the cracks in the road so they knew they were under the road, but exactly where, they couldn't tell! As always you can unsubscribe at any time. The inquest will open on Wednesday. And even a tunnel going across to the prison. As a precaution some 340 patients have been moved, 132 to other hospitals. now doesn't that just makepurfect sense? I was recently going through all the old family files and saw that my Great Great nan was here. In 1920, it was re-branded as Kent County Mental Hospital, becoming St Augustine's when it was taken on by the NHS in 1948. Its absolutely fascinating anyway! Both of these buildings were designed by the architect John Whichcord Snr. This included an additional building, built in 1850, named The Queens House. It isimmediately the other side of that roof fall, this is now only accessiblethrough a manhole cover elsewhere in the town. Further to those videos, I found out some very interesting stuff about this hospital today which I think is worth posting, intriguing to say the least. Hey all, I lived in Maidtone for the bulk of my life and heard the same stories. Alledgedly they carried out various uses, such as transportingprisoners and air raid shelters, the tunnels alledgedly run from theold mental asylum (a good mile out of town), all the way down to theriver and beyond it, through parts of the high street (Gabriel'sHill), and out to County Hall where much of the local government isbased. Care for mental health patients continues to be provided there. It was also home to Beech House Hospital School, which was in use up to the 1990s. Unpublished document: Oxford Archaeological Unit. Sadly all the entrances i know of have been filled in. A blue plaque acts as a reminder of the Grade II-listed high street building's former resident. St Andrew's House, Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone, Kent. Our Education Directory has everything you could possibly need! Located in Barming Heath, it opened its doors in 1833, admitting its first 168 patients. 1998. JavaScript is disabled. Offer subject to change without notice. . There have been many rumors of tunnels hidden beneath the city maidstone but no one can really find any proof of it. "Some sleep in large dormitories, some in smaller rooms, and many in single-bedded apartments.". "We passed through when the patients were at their midday meal, and it was good to see not only how liberally they were served, but how carefully they were attended, each according to condition and necessity. Hospital Name: Oakwood hospital Previous Names: Kent County Asylum, Barming Heath Asylum, Barming Mental Hospital, Maidstone General Hospital (psychiatric wing) Location: St. Andrew Road, Maidstone, Kent Principal Architect: John Whichcord Sr. She wrote that he became "a successful practitioner at a time when few men considered it possible to relieve the insane, nervous and hysterical patients". He died in 1809 but the asylum continued to be run by his son, George. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. The Oakwood Hospital then became known as the Maidstone Hospital (Psychiatric Wing) and some of its functions began to be transferred across to the new hospital.". Nick CatfordKent Underground Research Group (one of my other hats). St Andrew's House was converted into apartments in 2001-2002 after some 60,000 was spent by a specialist firm to landscape the grounds which had become overgrown. The development and expansion of the hospital continued in 1867, when a third building was added; the new asylum block was called Hermitage Block. and Heir Hunters. In 1957, the hospital was the scene of a tragedy when a tower collapsed following a fire, killing seven people and injuring many more. This page was last edited on 9 May 2014, at 23:05. This led to the construction of a two storey annexe for chronic patients, known as The Queens House, which was opened in 1850. If you do not understand anything on this page please contact us. 10X. SKE7299. The plot is 6292 if thats any help.Thanks very much>, http://www.aditnow.co.uk/uk-mining-regions/default.aspx?ref=51, Ormskirk Cottage Hospital & Dispensary / West Lancashire College Campus - Oct 2022. My brother and his mates walked them a few years ago under moat park via Cheshire home (the large listed building in the park.) It goesdown about 10 feet to a grille. Now Open. Due to an increase in the number of patients being admitted, the hospital had to expand from its initial building. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. As the asylum expanded, additions and extensions were made to this building until it had reached maximum potential capacity. [6], Following the introduction of Care in the Community in the early 1980s and also the transfer of some services to Maidstone Hospital, Oakwood Hospital then became known as the Maidstone Hospital (Psychiatric Wing). After closure there were a spate of arson attacks on the buildings and on 11 May 1997 work began to demolish the Hermitage Block and other unused buildings, explained Asylum Project. "The only depressing sight in these rooms was the patients themselves, but if we had not known that mental derangement was the cause of their being detained there, there was little in their demeanour to indicate the fact. He explained: I deeply regret that a fire broke out in the tailor's shop at this hospital at 6.40am on Friday, November 29. "Near this entrance is the waiting room for visitors, and the approaches to all parts of the buildings. Winner will be selected at random on 06/01/2023. The locations of said tunnels are rumoured to be linked and leading to: Preston Hall Hospital, Oakwood Hospital, and Mote House. It may not be so far fetched, the old police station was at the corner of Knightrider St and Stone St, http://kent.greatbritishlife.co.uk/article/hidden-kent-25075/, http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=59626, http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=37626, http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-ighthammote/, NATO Coldblow Ace High Relay Station, Maidstone, 2015, Crown and Horseshoes Pub, Maidstone, 2015. Welcome to 28DaysLater.co.uk - 28DL - The UK Urban Exploring / Urban Exploration / Urbex Forums. After the First World War, it became known as Canterbury City Mental Hospital, and was renamed St Martin's, after the church nearby, following the Second World War. Hi. History of Maidstone, Allington Quarry Waste Management Facility, Maidstone (borough), Penenden Heath, Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone Hospital, Maidstone and The Weald (UK Parliament. [2] The hospital closed completely in 1994. Good idea, I'll have a nosey about in the future some time. The location of Trench I was changed to avoid a service tunnel. 506. Do not trespass. Was a May Day Attack by Pilgrims a Practice Run for a Massacre? The Oakwood Hospital was originally founded as the "Kent County Lunatic Asylum". We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Try this hotel. Following its closure in 1988, it was demolished and the site was cleared. I have heard a variety of stories about a big network of tunnels underthe town of Maidstone in Kent. "Some sleep in large dormitories, some in smaller rooms, and many in single-bedded apartments.". Unpublished document: RCHME. Therefore, it is no surprise that such outdated medical practices and the hospitals that used to house the patients no longer exist. You can still see the dips in the ground where the entrances used to be. As demands grew, the capacity of the original accommodation building, St Andrews House, became increasingly insufficient. But tragedy struck on November 29, 1952 after a fire broke out. It was erected between 1829 and 1833 on a site in Barming Heath, just to the west of Maidstone. 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