This 2,700-year-old woman is the jewel of the Maidstone Museum's Egyptian collection. 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. Over the years, it expanded and among the additions was a third patient area, known as Hermitage Block. Please enter at least 2 characters. There is the County Emergency Centre(now closed) at Springfield and some stone mines at Moate Park, quiteextensive but they don't run under the town. Historic psychiatric asylum and most-filmed location in the Great White North. I am researching a relative who died in Oakwood Hospital, near Maidstone, in 1969. Our dedicated team of physicians, nurses, therapists, aides and other healthcare professionals provide personalized and exceptional care that leads to shorter reco very times and more thorough . Now known as a residential estate, the history of the site dates back almost two centuries. Tunnels in Maidstone, Kent - Google Groups The Maidstone Health Authority Operational Plan for 1984/85 (paragraph 4.2) states that the long term objective was to close the Oakwood Hospital. 506. Here we look at those set up in Kent and what has happened to them since. Queen's House, Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone. The psychiatric complex stood derelict for a number of years, giving urban explorers the opportunity to venture into its corridors. County Code Hospital Name/Address City Zip Table 2: 1960 - 2017 Historic Hospital List by COUNTY ALAMEDA 1 013 ACMC-HIGHLAND CAMPUS 1411 E. 31ST ST OAKLAND 94602 1 001 ALAMEDA HOSPITAL 2070 CLINTON AVE ALAMEDA 94501 1 002 ALTA BATES HOSPITAL AT ALBANY 1247 MARIN AVENUE ALBANY 94706 Monograph: Newman, J.. 1980. I was just wondering of you could repost the picture of the map because its been deleted. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 1998. Kent's most notorious lunatic asylum is undoubtedly St Augustine's Hospital in Chartham. "Near this entrance is the waiting room for visitors, and the approaches to all parts of the buildings. St Augustine's, Chartham, near Canterbury. The remaining buildings have since been converted into apartments and are now privately owned. 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. In 1850 an additional building, known as The Queen's House, was built on newly acquired land at the site. [3], As the asylum expanded, additions and extensions were made to this building until it had reached maximum potential capacity. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. What a gorgeous setting. Create an account | Login | Request new password. 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. Thanks to a couple of members that showed me a map picture it seems that there is at least one tunnel that runs straight under the city (which could even interlink into more?) As demands grew, the capacity of the original accommodation building, St Andrews House, became increasingly insufficient. PDF MBC | Oakwood A:Layout 1 - Borough of Maidstone 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. The hospital was finally closed in 1994, with Maidstone Hospital taking up its remaining services. In 2000 the hospital's function was taken over by the psychiatric wing of the new Maidstone Hospital and the original buildings were vacated. The daily routine was a mix of classroom lessons and learning practical skills. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. As with many things in Victorian England, those that could afford it were offered better accommodation, and wealthy private patients were housed in a separate house in the grounds. 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. SKE7299. 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 Defence teams and others engaged in the work of rescue.. (Unpublished document). Unpublished document: Oxford Archaeological Unit. oakwood hospital maidstone tunnels Gate lodges and long drive to large ragstone 3 storey 5 bays with pedimented porch on tuscan columns of four. What's for dinner? 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. 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. 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. 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. We are currently negotiating with thecouncil for occasional access. Much of its day-to-day administration was taken over by St Augustine's, although when that closed, more buildings were added to St Martin's. 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? . i've never found any reports from here. This facility offers a cutting-edge, three-story medical . Maidstone - Goudhurst. Located in Barming Heath, it opened its doors in 1833, admitting its first 168 patients. 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. found this on youtube shows the Oakwood Hospital derelict and now as apartment. 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.". 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. Winner will be selected at random on 06/01/2023. 2023 Atlas Obscura. History [ edit] Construction and expansion [ edit] http://www.swanley1.freeserve.co.uk/miscellaneous/ramsgate_tunnels.htm. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). List of Archives Relating to Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone. Lead or Rumour info - Maidstone Tunnels - 28DaysLater.co.uk December 4, and the Regional Hospital Board is arranging for an immediate investigation into the cause of the accident. It goesdown about 10 feet to a grille. Thanet: The lost island swallowed by Kent and how it could become one again. 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. You can also follow KentLive on Twitter here, as well as on our Instagram page where we share great pictures of Kent. Signing up to the KentLive newsletter means you'll get the latest news direct to your inbox twice a day. Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone | The National Archives The inquest will open on Wednesday. How to get to Oakwood Park Complex in Maidstone by Bus, Train - Moovit At its peak, the hospital held around. Unpublished document: RCHME. 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Hi, I live in Maidstone and as a child i remember going through tunnels up by the old mental hospital. 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? Tunnels in Maidstone, Kent 929 views Steve Piper Aug 21, 2002, 11:36:00 AM to Dear All, I have heard a variety of stories about a big network of tunnels under the town of Maidstone in Kent.. 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. Hermitage Lane Maidstone . The hospital was extended in 1904-6 by the construction of male and female blocks.Additional information (2,3,4,5)The provision of a county asylum was established by the County Justices in 1825 and 37 acres were purchased on Barming Heath in 1828 for the site. By 1948 there were 2,000 patients being treated at the site. The development and expansion of the hospital continued in 1867, when a third building was added; the new asylum block was called Hermitage Block. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Further expansion took place between 1867 and 1872 with the building of the third asylum block (also known as the New Building or Hermitage Block). An archive of administration documents, patients case notes and burial registers is held at the Centre for Kentish Studies.See also (6 and 9). It was erected between 1829 and 1833 on a site in Barming Heath, just to the west of Maidstone. Many of the terms that once accompanied them, such as "lunatic" or "imbecile" are also now deemed inappropriate. Maidstone is a town in Kent, England, of which it is the county town. 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. The Cross erected to the memory of all the persons buried here, and avenue of evergreen trees. [2], Detached Refractory Ward of St Andrew's House 2000, Detached Refractory Ward of St Andrew's House 2009, The word 'barmy' (meaning 'mad' or 'foolish') is popularly said to come from 'Barming' with allusion to the Hospital,[4][11] but the Oxford English Dictionary records that it stems from the Old English word 'barm' meaning 'froth on fermenting malt'.[12]. 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 For a round-up of the day's top stories direct to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter here. Wow, that would be absolutely fascinating if it is all down there. --Dover Undergroundhttp://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/john.vaughanICQ 158045463, ---Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).Version: 6.0.381 / Virus Database: 214 - Release Date: 02/08/02, "Nick Catford" wrote in messagenews:ake628$t9$1@newsg1.svr.pol.co.uk>. 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.". When they built the new housing estate off of queens road by oakwood park some of these tunnels were opened up altho they have all been filled in now. 22. St. Andrew's House, Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone, Kent.. Miscellaneous Material: Not applicable. I was recently going through all the old family files and saw that my Great Great nan was here. Located in Barming Heath, it opened its doors in 1833, admitting its first 168 patients. Initially, his complaints were rejected, so he and another nurse put together a list of 70 occasions when patients were abused, neglected and degraded. now doesn't that just makepurfect sense? 10X. This place is literally five minutes from me- I live up the road from the old asylum site which is now houses. Initially it comprised a central unit with projecting E and W wings, with a detached chapel and blocks to the N. Many more buildings added by 1908, the asylum cemetery and chapel now on the S side of Oakapple Lane. As a precaution some 340 patients have been moved, 132 to other hospitals. Archaeological Evaluation Report.. 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. Im up that way for college And if there is tunnels around that way i would like to check them out. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. This building work seems to have led to a redevelopment of the hospital with new centralised offices and workshops, and the hospital farm, located between the three wings, moving to the north of the site. still interesting though. [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 locations of said tunnels are rumoured to be linked and leading to: Preston Hall Hospital, Oakwood Hospital, and Mote House. The Program acknowledged that this closure would accelerate the strategic objective of vacating the total site. The Oakwood Hospital was originally founded as the "Kent County Lunatic Asylum". It couldn't be simpler and it takes seconds - simply press here, enter your email address and follow the instructions. Do you have A loctaion where abouts of tonbridge road. There has been a very thorough job done this time but I think it's only amatter of time before it's opened up again. You said at the time that you had been down there and the air was OK. Buildings of England: West Kent and the Weald. (Unpublished document). 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. Romania: Castles, Ruins, and Medieval Villages, Iceland in Summer: Journey Through a Fabled Land, Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: Mokele-Mbembe, Accidental Discoveries: A Celebration of Historical Mistakes, Antiques and Their Afterlives: Stories from the Collection of Ryan and Regina Cohn, Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: Satanists, Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tale Writing With Anca Szilgyi, Gourds Gone Wild: Growing and Crafting Gourds With Gourdlandia, Playing Ancient Games: History & Mythology With John Bucher, Secrets of Tarot Reading: History & Practice With T. Susan Chang, Why 18th-Century Scots Performed Mock Human Sacrifices Over Cake. It even had an asylum farm. In 1850 an additional building, known as The Queen's House, was built on newly acquired land at the site. I travelled through Moat Park daily for five or six years andmy mother still lives within half a mile. And we have a specialist Facebook group covering traffic and travel across the south east, where we provide the latest updates from any incidents on the roads or trains. There's something more worthwhile under Ramsgate, if that's within yourrange. You can also sign up to our website and comment on our stories by pressing here and signing in. Oakwood Hospital RCHME Historic Buildings Report. <8> Not applicable, SMR Kent uncatalogued index entry, Arch desk based assessment of land at Barming Heath, Lawson-Price Environmental, 1995. At 10:00, the tower collapsed, killing three firemen, two nursing staff, the hospital printer and a patient and injuring a number of people. 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. It was in the 1970s when it achieved national notoriety, after university researcher Brian Ankers, who was employed there as a nursing assistant, raised concerns about abuse and neglect of patients. The injured, none of whom were patients, are progressing satisfactorily. 1990. The block had been gutted but a 120-foot (37 m) tall ventilation tower seemed to have survived unscathed. 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. But there was in fact another similar establishment in the county which holds its very own tragic story. 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. https://www.asylumprojects.org/index.php?title=Oakwood_Hospital&oldid=25723. Kent County Lunatic Asylum (Oakwood Hospital) - Maidstone, England "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. Queen's House, Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone DTS. Oakwood Hospital in Barming Heath near Maidstone, England was a psychiatric hospital founded in 1833 as the Kent County Lunatic Asylum. JavaScript is disabled. The Queen's House was sold off in April 1997 and was soon then turned into residential use. And I hear Persimmon (or whoever it was) lost a digger in a large hole while they were developing the new houses. 1998. Nick CatfordKent Underground Research Group (one of my other hats). "Near this entrance is the waiting room for visitors, and the approaches to all parts of the buildings. It opened in 1878, initially for 560 youngsters aged five to 16. The Kent County Lunatic Asylum opened in Barming Heath in 1833. You are using an out of date browser. [2] St Andrew's House,[7] the Queen's House,[8] the Beeches (formerly the Superintendent's House),[9] and the two lodges[10] were all Grade II listed buildings and so were all subsequently converted for residential use. The hospital was finally closed in 1994, with Maidstone Hospital taking up its remaining services. The building was. junio 12, 2022. keyboard shortcut to check a checkbox in word . Unfortunately also blocked! 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. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. Due to arson attacks during this time, the decision was made to demolish the Hermitage Block and other out-buildings. <2> RCHME, 1990, Oakwood Hospital RCHME Historic Buildings Report (Unpublished document). But tragedy struck on November 29, 1952 after a fire broke out. 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. Oakwood Hospital - Asylum Projects Whether they exist orare accessible? Exploring Kent's Past - Kent County Council 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. He died in 1809 but the asylum continued to be run by his son, George. The lost asylums of Kent Construction on the Maidstone Hospital began in 1980 and was completed in 1982/1983. Oakwood provided acute, specialty, primary and preventative care services, with four acute care hospitals and more than 50 outpatient facilities, 9,000 employees and 1,300 physicians. Free parking is available in St Andrews Road, where the gatehouse and entrance to the gardens can be found. The Darenth Asylum and Schools was built for "imbecile children" at the instruction of the Metropolitan Asylums Board. A tunnel from the local asylum to county hall? Trying to find the right nursery, school, college, university or training provider in Kent or Medway? Six pumps attended and the 350 patients in that wing were evacuated. Barming, Maidstone Borough, Kent, England - *Estimated location. I've done lots of walks around town. Construction on the Maidstone Hospital began in 1980 and was completed in 1982/1983. Hide this ad by donating or subscribing ! SMR Kent uncatalogued index entry. Unpublished document: Oxford Archaeology. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone, Kent. Construction on the Maidstone Hospital began in 1980 and was completed in 1982/1983. About the same time a small chapel was built for the needs of the staff and patients just to the south of Queens House. Oakwood Hospital St Andrews Rd Maidstone, designed by John Whichcord Snr 1830. It may not display this or other websites correctly. This would lead to a reduction in patient numbers and a phasing out of functions to other hospitals. Oakwood Park, Maidstone. Kent County Lunatic Asylum (Oakwood Hospital). The story of Maidstone's Oakwood Hospital - Kent's forgotten lunatic You must log in or register to reply here. Hospital Records| Details - The National Archives More buildings were added over the years, although the manor house is among the structures to have been demolished. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Further extensions were added over the next few decades, as well as the construction of a third asylum block, the Hermitage Block, by 1872, reports Asylum Projects. <3> Oxford Archaeological Unit, 1998, Queen's House, Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone DTS (Unpublished document). St Andrew's House, Oakwood Hospital, Maidstone, Kent.