I know this one’s been done loads of times, to the point that I originally didn’t think it was worth the 3+ hour drive to go see it. However I found myself with plenty of spare time in December so decided I’d make a day of it……..and I’m glad I did.
I know there’s loads of reports and pictures already so nothing new to see but I find it’s nice to see the old favourites pop up now and again.
A brief history
The Mid Wales Hospital, originally the Brecon and Radnor Joint Counties Lunatic Asylum was a psychiatric hospital in Talgarth, Wales
It was opened on March 18, 1903 and like other asylums of that time it was designed to be self-sufficient, and had its own private water, electricity, heating and sewerage systems. They also produced food for the hospital from the hospital farm.
There was a large recreation and dining hall, kitchens and workshops where the patients were encouraged to spend their time. There was even a tailor, bakery, shoe-maker and printing shops as well as 8 acres of market gardens.
In July 1940 the hospital was given over to military use and most of the patients were transferred to other Welsh mental hospitals until it was returned to civilian use in 1947.
In 1948 the hospital became part of the National Health Service which brought a number of innovations, including art and occupational therapy and the integration of the sexes, who had previously occupied opposite sides of the hospital.
The hospital has been used for many different things including a College of Nursing and Midwifery and the Powys Drugs & Alcohol Council for substance misuse.
With the introduction of Care in the Community and changing attitudes towards mental healthcare, the hospital finally closed in 1999.
The site was controversially (there were allegations of dodgy dealings in the sale overseen by a welsh MP) sold to the former Chief Medical Officer for just £355,000 who redeveloped the site as a business park. However, due to the site's isolated location the venture failed and only one or two businesses remained.
Throughout the site there are signs that demolition work had started. And many of the original slates (believed to be worth in excess of £1 million) have been stripped from the roofs.
It has now been left to rot away and many of its original features have either been stolen or have just crumbled away.
There is some excellent reading/photographic content on the county asylums site, link below:
www.countyasylums.co.uk
The explore
After a long drive and a quick drive up to the front of the hospital to see how the land lay I decided the best route in would be via the rear. I’d read a number of reports commenting on the locals and specifically an old farmer who is happy to scream abuse at any hint of urban explorers in the vicinity. I did notice plenty of farm activity on the visit and at one point had to take cover for a while as an older guy was poking around outside….better to avoid confrontation I thought.
My means of entry was attracting much more attention than I’d envisioned…..and not in a way I’d planned!
View attachment
The hall with half stripped slates clearly shows the difference between what Talgarth is and what it could have been if preserved more, yes it’s falling in on itself, most of upstairs isnt safe but I hope there is a future in some capacity for at least some of the buildings, if for nothing else to honour those that sacrificed their time to build and work here.
I prefer Denbigh over Talgarth for what it’s worth, but both are worth the visit I’d say.
Thanks for looking.
I know there’s loads of reports and pictures already so nothing new to see but I find it’s nice to see the old favourites pop up now and again.
A brief history
The Mid Wales Hospital, originally the Brecon and Radnor Joint Counties Lunatic Asylum was a psychiatric hospital in Talgarth, Wales
It was opened on March 18, 1903 and like other asylums of that time it was designed to be self-sufficient, and had its own private water, electricity, heating and sewerage systems. They also produced food for the hospital from the hospital farm.
There was a large recreation and dining hall, kitchens and workshops where the patients were encouraged to spend their time. There was even a tailor, bakery, shoe-maker and printing shops as well as 8 acres of market gardens.
In July 1940 the hospital was given over to military use and most of the patients were transferred to other Welsh mental hospitals until it was returned to civilian use in 1947.
In 1948 the hospital became part of the National Health Service which brought a number of innovations, including art and occupational therapy and the integration of the sexes, who had previously occupied opposite sides of the hospital.
The hospital has been used for many different things including a College of Nursing and Midwifery and the Powys Drugs & Alcohol Council for substance misuse.
With the introduction of Care in the Community and changing attitudes towards mental healthcare, the hospital finally closed in 1999.
The site was controversially (there were allegations of dodgy dealings in the sale overseen by a welsh MP) sold to the former Chief Medical Officer for just £355,000 who redeveloped the site as a business park. However, due to the site's isolated location the venture failed and only one or two businesses remained.
Throughout the site there are signs that demolition work had started. And many of the original slates (believed to be worth in excess of £1 million) have been stripped from the roofs.
It has now been left to rot away and many of its original features have either been stolen or have just crumbled away.
There is some excellent reading/photographic content on the county asylums site, link below:
Mid Wales Hospital, Talgarth - County Asylums
Mid Wales Hospital, Talgarth formerly Brecon and Radnor Joint Counties Lunatic Asylum. Designed by Giles, Gough and Trollope to a compacy arrow plan.
www.countyasylums.co.uk
The explore
After a long drive and a quick drive up to the front of the hospital to see how the land lay I decided the best route in would be via the rear. I’d read a number of reports commenting on the locals and specifically an old farmer who is happy to scream abuse at any hint of urban explorers in the vicinity. I did notice plenty of farm activity on the visit and at one point had to take cover for a while as an older guy was poking around outside….better to avoid confrontation I thought.
My means of entry was attracting much more attention than I’d envisioned…..and not in a way I’d planned!
View attachment
The hall with half stripped slates clearly shows the difference between what Talgarth is and what it could have been if preserved more, yes it’s falling in on itself, most of upstairs isnt safe but I hope there is a future in some capacity for at least some of the buildings, if for nothing else to honour those that sacrificed their time to build and work here.
I prefer Denbigh over Talgarth for what it’s worth, but both are worth the visit I’d say.
Thanks for looking.
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