Report - Babies Castle, Hawkhurst, 19/1/07

[jackal]

Visited with monk and twisted.

Babies Castle was opened in 1886 as a Dr Barnardo's home for orphan and destitute children. It closed in 1965 and turned into an adult care centre.
I think it closed down for good in the late 90's and has now been purchased by private developers to be turned into swanky flats.

We first found this place in 2005 but only managed to get a few pictures due to the arrival of a van load of gyppo's who thought it would be a good idea to start kicking in the solid oak doors to see what they could help themselves to.
There was only a couple of original features left in there. one of them being a marble plaque built into the wall of the main entrance. Not any f**king more its not! Nailed down, bricked in, it don't matter,if a pikie wants it....


Back in the day

With plaque

Without plaque

pikie pipe stripping HQ.

some lovely suitcases.

Kitchen.

gravity defying beer cans.

 

[monk]

Re: Babies Castle, Hawkhurst, 19/1/07 REPORT

Was gutted on our return to find the place so smashed up and the plaque gone as it was kind of the heart of the building.I can only imagine that back in its hay days this building had some amazing features but due to it being turned into a adult care center they were lost to mdf and other modern features.
Highlights for me was finding the out door swiming pool as we missed this some how on our first trip in daylight :crazy

the front

castle like features

safe

main staircase

was in the luandry

laundry

nice swiming pool

 

[twisted]

Re: Babies Castle, Hawkhurst, 19/1/07 REPORT

Managed to get rid of kids and join monk & jackal on this one.
Was sad to see it in this state after our first visit.
Last time we were here i was confronted by the pikeys outside while monk & jackal were inside,they asked where the other 2 were ,trying to keep my nerve and not look scared i replied, in there, what for? was the sharp reply erm... just looking about , they gave me and my car the once over and left me alone,, phew
A few of mine ..

work shop

fire place now gone to the pikeys

kitchen {the floor was coverd in greese}

wash basin

babys doll

xmas decoration