History
The 300-acre (1.2 km2) site housed some 2000 patients and was based on the "Echelon plan" - a specific arrangement of wards, offices and services within easy reach of each other by a network of interconnecting corridors. This meant that staff were able to operate around the site without the need to go outside in bad weather.
The hospital closed as a psychiatric hospital in the early 1990's following the closure of other psychiatric institutions. However, a small section remained open until 20 March 1997 for the treatment of elderly patients suffering from the effects of serious stroke, as a temporary building for the nearby Colchester General Hospital which was in the process of building an entire new building for these patients. Since 1997 the remaining structures have changed little. Architecturally the site remains an excellent example of a specific asylum plan.
VISIT
Had a tour guide for this one which I would say helped tremendously with getting to the hotspots, You know who you are..
Spent a while in there wondering when our time was up, luckily Michael's day off and when we were due to leave got caught by a nice Gurkha Security guard (I must attract them I think)
After the usual pleasantries we were in the car and heading for some food and a beer or two (thanks bassboyjoe for driving this time)
The 300-acre (1.2 km2) site housed some 2000 patients and was based on the "Echelon plan" - a specific arrangement of wards, offices and services within easy reach of each other by a network of interconnecting corridors. This meant that staff were able to operate around the site without the need to go outside in bad weather.
The hospital closed as a psychiatric hospital in the early 1990's following the closure of other psychiatric institutions. However, a small section remained open until 20 March 1997 for the treatment of elderly patients suffering from the effects of serious stroke, as a temporary building for the nearby Colchester General Hospital which was in the process of building an entire new building for these patients. Since 1997 the remaining structures have changed little. Architecturally the site remains an excellent example of a specific asylum plan.
VISIT
Had a tour guide for this one which I would say helped tremendously with getting to the hotspots, You know who you are..
Spent a while in there wondering when our time was up, luckily Michael's day off and when we were due to leave got caught by a nice Gurkha Security guard (I must attract them I think)
After the usual pleasantries we were in the car and heading for some food and a beer or two (thanks bassboyjoe for driving this time)
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