Eastry Hospital
Architect William Spanton – Workhouse part
Opened 1835 Infirmary opened 1871
Patients 500 (as a workhouse)
Closed Final closure 1997
Other Known as Eastry Institution between 1930 - 1948
Eastry was originally part of the Gilbert Union formed in 1782 as part of the ‘Gilbert Act’. This provided a variety of powers to help the elderly infirm and children as a workhouse. It was designed on a model which was used throughout Kent workhouses at the time. A chapel was built opposite the original main building and an infirmary was added in 1871
When the NHS was formed in 1948 it became known as Eastry hospital and catered
for those with learning difficulties. Closure seems to have started in some parts according to records in 1990 with the last part closing in 1997 according to the local council.
Considering how long it has been closed it seems to have stood the test of time pretty well, there is evidence of people getting in there and trashing the place but 
generally it was a nice and quiet explore. The “wards” are very strange looking more like connecting corridors with very little space. The main building has a strange segmented layout with what seems to be staircases everywhere!!
The main hall type structure is bare with few architectural features but has some awesome 1970’s wall paper!
According to parish news the site is now up for sale and part of the site will need to
be retained as it is in a conservation area, a recommendation of up to 40 houses on the site is the local councils ideal. Whatever happens I really hope that they keep the church.