Normansfield
Architect ?
Patients ?
Closed 1997
Other Downs syndrome takes its name from the founder of this hospital Jon Langdon Down.
A fantastically ornate theatre is on the site built by Rowland Plumbe in 1879 and was used for therapeutic and recreational pursuits by the patients.
Open days are sometimes held to see the interior of the Theatre.
On a bright sunny day after paying a visit to another asylum with a few fellow explorers we decided to check out Normansfield.
Most of the original area of the farm of the former hospital for imbeciles and idiots had been sold off to a housing company and small if modernly ornate flats had been built. Parking non to discreetly among the cars of upper suburbia we went to have a look.
From what information I could find; the section of this hospital which is empty was due to be turned into flats but the money ran out before it could be
completed. In the grounds stands a very ornate sales office which shocked me a bit after going over the wall!
What strikes you most about the building is the ornateness of it all after venturing into several so called ‘pauper’ asylums the former private asylum of Normansfield has a more expensive look and feel to it.
The clock tower still has the clock working within it and believe it of not it still works and goes BONG… which shocked us all!
The whole building is extremely opulent from the ceiling to the staircase and the fantastic conservatory.
Normansfield Tour Gallery