Long Grove Hospital: The History of a London County Council Asylum
Long Grove Hospital began as a response to the growing need for psychiatric care in London. Commissioned by the London County Council, it served as the fourth institution within the Epsom Cluster of Hospitals, a group of facilities designed to provide mental health services away from the urban center. From its origins as a massive construction project to its eventual transition into residential housing, the site reflects the evolving approach to mental health and public safety in the 20th century.
Construction and Design
The facility was designed by architect George Thomas Hine. To expedite the development process and secure faster approval from the Commissioners in Lunacy, Hine utilized existing plans from other asylums rather than creating a entirely new design. This efficiency allowed the project to move quickly into the construction phase.
The scale of construction was immense. In 1905, the building contractor, Forster & Dicksee, employed approximately 1,100 men. About 900 of these workers were recruited from the unemployed population of London and transported daily from Waterloo via special trains. To support the workforce, the contractor paid half of their 4 shilling (20 pence) return fare. To facilitate the movement of building materials and later hospital supplies, the Horton Light Railway was constructed, linking Long Grove with other hospitals on the estate.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Architectural Layout
The hospital opened as Long Grove Asylum in 1907. Its layout featured a central axis of service buildings, which included the administration block, kitchens, a main store, and a recreation hall flanked by male and female staff blocks. Following the social norms of the era, workplaces were gender-segregated; the boiler house, workshops, and laundry were positioned according to the respective workforces.
The main complex was designed for accessibility, utilizing a large arc of corridor that linked all wards via radiating corridors. The grounds also housed a detached chapel, an isolation hospital, senior staff and official housing, and specific blocks for the infirmary and parole.
The Mental Health Facility and the Typhoid Unit
Over the decades, the institution underwent several name changes, becoming Long Grove Mental Hospital in 1918 and Long Grove Hospital in 1937. In 1948, it was integrated into the National Health Service (NHS).
One of the most controversial aspects of the hospital's history was its secure isolation unit. Between 1907 and 1992, at least 43 female typhoid carriers from the London area were detained here without parole. Although these women had recovered from the disease, they were classified as public health risks because they continued to host and excrete the bacteria.
The protocols within this unit were extreme: staff wore surgical gowns and masks at all times and underwent decontamination when entering or leaving. To minimize infection risks, all toilets were flushed with boiling water. Despite the introduction of antibiotics in the 1950s, many women remained detained, potentially due to deteriorating mental health caused by their long-term incarceration. A 2008 BBC investigation later alleged that these women were kept in "prison-like conditions" unnecessarily.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Notable Patients
Throughout its operation, Long Grove hosted several high-profile individuals, including:
- George Pelham (1939): A man known for surviving the sinking of two ships, including the RMS Titanic.
- Josef Hassid (1943): A Polish violin prodigy.
- Ronnie Kray (1957): One of the infamous Kray twins.
Decline and Redevelopment
The hospital's role diminished in the 1980s following the introduction of Care in the Community, a policy shift moving patients from large institutions to local community-based care. Long Grove Hospital officially closed its doors in 1992.
Following the closure, most of the original buildings were demolished. However, some structures were preserved and converted into apartments as part of a new residential development called Clarendon Park. The surrounding landscaped grounds were partially preserved and are now integrated into the Horton Country Park.
Key Facts
- Opened: 1907 as Long Grove Asylum.
- Architect: George Thomas Hine.
- Workforce: Peak construction in 1905 employed 1,100 men.
- Transport: Served by the Horton Light Railway for materials and supplies.
- Typhoid Unit: Detained at least 43 female carriers from 1907 to 1992.
- Closure: Closed in 1992 due to "Care in the Community" policies.
- Current State: Redeveloped into Clarendon Park and Horton Country Park.
| Year/Period | Event/Status | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1905 | Peak Construction | 1,100 workers; use of Horton Light Railway. |
| 1907 | Opening | Opened as Long Grove Asylum. |
| 1918 | Renaming | Became Long Grove Mental Hospital. |
| 1937 | Renaming | Became Long Grove Hospital. |
| 1948 | NHS Integration | Joined the National Health Service. |
| 1992 | Closure | Closed following Care in the Community shifts. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Long Grove Hospital?
The hospital was designed by George Thomas Hine, who used existing plans from other asylums to speed up the approval process with the Commissioners in Lunacy.
Why were women detained in the isolation unit?
At least 43 women were held because they were typhoid carriers. Despite recovering from the illness, they continued to excrete the bacteria and were deemed a public health risk.
What happened to the hospital buildings after 1992?
Most buildings were demolished, but some were converted into apartments within the Clarendon Park development. The grounds now form part of Horton Country Park.
Who were some of the famous patients at Long Grove?
Notable patients included RMS Titanic survivor George Pelham, Polish violin prodigy Josef Hassid, and Ronnie Kray.
How did workers get to the site during construction?
Around 900 workers were brought from London to the site daily via special trains from Waterloo, with the contractor paying half of their return fare.