Asylum

The Kent County Lunatic Asylum was opened in 1833 at a site on Barming Heath just outside of Maidstone.

The photos in this collection show the second asylum building (Queen’s House) as it was following the closure of the hospital and standing derelict for many years. In the late 1990s the building was converted into residential use.

The video opens by recalling the fire that occurred on Friday 29 November 1957 at 6:40am. The fire brigade were called and had the fire under control by 7:30am. While hospital staff and the fire brigade were inspecting the damage, the central tower collapsed at about 9:50am. Tragically six people were killed.

With thanks to Oxford Archaeology.

And with thanks to Morrissey, who provides the music.

Duration : 0:3:21

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