šļø Building Overview
- Name: St. James Hospital
- Location: Locksway Road, Milton, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK
- Year Built: 1879
- Architectural Style: Gothic Revival, Victorian-era design, featuring red-brick facades, decorative stonework, and a rare double pavilion layout.
- Current Status: Abandoned, with some buildings in disrepair, others potentially slated for redevelopment.
š History
St. James Hospital was originally established in 1879 as a mental health asylum to serve Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. Over the years, the hospital expanded its facilities and adapted its functions to meet changing healthcare needs.
- Important Events:
- 1879 - Opened as a psychiatric hospital.
- 1914ā1918 - Used as a military hospital during WWI.
- 1939ā1945 - Provided mental health services during WWII; some parts were repurposed for general medical care.
- 1960sā1970s - Expanded and modernized as mental health treatments evolved.
- 1990s - Gradual closure of facilities as mental health care moved to community-based approaches.
- [Insert closure date] - Officially closed and left vacant, with some portions of the site falling into disrepair.
š° About the Building
St. James Hospital is an example of Victorian institutional architecture, with a mix of large, red-brick buildings, arched windows double pavilion layout, and expansive grounds. Key structures include the main hospital block, a chapel, various outbuildings, and connecting corridors designed to minimize outdoor exposure.
- Current State: Although several buildings remain structurally intact, many areas show signs of weathering and neglect. Some areas are severely damaged, while others still retain their original architectural details, including tiled floors, ironwork, and high ceilings. Over the years, urban explorers have documented graffiti, remnants of hospital furniture, and other artifacts left behind.
š Location
- Coordinates: 50.7956Ā° N, 1.0493Ā° W
- Nearby Landmarks:
- Milton Park
- Langstone Harbour
- Eastney Esplanade
š Useful Links