Visited with Ella.
I have been here before a few years ago but was disappointed with my photos so as we were visiting the area we decided to go, plus Ella hadn’t been there before.
Took us a while to find entry and it’s really muddy as there’s the builders main yard there, thankfully no one working that day. Am disappointed i didn’t see any of the little delivery robots 😂 We didn’t go to the bit at the back as it’s all stripped out to bare brick.
History -
St Crispin Hospital
Previous Names: Northampton County Lunatic Asylum, Berry Wood Asylum, Northampton Mental Hospital
Principal Architect: Robert Griffiths
Layout: Corridor Plan
Opened: 1876
Closed: 1995
Before the opening of the St Crispin Hospital in 1876, the paupers of Northampton were admitted to the Northampton General Asylum to the East of Northampton. With the Lunacy Commission pushing for every county to have their own asylum and not send paupers out to other Asylums, this arrangement was deemed unworthy and the county encourage to build their own premises. The county purchased land at the small village of Berrywood, and the asylum was founded shortly after in 1873 and was designed by Robert Griffiths. The construction took three years and was opened in 1876 to the paupers who were living interned at the Northampton General Asylum.
The new asylum was built to exploit its position, with extensive views to the south overlooking open farmland t and protected to the north by Berry Wood itself, part of the owned land and providing a visual buffer from the village and road. The grounds incorporated a large farm complex, gas works, burial ground, a number of cottages for attendants and other estate staff, large residences for the superintendent, farm bailiff, head gardener, chaplain and steward. The main building was built to a variation of the corridor-pavilion plan and consisted of two major patient’s blocks on either side of the central services and hall, and linked only by single storey corridors and open metal walkways at upper levels – these were later enclosed.
The design reflected the architect, Robert Griffiths – previous work at the Macclesfield Asylum, Cheshire by placing the blocks for acute and generalised cases forward of the building line where they would receive the most light and air, linked behind these were the infirmary wards and flanking the main ward blocks were the blocks for chronic and difficult patients, being positioned here to provide access to their place of work.
By 1884, and completed in 1887 were further extensions, creating a new block for idiot and imbecile children adjacent to the female wing and blocks for epileptics on either side of the main block. A reservoir and fire station, stable yard and an isolation hospital with a distinctive pyramidal roofline were constructed to the north of the site. A stone chapel and mortuary were also constructed to the east.
During World War One, the hospital was commandeered by the military for use, and because of this, a large number of photographs are available. With the end of the war the buildings were returned and the return of the patient population. A change of name from asylum to mental hospital was to mark another period of growth and extension in the 1930’s. These were the construction of a new nurse’s home, refurbishment of some of the staff residences, a new admission hospital with two villas for male and female convalescent patients, sited on an adjacent site, away from the main complex.
Following World War Two, the hospital transferred to the newly formed NHS and the hospital then reached its maximum population. This also saw further extension to the site, with two more female working patient villas being constructed in 1954. The grounds to the south of the hospital farm was developed for mental handicap services during the early 1970’s and was to be one of the last major long stay facilities of it’s kind in England. Named the Princess Marina hospital, it provided a home for a number of Northampton patients. Some facilities, particularly the laundry, were centralised and expanded at St. Crispin. A social club for staff was sited close to a remodelled entrance onto Berrywood Road. St. Crispin Hospital briefly entered the news when a fire killed a six patients who were resident on Shuster Ward, within the main building.
The hospital finally closed in 1995 and a couple of buildings are currently standing derelict with most of the site having been converted. A housing estate has been built on the lands that were cleared around the main building and a new mental health facility is being built on part of the site. As with many of these buildings, the developer has built a large number of new homes on the site and not concentrated on preserving the listed buildings.
A cemetery was found to the north east of the site. It is unclear how many burials took place but clearing of the site found gravestones dated up to 1966.
While it was operating, several patients were kept and subjected to unthinkable treatments, and some even died.
According to records, MA was admitted into St Crispin's on February 5 1889. She was just six years old. Her notes are brief, and claim that she was taken to St Crispin's because of a diagnosis of "idiocy".
In 1886, the Idiots Act enabled the building of “idiot asylums” or “mental deficiency colonies”. But "idiocy" was blanket term for several learning disabilities which we now know as conditions such as ADHD and dyslexia.
M would have been held in a block built in 1887 as a result of this Idiots Act, next to the female wing at St Crispin's. She tragically died at the asylum less than nine months after her admission, on November 1 1889.
The cause of her death is not noted, however it is unlikely that the child died from "idiocy", but poor-hygiene and abuse are more likely to be the cause. Not only was there no running water, no circulating air and no heat in these asylums, but cruel attendants would often beat or even kill inmates, sometimes in front of other patients.
This would have been the sad truth for many patients like M admitted during this time.
Just a few years older than M was S who was admitted to St Crispin's in 1882 at the age of 13.
His notes reveal that the teenager had sustained a "supposed cause injury to head" and had a form of "mental disease idiocy". S was a labourer's son with a "bad" prognosis. This could mean that, while working with his father, he'd been involved in an industrial accident which, being from a working class family, he couldn't afford the treatment for.
Head trauma can result in concussion, the symptoms of which can be confusion, sickness and memory loss, all of which could have been taken as signs of mental illness and resulted in his referral to St Crispin's.
There were a variety of therapies used in asylums in the 19th century, including moral therapy. This program evolved in the hospitals and encouraged patients to work in trades they knew before they were admitted into the facility. There is no comment in S’s record that states when he died or where, but unfortunately it was more common than not, that patients died in the asylum.
On 5 September 1901, St Crispin became the home of J J a 41-year-old described in his notes as "demented", "restless" and "resistive". He suffered from hallucinations and a refusal to eat, both of which we now know to be symptoms of schizophrenia, paraphrenia, additions and trauma to the brain, such as a tumour.
His weight was 8st 4lbs, and his hallucinations were allegedly of seeing "Devils in his bed". He was covered in bruises, scratches and was in a "poor condition" as he was refusing to eat. Sadly for J, schizophrenia was not a medical term used until ten years after his referral to St Crispin's by a Swiss psychiatrist, Eugen Bleuler, and eating disorders were also unheard of in the medical world.
Without the proper medication and treatment, J would have declined and it can be assumed he died from starvation even though it is not noted on his record. He did in fact die in the asylum, although the date was not revealed.
Historically, those with epilepsy have been some of the most shunned and degraded members of society. The illness, which can cause convulsions, seizures and erratic behaviour, was often mistaken for aggression or possession, and many believe that it was seriously contagious. Inmates in asylums with this illness would be restrained and bound.
H A who arrived at St Crispin's on September 26 1912 was just 12-years-old, and was diagnosed with epilepsy. Between the years 1861 to 1900, 65 per cent of patients suffering from epilepsy died in asylums, and this was the same for H. Just six week after his admission, he died. H most likely died from a seizure and lack of proper medication to treat his condition.
Today, those diagnosed with epilepsy would not see a psychiatric specialist but would be treated at a general hospital.
S A C admitted 14 May 1886 age 28, single, domestic servant, supposed cause - religion. Previously a patient 1882-4. Unable to answer questions rationally, hears voices, not aware of her surroundings and appears to have only a glimmering recollection of previous time there. Form of mental disease: dementia. Prognosis Bad. A long term patient.
By March 1890 it was noted that she is always idle and often excited. Oct 29 1890 - looking pale and ill and has weak heart. Dec 13. Noted - this woman does not seem to alter much one way or other. Feb. 1891 Has been getting up for the full day but still looks feeble. Nov 1 1891. Restless last night and got out of bed and walked down the corridors. When returned she was exhausted but revived after stimulant. Is inclined to be purged today. Nov 3 Purged last night three times. Nov 11 Gradually sank and died this morning in the presence of the nurse. Notice of death attached to page – cause given as Phthisis or tuberculosis.
E C admitted 24 March 1887 aged 19, single, Congregationalist, was discharged two years ago. Is incoherent in her conversation and restless, does not sleep and is violent. She is the same fat, squat little girl that she was in her former residence here. She is too noisy for any examination of the chest to be made. She is conscious of her position and recognises officers who were here during her former time. For the rest of April it reports that she looks exhausted and it is due to fits.
May 21 Has become very deathly looking, has wide, vacant eyes, unable to speak.
May 23rd Sank and died at 6.50 last evening with nurse in attendance. Notice of death states that a post mortem took place and three tuberculor tumours were found in her brain.
S S admitted 7 February 1880 aged 32, was sentenced to fourteen days hard labour for running away from workhouse with Union clothes on. Form of mental disease: Dementia:
State on admission: Expression of countenance and manner both denote imbecility. Is generally talking to himself and incoherently complains of not having enough food in prison and has come here to get more. His great weakness appears to be a constant need for food.
J D admitted 25 Nov 1880 aged 18, was apprehended on charge of larceny and had another charge against him – namely an attempt to upset a train. Medical certificate: Criminal.
E T admitted 27 February 1886, age 40, with previous admissions, is of clean habits, is suffering from melancholia, her prognosis is favourable. A woman of average height and build with fair hair and blue eyes. She is pale and anaemic and looks weak. Legs are somewhat swollen. Ordered hot milk and whisky after a warm bath. She is in a very depressed state and talks in a moaning miserable type of voice. No delusions. After a week she is busying herself about the ward and looking better. May 20 1886 – discharged recovered and left the Asylum.
Northamptonshire Record Office holds the records of the Northampton County Lunatic Asylum, otherwise known as Berrywood, and later called St Crispin Hospital.
Please note that all records under 100 years old are held on restricted access due to Data Protection Regulations and any enquiries regarding these restricted records should be directed to Northamptonshire Archives who may be able to assist. There may be a charge for this.
Previously pauper lunatics had been taken in by the Northampton General Lunatic Asylum, close to Northampton, just off the Billing Road, which had opened in 1838. By the late 1860s it was considered too small and in 1870 the Commissioners in Lunacy recommended that they county build a separate asylum for pauper patients. It was opened on 30 June 1876 with 61 male and 54 female patients. It was located in the parish of Upton to the west of the town. The General Lunatic Asylum, having become a purely private asylum, changed its name to St. Andrew’s Hospital. It still functions today as the largest and one of the most prestigious independent psychiatric hospitals in the country.
The asylum was turned into the Duston War Hospital in October 1915 and the patients were dispersed to other asylums, returning in November 1919. By 1940 the hospital was able to accommodate 1,066 patients. After the War the asylum became known as the County Mental Hospital. The hospital was nationalized following the introduction of the NHS in 1948. It finally closed in 1995.
As well as records relating to the management of the Hospital, including the work of the Management Committee and its various sub-committees, the Committee of Visitors, the Treasurer, Medical Superintendent, Tutor, Chaplain and Farm Bailiff, they also hold records relating to the nursing staff, such as wage books, and to the patients. Below are the details of the admission registers and case books available.
Admission Registers provide details of the sex, status, occupation, abode, chargeable and certifying authority, form of disorder and cause, bodily condition, duration of attack and date of discharge, and the removal or death of patients. The Record Office has the following:
▪ Registers of admissions (pauper) for 1876-1891 and 1897-1906
▪ Registers of admissions (private) for 1876-1906
(there are additional records, see below, but access is restricted)
Case books provide the following information: details of patients on admission - followed by a day to day report of the patient. Photographs of patients on admission, from 1900, and also on discharge (if applicable).
The Record Office has the following case books:
▪ Female case books (14 volumes) covering the years 1876-1911
▪ Male case books (13 volumes) covering the years 1876 – 1910 (there are additional records, see below, but access is restricted)
Volunteers have indexed the majority of the Case books and an index to the names, age, condition and disorder, and discharge or death details are noted. The place is generally the Poor Law Union which arranged the admittance rather than the parish that the person lived in.
On admittance, a description is given of the patient and their mental state. Some patients are obviously suffering from dementia, Down’s syndrome, autism or have mental impairment but these conditions were not so well understood at that time. Please bear in mind that the description of the patient and their mental state are of the period and not necessarily those that we would consider using today.
In 1977, St Crispin’s Hospital and it’s mortuary were chosen by the BBC as a filming location for the six part Dr. Who series The Talons of Weng-Chiang, along with the nearby Northampton Theatre Royal and the City Buildings.
I have been here before a few years ago but was disappointed with my photos so as we were visiting the area we decided to go, plus Ella hadn’t been there before.
Took us a while to find entry and it’s really muddy as there’s the builders main yard there, thankfully no one working that day. Am disappointed i didn’t see any of the little delivery robots 😂 We didn’t go to the bit at the back as it’s all stripped out to bare brick.
History -
St Crispin Hospital
Previous Names: Northampton County Lunatic Asylum, Berry Wood Asylum, Northampton Mental Hospital
Principal Architect: Robert Griffiths
Layout: Corridor Plan
Opened: 1876
Closed: 1995
Before the opening of the St Crispin Hospital in 1876, the paupers of Northampton were admitted to the Northampton General Asylum to the East of Northampton. With the Lunacy Commission pushing for every county to have their own asylum and not send paupers out to other Asylums, this arrangement was deemed unworthy and the county encourage to build their own premises. The county purchased land at the small village of Berrywood, and the asylum was founded shortly after in 1873 and was designed by Robert Griffiths. The construction took three years and was opened in 1876 to the paupers who were living interned at the Northampton General Asylum.
The new asylum was built to exploit its position, with extensive views to the south overlooking open farmland t and protected to the north by Berry Wood itself, part of the owned land and providing a visual buffer from the village and road. The grounds incorporated a large farm complex, gas works, burial ground, a number of cottages for attendants and other estate staff, large residences for the superintendent, farm bailiff, head gardener, chaplain and steward. The main building was built to a variation of the corridor-pavilion plan and consisted of two major patient’s blocks on either side of the central services and hall, and linked only by single storey corridors and open metal walkways at upper levels – these were later enclosed.
The design reflected the architect, Robert Griffiths – previous work at the Macclesfield Asylum, Cheshire by placing the blocks for acute and generalised cases forward of the building line where they would receive the most light and air, linked behind these were the infirmary wards and flanking the main ward blocks were the blocks for chronic and difficult patients, being positioned here to provide access to their place of work.
By 1884, and completed in 1887 were further extensions, creating a new block for idiot and imbecile children adjacent to the female wing and blocks for epileptics on either side of the main block. A reservoir and fire station, stable yard and an isolation hospital with a distinctive pyramidal roofline were constructed to the north of the site. A stone chapel and mortuary were also constructed to the east.
During World War One, the hospital was commandeered by the military for use, and because of this, a large number of photographs are available. With the end of the war the buildings were returned and the return of the patient population. A change of name from asylum to mental hospital was to mark another period of growth and extension in the 1930’s. These were the construction of a new nurse’s home, refurbishment of some of the staff residences, a new admission hospital with two villas for male and female convalescent patients, sited on an adjacent site, away from the main complex.
Following World War Two, the hospital transferred to the newly formed NHS and the hospital then reached its maximum population. This also saw further extension to the site, with two more female working patient villas being constructed in 1954. The grounds to the south of the hospital farm was developed for mental handicap services during the early 1970’s and was to be one of the last major long stay facilities of it’s kind in England. Named the Princess Marina hospital, it provided a home for a number of Northampton patients. Some facilities, particularly the laundry, were centralised and expanded at St. Crispin. A social club for staff was sited close to a remodelled entrance onto Berrywood Road. St. Crispin Hospital briefly entered the news when a fire killed a six patients who were resident on Shuster Ward, within the main building.
The hospital finally closed in 1995 and a couple of buildings are currently standing derelict with most of the site having been converted. A housing estate has been built on the lands that were cleared around the main building and a new mental health facility is being built on part of the site. As with many of these buildings, the developer has built a large number of new homes on the site and not concentrated on preserving the listed buildings.
A cemetery was found to the north east of the site. It is unclear how many burials took place but clearing of the site found gravestones dated up to 1966.
While it was operating, several patients were kept and subjected to unthinkable treatments, and some even died.
According to records, MA was admitted into St Crispin's on February 5 1889. She was just six years old. Her notes are brief, and claim that she was taken to St Crispin's because of a diagnosis of "idiocy".
In 1886, the Idiots Act enabled the building of “idiot asylums” or “mental deficiency colonies”. But "idiocy" was blanket term for several learning disabilities which we now know as conditions such as ADHD and dyslexia.
M would have been held in a block built in 1887 as a result of this Idiots Act, next to the female wing at St Crispin's. She tragically died at the asylum less than nine months after her admission, on November 1 1889.
The cause of her death is not noted, however it is unlikely that the child died from "idiocy", but poor-hygiene and abuse are more likely to be the cause. Not only was there no running water, no circulating air and no heat in these asylums, but cruel attendants would often beat or even kill inmates, sometimes in front of other patients.
This would have been the sad truth for many patients like M admitted during this time.
Just a few years older than M was S who was admitted to St Crispin's in 1882 at the age of 13.
His notes reveal that the teenager had sustained a "supposed cause injury to head" and had a form of "mental disease idiocy". S was a labourer's son with a "bad" prognosis. This could mean that, while working with his father, he'd been involved in an industrial accident which, being from a working class family, he couldn't afford the treatment for.
Head trauma can result in concussion, the symptoms of which can be confusion, sickness and memory loss, all of which could have been taken as signs of mental illness and resulted in his referral to St Crispin's.
There were a variety of therapies used in asylums in the 19th century, including moral therapy. This program evolved in the hospitals and encouraged patients to work in trades they knew before they were admitted into the facility. There is no comment in S’s record that states when he died or where, but unfortunately it was more common than not, that patients died in the asylum.
On 5 September 1901, St Crispin became the home of J J a 41-year-old described in his notes as "demented", "restless" and "resistive". He suffered from hallucinations and a refusal to eat, both of which we now know to be symptoms of schizophrenia, paraphrenia, additions and trauma to the brain, such as a tumour.
His weight was 8st 4lbs, and his hallucinations were allegedly of seeing "Devils in his bed". He was covered in bruises, scratches and was in a "poor condition" as he was refusing to eat. Sadly for J, schizophrenia was not a medical term used until ten years after his referral to St Crispin's by a Swiss psychiatrist, Eugen Bleuler, and eating disorders were also unheard of in the medical world.
Without the proper medication and treatment, J would have declined and it can be assumed he died from starvation even though it is not noted on his record. He did in fact die in the asylum, although the date was not revealed.
Historically, those with epilepsy have been some of the most shunned and degraded members of society. The illness, which can cause convulsions, seizures and erratic behaviour, was often mistaken for aggression or possession, and many believe that it was seriously contagious. Inmates in asylums with this illness would be restrained and bound.
H A who arrived at St Crispin's on September 26 1912 was just 12-years-old, and was diagnosed with epilepsy. Between the years 1861 to 1900, 65 per cent of patients suffering from epilepsy died in asylums, and this was the same for H. Just six week after his admission, he died. H most likely died from a seizure and lack of proper medication to treat his condition.
Today, those diagnosed with epilepsy would not see a psychiatric specialist but would be treated at a general hospital.
S A C admitted 14 May 1886 age 28, single, domestic servant, supposed cause - religion. Previously a patient 1882-4. Unable to answer questions rationally, hears voices, not aware of her surroundings and appears to have only a glimmering recollection of previous time there. Form of mental disease: dementia. Prognosis Bad. A long term patient.
By March 1890 it was noted that she is always idle and often excited. Oct 29 1890 - looking pale and ill and has weak heart. Dec 13. Noted - this woman does not seem to alter much one way or other. Feb. 1891 Has been getting up for the full day but still looks feeble. Nov 1 1891. Restless last night and got out of bed and walked down the corridors. When returned she was exhausted but revived after stimulant. Is inclined to be purged today. Nov 3 Purged last night three times. Nov 11 Gradually sank and died this morning in the presence of the nurse. Notice of death attached to page – cause given as Phthisis or tuberculosis.
E C admitted 24 March 1887 aged 19, single, Congregationalist, was discharged two years ago. Is incoherent in her conversation and restless, does not sleep and is violent. She is the same fat, squat little girl that she was in her former residence here. She is too noisy for any examination of the chest to be made. She is conscious of her position and recognises officers who were here during her former time. For the rest of April it reports that she looks exhausted and it is due to fits.
May 21 Has become very deathly looking, has wide, vacant eyes, unable to speak.
May 23rd Sank and died at 6.50 last evening with nurse in attendance. Notice of death states that a post mortem took place and three tuberculor tumours were found in her brain.
S S admitted 7 February 1880 aged 32, was sentenced to fourteen days hard labour for running away from workhouse with Union clothes on. Form of mental disease: Dementia:
State on admission: Expression of countenance and manner both denote imbecility. Is generally talking to himself and incoherently complains of not having enough food in prison and has come here to get more. His great weakness appears to be a constant need for food.
J D admitted 25 Nov 1880 aged 18, was apprehended on charge of larceny and had another charge against him – namely an attempt to upset a train. Medical certificate: Criminal.
E T admitted 27 February 1886, age 40, with previous admissions, is of clean habits, is suffering from melancholia, her prognosis is favourable. A woman of average height and build with fair hair and blue eyes. She is pale and anaemic and looks weak. Legs are somewhat swollen. Ordered hot milk and whisky after a warm bath. She is in a very depressed state and talks in a moaning miserable type of voice. No delusions. After a week she is busying herself about the ward and looking better. May 20 1886 – discharged recovered and left the Asylum.
Northamptonshire Record Office holds the records of the Northampton County Lunatic Asylum, otherwise known as Berrywood, and later called St Crispin Hospital.
Please note that all records under 100 years old are held on restricted access due to Data Protection Regulations and any enquiries regarding these restricted records should be directed to Northamptonshire Archives who may be able to assist. There may be a charge for this.
Previously pauper lunatics had been taken in by the Northampton General Lunatic Asylum, close to Northampton, just off the Billing Road, which had opened in 1838. By the late 1860s it was considered too small and in 1870 the Commissioners in Lunacy recommended that they county build a separate asylum for pauper patients. It was opened on 30 June 1876 with 61 male and 54 female patients. It was located in the parish of Upton to the west of the town. The General Lunatic Asylum, having become a purely private asylum, changed its name to St. Andrew’s Hospital. It still functions today as the largest and one of the most prestigious independent psychiatric hospitals in the country.
The asylum was turned into the Duston War Hospital in October 1915 and the patients were dispersed to other asylums, returning in November 1919. By 1940 the hospital was able to accommodate 1,066 patients. After the War the asylum became known as the County Mental Hospital. The hospital was nationalized following the introduction of the NHS in 1948. It finally closed in 1995.
As well as records relating to the management of the Hospital, including the work of the Management Committee and its various sub-committees, the Committee of Visitors, the Treasurer, Medical Superintendent, Tutor, Chaplain and Farm Bailiff, they also hold records relating to the nursing staff, such as wage books, and to the patients. Below are the details of the admission registers and case books available.
Admission Registers provide details of the sex, status, occupation, abode, chargeable and certifying authority, form of disorder and cause, bodily condition, duration of attack and date of discharge, and the removal or death of patients. The Record Office has the following:
▪ Registers of admissions (pauper) for 1876-1891 and 1897-1906
▪ Registers of admissions (private) for 1876-1906
(there are additional records, see below, but access is restricted)
Case books provide the following information: details of patients on admission - followed by a day to day report of the patient. Photographs of patients on admission, from 1900, and also on discharge (if applicable).
The Record Office has the following case books:
▪ Female case books (14 volumes) covering the years 1876-1911
▪ Male case books (13 volumes) covering the years 1876 – 1910 (there are additional records, see below, but access is restricted)
Volunteers have indexed the majority of the Case books and an index to the names, age, condition and disorder, and discharge or death details are noted. The place is generally the Poor Law Union which arranged the admittance rather than the parish that the person lived in.
On admittance, a description is given of the patient and their mental state. Some patients are obviously suffering from dementia, Down’s syndrome, autism or have mental impairment but these conditions were not so well understood at that time. Please bear in mind that the description of the patient and their mental state are of the period and not necessarily those that we would consider using today.
In 1977, St Crispin’s Hospital and it’s mortuary were chosen by the BBC as a filming location for the six part Dr. Who series The Talons of Weng-Chiang, along with the nearby Northampton Theatre Royal and the City Buildings.
