HER 10174 - ROYAL EARLSWOOD HOSPITAL, ORIGINAL BUILDING (BLOCKS 13-21)

Mental hospital. Designed by W B Moffatt in 1852 and the 1st asylum in the British Isles built to cater specifically for the mentally handicapped. Previously mentally handicapped people had been put with the mentally ill in lunatic asylums or workhouses. The Rev Dr Andrew Reed believed that the mentally handicapped could be trained by careful teaching to lead a relatively normal life in the outside world, working and caring for them- selves. This was a charitable foundation paid for by London livery companies. The builder was Mr Jay, the contractor for the Houses of Parliament and the foundation stone was laid by Prince Albert in 1852. Jacobean style, built on a quadrilinear plan orientated south east for fresh air and sunlight. Built of red brick with Bath stone dressings with some Reigate stone to the rear elevation but internal courts entirely faced in stock brick. There is some evidence that the building was originally clad in Reigate stone which was replaced c. 1855. It seems very unlikely that the stone would have been replaced so quickly so perhaps the plans had been altered from building in stone to brick slate roofs, now without chimney stacks. The main or south east front has a central feature of a 5 storey, 90 foot high tower, the top storey of Bath stone with pierced balustrade, 3 round-headed windows and pilasters and similar features below but in red brick. Central 2 storey 3 bay entrance with pierced parapet and curved pediment with blank shield. 1st floor has coupled pilasters and ground floor has recessed portion with 6 Tuscan piers and a flight of steps. On either side in a 3 storey wing with 3 light mullioned windows and to either side are 2 storey semi-basement and attic extensions. The attic storey has 6 mullioned and transomed windows with curved stone pediments. Octagonal roof features with parapets termina- ting in square taver with pediment and deep moulded Below are 7 windows with central full height bays and partico and steps on either side in the angle. At each side breaking forward is a 3 storey section with elaborate square tower with pierced balustrading facing inwards and plainer tavers with full height bays facing outwards. South west front has central feature of 2 storeys and attics with 3 curved pediments and tuscan portico flanked by 3 storey towers, 2 storey wings either side terminating in 2 storey towers. Similar treatment to north west front. North west front has some traces of Reigate stone facing and has the later 19th century brick isolation hospital unit on to it which is not of special interest. The interior has an entrance hall with imperial staircase of Hopton Wood stone with baluster and paired fluted pilasters. On the landing is a niche containing a bust of the founder the Rev Dr Andrew Reed. Doorcases with carved overmantels and marble fireplace with brackets and round-headed arch. Great hall with hammerbeam roof and pierced gallery with organ decorated with Coats of Arms. Tower has elaborate warden gallery and Board Room has panelled ceiling.Sub- sidiary staircases are of cast iron in a Chinoiserie derived pattern. Listing NGR: TQ2810148659

Data represented on the interactive map is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an accurate or complete representation of archaeological sites or features. Further information

• View this record on Surrey's Interactive Map

Related Records

• SHHER_16515

The online HER is not suitable for commercial use, as some information has been withheld from online publication for reasons of confidentiality or protection of sensitive sites. Further Information.
The inclusion of a site in the database in no way implies that public access is available. The vast majority of sites (including Scheduled Monuments) and buildings are on private land and have no public access. Further Information.

Have your say