Update & News Archive

The Photography Section - A quick update...part #2

WE HAVE FINISHED THE REST!! Having not been happy with the rebuild of the photography album last time, and feeling that it had been a rush job, it was decided that it should be rebuilt again. Spending approximately five minutes longer than last time, the Landscape and Macro galleries have been improved...Check them out!

Catesby Tunnel, Northampton

For the first time in a long time, TTC decided to move away from the nuthouse and seek shelter within an abandoned railway tunnel. A 3km Tunnel. In the middle of no where. For a more serious history & photographs, Click Here

Three Counties Asylum, Stotfold

TheTimeChamber recently paid a snowy visit to the recently converted buildings of Fairfield Hospital with the kind permission of the Residents Association. Fairfield was built in 1859 and severed the community for 140 years before it finally closed. Read and see the photos here...

St Crispin Hospital, Northampton

Northampton has for many years sent their Paupers to the fee-paying General Asylum in Northampton, in 1870 they were ordered to build their own institution. The buildings were finally vacated in 1995 and have remained empty since, except for a minor conversion of one of the blocks. See the photos here...

Haywards Heath Asylum

East & West Sussex joined forces in 1854 to provide an Asylum for the Pauper Lunatics, over one hunder and fifty years later, the buildings have moved away from their psychiatric care and converted to residential housing, with little evidence of its former use. See the photos here...

Netherne Architectural Plans

Another rummage down the archives has revealed some interesting architects plans of Netherne Hospital drawn up back in 1907 before the construction of the Hospital. See them here!

The Epsom Cluster

Having taken a visit down to the local archives, TheTimeChamber is able to bring you a far more accurate history of the Epsom Cluster. Read it here...!

The Photography Section

Well, this was the section that was still under construction when the new site was built, and now, we have finally built it and crammed it with a number of photographs that we like! View them here...!

if you are a first time visitor to the site, welcome, if you are a returning visitor, you may notice the site is looking a little different today. To coincide (roughly) with the second birthday of the site, it was treated to an entire over haul. Navigation should prove easier, and every page has had extra information squeezed into a new side bar and the photogallery for each site has been incorporated below the main text . The links page has been expanded to include many sites that are related to TheTimeChamber and there have been two new galleries added to photogallery, although this section is still under construction.

Shockingly, in the time it has taken to rebuild the website, only two new sites have been added. These being the First Essex County Asylum at Warley, and the West Ham Borough Asylum and Goodmayes. However, many revisits have taken place to sites that were already featured on the website - normally because we missed some crucial or interesting parts of the buildings - for this, the galleries for many of the sites have been expanded. Such as Claybury, Cane Hill, Hellingly, West Park and Brookwood. The ROC post page has also been downsized with many posts being removed and only the best being kept as an example.

We do hope you enjoy the new look of the website and the extra information that has been included, feel free to leave any comments, or report and broken links using the contact page.

The Padded Cell

We managed to miss out the Padded Cell History in the conversion of the website, so we have now converted the page and added extra information to the page. Read more...?

Warley Hospital, Brentwood 01/2010

With the creation of the West Ham Borough of London, the decision was made to provide accommodation for the insane that were within the boroughs borders. This led to the purchase of land on the out skirts of Ilford and construction of the hospital began, finally opening its doors to 120 patients in 1853. As with many hospital built at this time, the buildings underwent continual expansion through their early life, by the closure of the hospital the buildings were sprawling. English Heritage deemed the original building a Conservation Zone and conversion is currently undergoing preservation. Read more...?

Goodmayes Hospital, Goodmayes 01/2010

With the creation of the West Ham Borough of London, the decision was made to provide accommodation for the insane that were within the boroughs borders. This led to the purchase of land on the out skirts of Ilford and construction of the hospital being started before the turn of the century. The Asylum opened its doors in 1901 and was able to provide care for 800 permanent patients. The Hospital still operates as a psychiatric hospital for North London, although the buildings are to be replaced soon. Read more...?

Related Books Section

There have been many books that have contributed to both the information found on this website, our general interest in what we have seen and also given us many leads and creaking bookcases. This section will detail all the books that we have either borrowed, or own, or know about. If you know of any books that would be useful, please contact the website owners. Read more...?

Cold War Bunkers and Radar stations

New page that contains some information on the civil defence bunker program and the RAF Radar program of the Cold War. Also contains information on the Regional Government headquarters and associated 'continuity of government' plans during the event of a nuclear strike. Has examples of an RGHQ, a utility bunker and an early ROTOR and a late ROTOR radar site.

East Sussex County Asylum, Hellingly 01/2009

Built to replace the loss of St Francis Asylum to the Brighton Authorities, Hellingly was one of the most advanced Asylums of its time. Opening in 1903 it went on to accommodate just under 2000 patients, the hospital finally closed in 1994 and awaits development. Since it closure it has suffered immense vandalism and sporadic arson attacks.

ROC Post Update 01/2009

The Royal Observer Corps (ROC) was first introduced in 1925 to help to identify incoming enemy aircraft; in the 1950's the threat of nuclear attack from Soviet Russia rapidly increased with the escalation of the Cold War. This necessitated the monitoring of a nuclear burst and the subsequent fall-out; the responsibility fell to the ROC and 1563 underground monitoring posts were constructed around the British Isles. The page has been updated with archive photos of an ROC post whilst in operation.

Asylum Layouts

There were five main styles of asylum that were built, each one evolving from principles and problems with the previous idea; with the hospitals becoming more streamlined as time went on. A brief insight is given into each layout and an example, with photos, provided as well.

Rainhill, Lancashire County Asylum

Opening as the second County Asylum of Lancashire in 1851, Rainhill grew to be one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in Europe. Closing in 1992 under the hospital reforms and subsequently being demolished, SilverStealth has uncovered some rare footage of the hospital after closure.

North Wales Mental Hospital, Denbigh 09/2008

Denbigh was the first Insane Asylum to be built in the Welsh Counties, with the purpose to serve Welsh Paupers only and put an end to the suffering of Welsh speaking patients in English Asylums. The Hospital was finally closed in 1995 and the majority of the buildings are Grade II listed.

Le Bunker Eperlecques, Northern France 09/2008

This was a bunker constructed by the Germans in Northern France for the purpose of Preparing, fuelling and launching of their newly developed V2 missile.

Bridge Valley Road Deep Shelter, Bristol 09/2008

Originally a tunnel serving the Bristol Port Rail in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this tunnel has had a varying history. It has also been used as a public Deep shelter during WW2 and it was also a home for the Bristol Gun Club in the later half of the 20th.

Redcliffe Tunnels, Bristol 08/2008

These old Sand Mines in the Redcliffe area of Bristol date back to the twelfth century and have had a long and varies history. As part of the countries Heritage Day, the caves were opened up for the public to come and view.

Penshurst ROC post, Kent 08/2008

Opening in 1965 and closing in 1991 the Penshurst ROC stood empty for a number of years; it has recently been brought by a private owner and restored. Please note that this was an arranged visit and that all the equipment within the post is stored else where.

The Epsom Cluster, Surrey 08/2008

Purchased in 1896, the Horton Estate was converted into a cluster of four insane asylums and one epileptic colony to house up to ten thousand patients. Each Hospital has been updated with a page detailing their own individual history.

The Padded Cell

As infamous as the Asylums themselves, the Padded Cell was an essential piece of equipment within the wards. They were a special room used to house patients that were troublesome, epileptic or suicidal, with the intention of stopping the from harming themselves.

Aspidistra Radio Transmitter & RGHQ 6.1, Crowborough - 08/2008

In 1941, during the height of World War Two, a plan was hatched to broadcast black propaganda into Europe and the Third Reich. It was to make use of the world most powerful transmitter, a 600kw transmitter built in the USA but deemed to powerful to use.

Wallpapers - 08/2008

Seeing as the owners of the websites have many photos buried in their hard-drives, they have decided to share their favourites with you; they are available to download as wallpapers.

Cane Hill Demolition - 07/2008 - UPDATED WITH AERIAL PHOTOS 24/08

With demolition starting on one of the countries favourite derelict hospital sites, Cane Hill, TheTimeChamber made a recent visit to find out what has been flattened. We hope to bring you regular updates of it current status.

The History of the Victorian Asylum

Ever wondered why the Victorian Asylums were built? This series of pages aim to give a brief insight into the history behind them, the treatment used and why they were finally closed down.

Stanley Royd Hospital, Wakefield

Opening in 1818 and closing in 1995 and subsequently being converted to housing, Stanley Royd Hospital was the first Pauper Asylum to be opened in Yorkshire. Seen here is a rare glimpse of life inside an asylum building, brought to us by SilverStealth.

Tunnel Road Sand Mine, Reigate 06/2008

The sand found in the mines along Tunnel Road is of a very high quality, as is the sand around Reigate, and has been excavated through 1820 to 1900. Since the mining ceased the tunnels have seen a number of uses and are currently the home for the local rifle club.

Barons' Cave, Reigate - 06/2008

Situated in the grounds of Reigate Castle, Barons' cave is steeped in history and legend; as it goes the rebellious barons met there to discuss the finer details of the Magna Carta before they met the King to sign it.

Cane Hill Hospital, Coulsdon 06/2008, Updated 10/2008

Cane Hill Mental Hospital was the third county asylum to be built in Surrey, after Springfield and Brookwood Asylums. It opened in 1883 and eventually closed in 1992, with only a small secure unit remaining; it has since suffered a number of arson attack, vandalism and natural decay. It is soon to be demolished in line with the regeneration of Coulson.

Foxenden Quarry Deep Shelter, Guildford - 05/2008

Foxenden Quarry Deep Shelter was built in 1941 for the people of Guildford and was designed to hold 1000 people comfortably during bombing raids in World War Two. It is in fantastic condition and is opened by the council a few times a year for ticketed tours by the public.

Godstone Main Series Hearthstone Quarry, Surrey - 04/2008

Godstone Main Series was a Hearthstone and Firestone quarry located in Surrey that was in use from the 1700's through to the 1950's. The series of tunnels served a number of purposes, as well as quarrying stone for construction, its main use was as a mushroom farm for thirty years and was considered for use as an ammunition store during WW2.

West Park Mental Hospital, Epsom - 03/2008

West Park Hospital was the fifth and last asylum to be built in the Epsom cluster, it was also the eleventh London Borough asylum. Construction was finally finished in 1921 and was open for 81 years before it finally closed its doors to patients. It houses one of the few remaining padded cells in the country and also contains a number of original features throughout.

South Foreland Deep Shelter, Plotting Rooms and Ammo Bunkers - 03/2008

With the increased threat of bombardment of the British coast line by Nazi guns on the French coast, Churchill order the construction of a number of batteries in retaliation to the threat. South Foreland was one of those.

Detached Bastion, Dover - 03/2008

With the fear of invasion from Napoleonic forces in the 19th century, the fortifications were increased and upgraded. The detached bastion was built to flank the enemy as they past between the existing forts; the citadel and the redoubt.

Fan Bay Deep Shelter, Dover - 03/2008

To protect the cross channel gun crews from enemy bombardment a deep shelter was tunnelled into the chalk cliffs to offer protection. The ammo bunkers were also buried beneath the surface for protection.

Grand Shaft, Dover - 03/2008

With the fear of invasion from Napoleonic forces in the 19th century, the fortifications if Dover required a quicker and safer route down the cliffs. The answer, a triple staircase shaft.

London Road Deep Shelter, Portsmouth - 03/2008

Due to the Luftwaffe bombardment of the British Isles a 2,500 person deep shelter was tunnelled into chalk hills in Portsdown, Portsmouth. This was a public deep shelter that was reached by bus and operated a ticketing system.

West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth - 02/2008

Since the construction of the new multi-million pound main unit at the West Middlesex Hospital, the old Victorian section has remained abandoned and unused; including a large, untouched mortuary.

St Martins Battery and Deep Shelter, Dover - 02/2008

St Martins Battery dates back to the Napoleonic times, it was also re-commissioned for use in the defence of Dover during WWII with a new set of guns being installed, a deep shelter being constructed for the protection of the crew.

Z-Rocket Deep Shelter, Dover - 02/2008

To defend the coastal batteries of Dover, a number of Anti-Aircraft batteries were built, one of these batteries was the Z-Rocket battery built to defend St Margaret's gun emplacements, with it a deep shelter was constructed for the protection of the crew.

Bedlams Firestone Quarry, Godstone - 01/2008

Bedlams Quarry is Firestone quarry located in the Surrey Hills dating back to around the fourteenth century, with the youngest workings being three hundred years old. This visit was with the WMCS.

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