Overcrowding and staff shortages made conditions at the hospital poor, while a lack of knowledge surrounding mental health led to cruel and ineffectual treatments. In 1961, former health secretary Enoch Powell announced the closure of Britain’s Victorian mental hospitals but the facility didn’t shut down until 1995.

Since closing, the Grade II-listed building has suffered from neglect, vandalism and theft but there are now plans to restore the site and create new homes, business spaces and green community spaces.

Now discover 30 abandoned UK places too scary to visit

Liked this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Step inside 13 amazing abandoned UK buildings left to rot