Mid Wales Hospital, Talgarth
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 16 сен 2024
- I have obtained an original copy of the opening ceremony, this last week I visited the hospital to photograph the same scenes depicted in the brochure, this video showcases my results
www.midwaleshospital.co.uk
A Brief History of the Mid Wales Hospital
After the passing of the Lunacy Act, 1890, the Commissioners in Lunacy, later to become known as the Commissioners of the Board of Control, after long negotiations with the Councils for Brecon and Radnor and local landowners, chose the Chancefield site in preference to one nearer to Three Cocks, although the latter was closer to the railway line. They were probably influenced by the ample supplies of local stone and water dressed stone for doorways and windows was obtained from outside the area.
The hospital, or Brecon and Radnor Asylum as it was first called, was officially opened on 22nd February 1903. This consisted of the main building (12 wards 6 male and 6 female), Isolation Ward and Farm Ward; and cost £128,710.12.8d. The two female wards East 7 and 8 were added some years later.
Built originally to house 352 patients, the main building was erected to the familiar butterfly plan of the era. The estate consisted of some 261 acres.
In addition to the farm, the service departments included tailor, baker, shoe- maker and printing shops and later a photography dark room when a photograph of each patient was taken and affixed to their respective case notes. (This practise continued until after World War II). The market gardens consisted of about 8 acres and an additional asset was a steam powered lorry, one of the first ever to be used in the area. This was used mainly to haul coal and other goods from the local railway station.
The water supply was drawn from the Pwll-y- wrach waterfall and fed by gravity into the hospital reservoir. There was always an ample supply, in fact the overflow was fed into Talgarth (or Hay R.D.C reservoir), a little farther down the hill. About 1970/1, for various reasons, it was decided to obtain water from the water authoritys main supply.
The first patients to be admitted were mostly Brecon and Radnor people and vagrants accommodated in asylums in neighbouring towns such as Abergavenny and Hereford. Others came from Shrewsbury, Swansea and other similar institutions or workhouses.
I am told that the first patients arrived from Abergavenny by coach and four. No doubt others were conveyed by rail.
Very nicely done.
This is a truly superb and emotive piece of work. Very tastefully done.
Fantastic video Mark , one - if not THE - best you've done. Interesting engineering pics. These guys were proud of their engineers.
Fabulous, as usual Mark - thanks for this.
Beautiful and very moving vid mate.
I trained there, 1974 to 77, under Dilwyn and Tom Bird, Latterly Eifion and Derek Munton, probably all dead now. I remember it like it was yesterday, one long party. Best years of my life and I'm not kidding. The photo's brought back a bit of a pang.
My nan lives right next to the hostpital and we have been inside together many times. It's so sad to think that this is what it has become. I am glad people are finally realising that this hopsital needs to be saved and protected. My mum worked there fore many years and when we go inside togethere she is reminded of her times there. Neither of us want to see memories vanish. Excellent Video :)
Amazing but sad.Singing beautiful.Thank you.
Stunning work mark, well done mate!
Mark I’ve looked at a few of your videos and the skill and sensitivity you demonstrate in recording these hospitals is both balanced and honours the patients and staff that lived and worked in them . During my General nurse training I worked in one such place and was amazed by the dedication of most staff who committed themselves to caring for patients when treatment options were limited and outcomes unsure .
Hindsight is a wonderful thing but it was not all bad . These hospitals served a purpose for there time . But I know we’ve still not care of the mentally ill right today .. it’s far from being right
Thanks everyone for the very kind comments.
Nicely done!
Lovely music accompanying this video - is it Talgarth Male Voice Choir - many of whom were employees of the old Hospital. Myfanwy was one that they performed on an LP I had many years ago. The late Bob Davies (known as Bob Top Note) was amongst them - got his nickname from his singing ability no doubt. Sad to see the old hospital which supported so many Talgarth families has gone to wrack and ruin. Recently even the old wooden front doors have been vandalised - heartbreaking.
Lovely video this !! Although I have to admit I am a paranormal investigator and urban explorer !! I am fascinated by places like this the history the people the buildings just amaze me !! Again great video it's crazy to see how these places were in there heyday and sadly how they are today !! Talgarth will always be in my mind the smell of the place is strangely hypnotising! !
Wonderful video. Very very well put together. Particularly liked the last scene of the clocktower upsidedown in the puddle....fitting end to 100 years of hurt. Thankyou so much! Was the music a Ukrainian or Russian hymn? It strikes a memory with me but I can't put my finger on it.
Sad to see our heritage degrade right before us, Most of the hospitals have been demolished as if they never existed. Its a chapter in history Britain wants to forget unfortunately.
The music is, Myfanwy - The Welsh Male Voice Choirs
very moving. Thank you. What is happening to this building? So many lives and stories within those walls.
I used to live in Talgarth many moons ago when I was little and my dad was a psychiatrist. The outside of the hospital building looks very familiar to me but it was a building we all lived in - no patients nearby! I don't recognise the interiors except for the bay windows. IS there any info on where residents lived?
it went downhill fast when all the roof slates got nicked...