Building record 1160/441/16 - Old Infirmary

{1} From the map evidence, it appears that the infirmary was built in two main stages. The first to be constructed was the east half, which is shown in 1847 as the only significant building on the site outside the main workhouse complex. This appears as a simple rectangular block, though like the main complex, this representation could be stylised. By 1885 the west half, which is both longer and wider, had been built, with its single northward projecting tower, and the present sanitary tower at its west end. Two extensions are shown on the north side of the original building: a small one near the north-east corner, presumably an earlier version of the present sanitary tower, and another near the centre, presumably the original location of the stairwell. Adjacent to the latter is a square building. This could be related to a well, recorded on a small metal plaque by the present north entrance. The square building had been demolished by 1938.
Subsequent external additions to the infirmary have been the construction of the present sanitey tower near the north-east corner and the two-storey extension over the original entrance, both completed by 1938, and the single storey dayroom on the south elevation, built 1962-71.
The the two halves of the infirmary were built separately, they are of identical style. Walls are of red brick, laid in English Bond, with a projecting band four bricks deep at first-floor level. Some areas of brickwork are of a subtly different colour to the bulk of the structure, suggesting a more complex structural history, though this is not supported by the historical evidence. The south elevation has been painted white to the top of the first-floor band: it seems unlikely that this is an original feature. Lintels are brick, flat with tapered ends, painted white. All windows on the south side have been replaced with modern UPVC double glazed units. The roof is hipped, clad in Welsh Slate. On the north elevation, many of the original windows in the east part of the building have been removed, and replaced with fewer, smaller windows.
The infirmary has a cellar, beneath the west stairwell and rooms to the east. This is accessed by stairs from the west stairwell. It appears to have originally had windows or openings to the north and south.
From the survey, the original building appears to have comprised a central stairwell, with wards to the east and west on each floor. Heating was provided by fireplaces in the east and west gable ends. The western extension contained its own stairwell, linked to a tower at its west end. To the east there appears to have been a single square room with its own fireplace on the east wall. The 1897 plan shows that the east part of the building was used for female patients, and the west for males.
When the workhouse was converted to a hospital, the main change to the infirmary appears to have been the installation of the lift. This is located next to the eastern stairwell, suggesting that both remained in use together for a while. Eventually the east stairs were removed, and the upper parts of the stairwell were floored and turned into bathrooms.
The infirmary appears to have continued in tis original function until the closure of the hospital. However, the function of the upper floor appears to have changed, possibly to office use or for staff-related facilities. The upper part of the stairs was enclosed, and the ward areas were subdivided by studding partitions, and carpeted throughout.

<1> Zeepvat B., 2004, Historic Building Survey: St Edmund's Hospital, Wellingborough Road, Northampton, P. 31 (checked) (Report). SNN104796.

Record last edited

May 19 2020 12:12PM