Building record 1160/441/23 - Mens wards

{1} This block, forming the north part of the east side of the main workhouse complex, is built in red brick, laid in English Bond with no embellishment. Lintels are curved, laid with two rows of brick headers. Windows are 2-2 sashes: one, in the west elevation, has been converted to a door. On the east elevation are two chimney stacks, both truncated to eaves height. The present roof is flat: on the evidence of other structures in the main complex, this probably replaced a slated hipped roof.
Although at first glance this building appears to be part of the original 1837 workhouse structure, close examinationof the available map evidence shows that it is not. The 1885 OS map shows three buildings where this building now stands: a long narrow building to the south, a square structure to the north of it, and a short cross-wing at the north end, its east wall at an angle parallel to the site boundary wall. A passage leads from the north-east yard between this building and the south end of the engineering complex. The 1897 plan identified these three buildings as the coir picking shop, men's WC and urinals. The earliest map to show anything approximating to the present building is the 2nd Edition of 1901. On this evidence, it seems reasonable to suggest that it was built between 1897 and 1901.
Internally the ground floor contained Dallington Ward and associated facilities. Latterly this ward was closed, and the main ward was turned over to the storage and repair of hospital linen, presumably also serving Northampton General. The first floor was subdivided by modern studding partitions into three rooms, a linking passage and lobby. The functions of these are uncertain.
Also included with this building is the tower containing lift and stairs.

<1> Zeepvat B., 2004, Historic Building Survey: St Edmund's Hospital, Wellingborough Road, Northampton, P. 36 (checked) (Report). SNN104796.

Record last edited

Jun 16 2008 10:32AM