SNN102548 - St Edmunds Hospital, Wellingborough Road, Northampton: Pre-Determination Evaluation

The site of St Edmunds Hospital, Wellingborough Road, Northamton was originally in use as the Northampton Union Workhouse between the years 1837 and 1938. The arrangements of main and ancillary buildings paint a picture of poor law administration in the face of changing political approaches to poor relief. The development of the site saw increased specialisation in provision of facilities for the very young, sick, elderly and infirm leading up to full hospital conversion. The site as it stands today bears little resemblance to its original prupose in terms of the internal arrangements of the buildings on site. Sixty years under hospital administration has done much to change the nature and character of the early buildings on site, but contribute to providing an overall picture of over 160 years of institutionalised care in Northampton.