SNN104796 - Historic Building Survey: St Edmund's Hospital, Wellingborough Road, Northampton

In April 2004 a programme of historic building recording was undertaken at St Edmund's Hospital, Northampton, prior to demolition of most of the complex for housing development, and the conversion of the main complex for residential use. The site was first developedin 1836/37 as the Northampton Union Workhouse, to a design by George Gilbert Scott, shortly after the passing of the New Poor Law in 1834. The workhouse was one of several by Scott and his partner Moffatt, incorporating several design features developed by their practice, to fulfil current legislative requirements. The central frontage of this structure is listed Grade II. A sequence of development, supported by reasonably close dating, was established for the workhouse. With significant changes to poor relief following the First World War, and the Depression, and changes in attitudes to institutionalisation of the disadvantaged, the workhouse was converted to a hospital during the 1930's, becoming St Edmund's Hospital. The changes made, along with subsequent developments and improvements, swept away almost all evidence of the workhouse, save the basic fabric of the older buildings. The site continued to be used as a hospital until 1998, when its remaining functions were transferred to Northampton General. Since then the site has been unused, and has been thoroughly vandalised.