SNN105876 - Desk-Based Survey Of St Crispin's Hospital, Upton

Desk-based survey on the former Berry Wood County Lunatic Asylum, Northampton has charted its development and tried to recreate the original use of the building, from its foundation in 1876 through until its closure in 1996, largely using primary hospital records now held in the Northamptonshire Record Office. The Hospital was designed for a total of 540 'inmates' though it rapidly became overcrowded with over 1000 patients from 1913, despite many extensions added to the modular building plan. During the First World War the building was converted for use as a war hospital, with c 25,000 casualties treated during 1916-19. After the War, the Asylum became a centre for pioneering treatment of mental conditions which is reflected in the range of new buildings added within the grounds, with a shift away from the institutional nature of patient care. With the advent of the National Health Service, the re-named St Crispin's Hospital continued to strive for the treatment and cure of patients. More recently the Government's policy of Care in the Community ultimately led to its closure in 1996, except for the new Princess Marina and Pendered Hospitals.