West Park Asylum was opened in 1923. The hospital was envisioned as the last great asylum for London’s insane. Housing over 2000 patients, its emphasis on villa design and sheltered walkways demonstrate the changing opinions when treating mental health. The hospital proper was slowly run down, finally closing in 2003. The NHS continues to operate a few out patient facilities on the periphery of the site. The buildings are slowly degrading with many of the ground floors sagging heavily and the remains of the great hall, which was burnt out in 2003, are located centrally.
We returned to West Park a week after the initial visit. The main aim was to find and photograph the padded cell and water tower. We found the padded cell with fresh grafitti which we were able to clean off, we also found a brush which enabled the foor to be swept. After clearing the floor crevice, we discovered a lead 'gutter' alowing the cell to be drained. We cleared the corridor the cell is located on and shut the door, hoping that this might deter further vandals. The next step was the water tower, which is extremely well built, with stone steps all the way to the top. Sadly due to the fact workmen were directly underneath we were not able to properly photograph the view.
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