Is Hellingly asylum still there?
The hospital finally closed its doors 1994 and has lain abandoned and derelict since. After closure, most of the buildings fell into rapid decline, suffering from arson, vandalism and theft. By 2003 the site had become popular with urban explorers who came to document the vast abandoned complex.
What happened Hellingly hospital?
The hospital finally closed its doors 1994 and has lain abandoned and derelict since. In mid-2010, work started to clear the site and develop the land into a housing estate, the chapel, villas and a small section of the main building were retained and converted.
Why is it called the Cuckoo Trail?
The Trail largely follows the route of a disused railway line, the Cuckoo Line, which opened in 1880 and ran between Eridge and Polegate railway stations, creating a direct route between Eastbourne and London. It obtained its name from the tradition that the first cuckoo in Spring was heard at the Heathfield Fair.
When was Hellingly Hospital built?
1898
Hellingly Hospital/Founded
Is the Cuckoo Trail flat?
The Cuckoo Trail (Sustrans route 21) Mainly flat and almost entirely off-road, this is an ideal route to explore with the family. There are picnic benches to be found along the route as well plenty of shops and cafes in Heathfield, Horam, Hailsham and Polegate.
When was Hellingly Hospital in East Sussex built?
Hellingly Hospital, formerly known as Sussex County Asylum, opened its doors in 1903. Originally called the County Lunatic Asylum, the hospital was built on 400 acres of woodland at Park Farm. The hospital was opened by the Commissioners in Lunacy in July 1903.
Why was the Electric Railway at Hellingly built?
Hellingly was unique at the time in that it had an electric railway, the only asylum in the county to have one. The line was constructed in 1899 for the purpose of supplying construction materials to the building works. The train never followed a set timetable, coming and going only when people needed to arrive or leave the hospital.
Why was the asylum line at Hellingly built?
Passengers had to travel alongside coal and other wares, boarding the Asylum line from Hellingly Railway Station. Hellingly was unique at the time in that it had an electric railway, the only asylum in the county to have one. The line was constructed in 1899 for the purpose of supplying construction materials to the building works.
What was the main hall at Hellingly Hospital used for?
The Main Hall was in constant use in the 40`s and 50`s as patients were seldom allowed out of the confines of the hospital. Some of the activities were: Sunday & Wednesday 2 – 4 pm were visiting days and patients saw their families in the Hall.