Garlands Hospital

Former psychiatric hospital in Carlisle, Cumbria, England

Converted hospital building, formerly part of Garlands Hospital

Garlands Hospital was a psychiatric hospital located in Carlisle, Cumbria, England. It served as a mental health facility for over a century before its closure and subsequent conversion into residential housing.

History

Garlands Hospital was established in the late 19th century, opening its doors in 1862. It was originally designed to alleviate the overcrowding at the Cumberland and Westmorland Lunatic Asylum in Kendal. The hospital was built on a 140-acre site and was designed by the architect Thomas Worthington.

The hospital was initially known as the Cumberland and Westmorland Lunatic Asylum, but it was later renamed Garlands Hospital. The facility was designed to accommodate 200 patients, but over the years, it expanded to house over 1,000 patients at its peak.

Architecture

The architectural design of Garlands Hospital was typical of the Victorian era asylum style, featuring a corridor plan with separate wards for male and female patients. The buildings were constructed using local red sandstone, giving them a distinctive appearance. The hospital complex included a chapel, a farm, and various workshops, which were intended to provide occupational therapy for the patients.

Operations

Throughout its operational years, Garlands Hospital provided care for patients with a wide range of mental health conditions. The hospital was self-sufficient, with its own farm producing food for the patients and staff. The facility also had a strong emphasis on occupational therapy, with patients engaging in various activities such as gardening, carpentry, and sewing.

In the mid-20th century, the hospital began to modernize its approach to mental health care, moving away from the custodial model towards more therapeutic methods. This included the introduction of new treatments and a focus on rehabilitation and community care.

Closure

Garlands Hospital closed in 1999 as part of the broader movement towards deinstitutionalization and the development of community-based mental health services. After its closure, the site was redeveloped, and many of the original buildings were converted into residential housing.

Legacy

The legacy of Garlands Hospital is reflected in the continued use of its buildings and the memories of those who worked and were treated there. The hospital played a significant role in the history of mental health care in Cumbria and is remembered for its contributions to the field.

Related pages

• Mental health in the United Kingdom
• History of psychiatric institutions
• Deinstitutionalization