St Augustine's Hospital, Chartham

St Augustine's Hospital, Chartham was a psychiatric hospital located in Chartham, near Canterbury, in Kent, England. The hospital, originally known as the Kent County Asylum, opened its doors in 1875 and was a key institution for mental health care in Kent for over a century. It was closed in 1993 as part of the wider move towards care in the community for people with mental health issues and the buildings have since been redeveloped.

History

The establishment of St Augustine's Hospital was part of the 19th-century movement to provide care and treatment for the mentally ill in a dedicated facility. Prior to the 19th century, care for the mentally ill was largely provided by workhouses or not at all. The County Asylums Act 1808 encouraged the construction of such facilities, but it was not until the Lunacy Act 1845 that the building of asylums became mandatory for counties in England and Wales.

St Augustine's was designed by architect John Giles, who was known for his work on public buildings and asylums. The hospital was built on a corridor plan, a common layout for asylums of the period, which facilitated the segregation of different categories of patients. It was set in extensive grounds, which were used for therapeutic purposes, including farming and gardening, as part of the treatment for patients.

Over the years, the hospital expanded to accommodate the growing number of patients. Additional buildings were constructed, and the hospital eventually became a self-contained community with its own farm, chapel, and cemetery. The approach to treatment at St Augustine's reflected the changing attitudes towards mental health care over the years, moving from containment to therapeutic interventions.

Closure and Aftermath

The closure of St Augustine's Hospital in 1993 was part of a broader shift in mental health care policy in the United Kingdom, moving away from institutional care towards treatment and support within the community. This shift was influenced by the Care in the Community Act 1980 and subsequent legislation, which aimed to integrate people with mental health issues into society.

Following its closure, the site of St Augustine's Hospital underwent significant redevelopment. Many of the original Victorian buildings have been converted into residential properties, while others were demolished to make way for new housing. The redevelopment of the site has preserved some of the historical aspects of the hospital, including the chapel and some of the original wards.

Legacy

The history of St Augustine's Hospital is a reflection of the evolution of mental health care in England. From its origins as a county asylum to its closure in the late 20th century, the hospital played a significant role in the treatment of mental illness. Today, the site's redevelopment serves as a reminder of the changing attitudes towards mental health and the move towards more integrated forms of care.

The legacy of St Augustine's and similar institutions continues to be a subject of interest for historians, mental health professionals, and the general public, offering insights into the complex history of psychiatric care.