Just before the end of the year James and I made a quick dash down towards the South coast for a couple more explores… first up was this crumbling old Manor House, which once formed part of a Mental Asylum…
History
The Manor House at Leybourne Grange dates back to before 1724, when it was sold to Francis Whitworth. In the mid/late 1700s the property was sold on to the Hawley family, in whose ownership the land remained until it was eventually sold in the 1920s.
A hospital for up to 1200 ‘mentally defective’ patients was subsequently built on the site by Kent County Council, opening in 1936. The existing manor house was used as an Administration building.
Following the growth of ‘Care in the Community’ reforms to the treatment of mental health issues, Leybourne Grange finally closed in 1996. The site then lay empty and derelict for a number of years, before most of the site was demolished and redeveloped by Taylor Wimpey into new housing.
Now only the old clocktower and Manor house still remain in a state of parlous decay, and long-mooted plans to convert the Manor into 21 apartments have still not progressed.
Our Explore
This was a brief but enjoyable explore – although to be honest the place is so far gone now that the only bit of particular interest was the remains of the once-grand wooden staircase. Thanks to our friend Mooch for info on this one!;)
As always, click on a photo to VIEW LARGE
Here’s that staircase – or at least what’s still left of it…
The rest of the interior was long-since smashed to smithereens…
Making my way to the upper floors I had to tread carefully…
…some rooms like this one had completely collapsed.
The landing at the top of the staircase.
A quick ‘bromance’ team shot…
…and then it was time to head back out, grabbing this shot of the courtyard and clocktower from the external scaffolding on the way.
Thanks for looking.
Adam X
11 comments
I worked at Leybourne Grange in the Manor House. Shame on the NHS for allowing this to happen to such an historic building. Anyone else who worked in the Manor House in late 60’s early 70’s would like to make contact my e-mail is bells5@xtra.co.nz
David
Thanks for your comment David, and yes it is a terrible shame. Hopefully the Manor House will eventually be saved and redeveloped. Best wishes, Adam
I hope someone rescued that beautiful sofa you guys had your bromance photo taken on.
LOL! 🙂
Hello. Researching my husband’s family tree and found he had ancestors that live here. I am glad you got these photo’s. It is sad its gone but at least the photos is a reminder. Many Thanks S Hawley
Is there anyone out there that worked at Leybourne Grange between 1952 and 1988. My sister was there as a patient. She had severe cerebral palsy and was confined to a wheelchair. She entered Leybourne aged 10 and left 36 years later, An extraordinary woman who has just passed away aged 80.
Hello, was your sisters name Margaret
Sorry not to have replied sooner! Yes! My sister was Margaret Verity Levine; later to be known as Maggie. When she left Leybourne she was cared for by Kent County Council at Sanderson Court, Broadstairs, Kent. She died two years ago aged 80! Any in formation would be useful. My email is: levinejra@gmail.com.
Fascinating history and photos. It now new lease of life as renovated residential flats or should I say apartments.
Happy to upload photos…