In 1893 Howell retired from his position as County Surveyor and Consultant to the Lunacy Commissioners, GT Hine took over his role with the Commissioners and Frank G Howell succeeded his position with the county. This saw the site be extended again in 1903, within this extension saw the annexe be extended further and the smaller chapel being demolished to make was for a much larger chapel next to the mortuary. A fire tower (more commonly known as a water tower) being built on the previous site of the chapel. This chapel is very similar to the one found at Cane Hill. By this time the patient population had risen to nearly 1300.

In 1919, the Asylum changed its name to Brookwood Mental Hospital, along with many other Asylums throughout the country. During this time, and up until its closure, the hospital continued to expand and develop. By the end of the 1930’s, the nurses accommodation were built to the north and many recreation, therapy and general buildings were also built around the site. During World War Two, along with Hospitals such as Horton and Park Prewett, Brookwood was commandeered as an emergency war hospital. Annually, the hospital held sports days and fairs within the grounds which became very popular events with the local people. Since the Asylum opened, plays were held within the buildings that were also open to the public. When the care in the community act came into power in the mid 1980’s, there were plans to close as early 1986. However, this did not happen and the Hospital eventually closed in 1994.

Since then the site has been extensively developed, the area surrounding the gas works has been redeveloped into a super market, Florence House and its attached acute ward have been converted to luxury apartments. Sadly the original hospital building was demolished, and the locally listed Water Tower was also taken down. The chapel has been converted into a Buddhists Monks Temple, with the mortuary being converted to the Monks residence; whilst the recreation hall is currently being used as a créche. The records available for the hospital are very extensive and can be viewed at the Surrey History Centre.

Following images taken November 2004:

Following images taken November 2004:

Records

Hospital records are currently held by the Surrey History Centre: https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/N14006717

Additional useful links:

http://thetimechamber.co.uk/beta/sites/asylums/surrey-county-asylum-brookwood-hospital

Burials/Cemetery

Plans

Architectural Plans

2 responses to “Brookwood”

1. hi there, i am trying to find out any imformation about one of my relations who was the chief engineer at brookwood hospitel early part of the last century,when he was there ,his position and how long he was there why he left and when, we lost track of him ages ago ,believed he left to go to australia,i live in australia, and would like to meet anyone related to him, hope some one may be of help.his name was william rudd,thank you .
   john rudd perth west australia25/1/2018

   Reply

2. The Surrey History Centre holds some records for the Brookwood hospital/asylum.
   https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/heritage-culture-and-recreation/archives-and-history/surrey-history-centre

   Alternatively, The National Archives who hold some records on hospitals/asylums and so on.
   https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/hospitalrecords/details.asp?id=1009&page=8

   It is worth mentioning that searching for records within these mediums isn’t easy, I really do wish you the best of luck in your quest.

   John

   Reply

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