Stoke Park Estate became a hospital and then residential house

Anyone who has driven on the M32 out of Bristol will have seen this imposing building sitting on the horizon. Back in the 1700's when it was built it was part of a large estate, Stoke Park. In 1908 it was let to Rev Harold Burdon and became a colony for the mentally handicapped. In 1948 it was taken over by the NHS. When I was completing my nursing training in the early 60's, I remember working alongside nurses, from Stoke Park Hospital. They were seconded for a short period to work in general nursing and I hate to say this, but I recall not being particularly impressed with the way some of them interacted with the patients.

When care in the community became the policy, for people with learning disabilities and metal health problems, the hospital and the estate gradually became very rundown and it eventually closed. More recently it has been sold and developed as residential housing. Behind the main building which I understand has been converted into apartments is a large residential estate.
I'm not at all keen on the colour it has been painted but I suppose it does make this well known landmark stand out!



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