Main Block Of St Francis' Hospital

TQ 32 SW 4/113 11.10.85

HAYWARDS HEATH COLWELL ROAD Main Block of St Francis' Hospital

GV II

Hospital, formerly purpose built lunatic asylum. 1859 by H E Kendall junior in a free Lombardo-Venetian style. Yellow brick with red brick decoration and slate roofs. Very long complex range of 57 bays, comprising a 7 bay centre with 2 bay towers flanking it, and wings each of 24 bays including a slim terminal tower. The centre, and sections of the wings, are crowned by wide gables (the centre with an oculus), and the red brick cornice like the bands of the same material, is continuous. Windows are sashes with glazing bars, cambered headed to ground and third floor, round-headed between. The centre has all round-headed windows, those to ground floor with mullions and roundels, the towers have blind arcading above and below heavy cornices and end in pyramidal roofs. The first floor windows to centre have balconies in stone or cement. To either side of this block are further wings of 23 bays with simpler details. A single storey wing projects from the towers at each end. On the entrance facade a hammer-headed block comes forward with 3 main sections. The central one has round-headed windows and round-arched decoration. A triple feature encloses the modern glass doors and a painted carved tympanum. Broad flight of steps to door. Sashes are generally of two or four panes on this side. Entrance hall has elaborate fireplace and plasterwork over doors. Built as the Sussex Lunatic Asylum.

Listing NGR: TQ3370422825