St Gerards Orthopaedic Hospital for Children, Birmingham

As the sun was beginning to set on a cold winters day, we found ourselves parking up in the surprisingly pretty Coleshill (in relation to our previous location in Smethwick!) on the outskirts of Birmingham. St Gerards children’s hospital was our aim.

After a short wander around a few other derelict buildings on the Warwickshire Orthopaedic Hospital for Children site, we found the focus of our explore. A small, single story wooden building which has survived surprisingly well considering it closed in the late 80’s.

A lot of the personal belongings and medical equipment has gone, but what remains is still enough to give St Gerards a creepy feel that viewers of American Horror Story: Asylum will appreciate and acknowledge! A homemade doll of what looks like a matron, sports equipment; cricket and tennis, blankets, hats & scarves all strewn around, once loved by their owners I’m sure, now left rotting.

There’s a lot to see at St Gerards, and if you have the time to sit and look through all the paperwork left behind it’d be a fascinating read.

History of St Gerards

St. Gerard’s Hospital was built as a hospital originally serving the recently established Boys’ Home and all poor Catholic children in the Birmingham Diocese, after it became clear that many of the children in the home were also in poor health due to their backgrounds. The Birmingham Diocesan Rescue Society for the Protection of Homeless and Friendless Catholic Children was established in 1902 with Father Hudson as its first Secretary and Administrator.

Designed by Henry Sandy, it opened in 1913. The Hospital was used in the First World War as a VAD hospital for wounded soldiers; after the war it specialised in TB and orthopaedic services and eventually became established as the Warwickshire Orthopaedic Hospital, finally closing in 1988.

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Comments

Important, noteworthy & interesting comments are highlighted below

  1. Ken Moore says:

    I have just spent a fascinating half hour reading all the comments on this site.

    I too was a patient at St Gerard’s, I now live in north Wales and I am going in that direction this week, so thought I would like to look it up, sadly it is no more.

    I was admitted to ward 4 in May 1942 at the age of 5 years with a congenital dislocated hip, having been missed as a baby. On the eve of my 6th birthday I had surgery. Mr F G Allen did a fantastic job. At the age of 87 years it is still going reasonably strong.

    After the initial post op care I was transferred to the veranda, ward 5. I left hospital approximately 18 months later 4th December 1943, it was an interesting period in my life. The Second World War was in full swing, the wards were dark as great walls of sandbags protected the large windows.

    Visiting was only Saturday and Sunday for 2 hours, not very happy for a small boy. We did not have any schooling as far as I can remember.

    I again entered St Gerard’s in March 1952 for leg lengthening, not a very pleasant experience! I was 15 years old admitted to ward 1 for surgery and eventually to the veranda again, this time ward 6. The wards were the old wooden buildings with roll down shutters, which were very rarely closed, even for rain and snow, a red rubber mackintosh was put over the end of the beds to keep off the rain.

    The time there was fantastic, how the young nurses coped with over a dozen frustrated teenagers I shall never know. They perhaps enjoyed it.

    It was a very hot summer and the beds were pushed out onto the veranda which became a race track for our beds as we pulled them along with the help of the rails. I remember one or two of the lads at the time, Edward (Ted) Thorpe, Derick Hatton, John Heritage, just to name a few.

    Particularly a group of three nurses, who were friends who started their training together, namely O’Sullivan, Williams and Posey.

    I left St Gerard’s on 31st January 1953. I spent two and a half years of my life there, I do not remember it as a bad period of my life except for the trauma of the surgery which is quickly forgotten as one recovers.

    1. The Urban Explorer says:

      A fascinating insight to life at St. Gerards, Ken. Apologies it took so long for me to moderate and publish your account.

  2. Fayth says:

    Does anyone know if or when there will be a reunion for the staff from the hospital due to it being 25 years since it closed?

    1. Billy Starkey. says:

      Hello Fayth. I was in ward 2 1962, aged 11. No curtains and shrubbery outside the windows brushed against the panes. Very scary. A little lad, ginger hair, named Jo Jo befriended me and regularly raided my locker for chocolates. Every lunchtime the nurses gave me the duty of feeding Fiona in ward 1. I used to mash the food up and she would bite the spoon and swallow in 1 gulp. She was unable to do anything. So sad. 1 nurse was in love with a 16 year old lad and she would sing an Irish song to him. The Whistling Gypsy. An auxiliary nurse took me to her boyfriend where Father Hudson lads were in the park area and I saw 2 brothers fighting. They all looked very unhappy. I was glad to return to my ward. I was there for 3 months. I had polio in my right leg.

  3. Rachel Daly says:

    Hi,

    I was a patient on ward 7/8 at St Gerard’s Orthopaedic Hospital between 1972-73. I was aged 5 and was on traction having my leg lengthened. I was in hospital for about 18 months and remember Katie O, Melanie M and Gina M very well.

    I returned again at the age of about 8 and yet again, aged about 13 to have staples put in my knee to stop it growing and allow the shorter leg to try and catch up.

    I remember ‘school lessons’ with Miss Hinchman/Hinkman? (not sure where that name came from distant memory!), Sister Brendan, Sr Maria Goretti (I pulled her nuns headdress off when I was having an x-ray once) and Sr Kevin down at the physiotherapy (I always fell asleep under the heat lamp!)

    Wondering if anyone remembers a film made at the hospital and shown on TV around 1972/3. I was on it – reading a book – but have never seen it, as it was shown late in the evening.

    I remember it being a bit scary at night because there were no curtains and you could imaging people looking in the windows. I seem to remember hearing about a break in once, and the children being scared of it happening again.

    I was Rachel Cooper then.

    1. Michele Hilton says:

      Hi Rachel

      I am so thrilled to see your message re St Gerards.

      I was also at St Gerards in 72/73 aged 5. I had a displaced hip which the fabulous Orthopaedic specialist Mr Duke decided not to operate but treat with traction and my being in plaster. I was only in hospital for about 4 weeks max in one go. I think I may have been in hospital about 6 months before you because I can definitely remember the film about Coleshill being shown on ATV after the 10pm news i.e circa 10:45pm. Mum and Sad allowed me very specially to watch it. I had been out of hospital about 6 months, I remember watching The Onedin Line on BBC the same night.

      I remember the hospital bathroom with the big Victorian bath and the old cast iron radiators. When I was first in the hospital I think I was in the main building but I also went back for more treatment 6 months later but recall being in a more modern light ward, like those in the photos. I caught chicken pox in hospital and was placed in quarantine in a separate room off the main ward (old building). I’m from Stratford-upon-Avon and I’m so cross I never went back to visit before they knocked it down. I will forever be grateful to Mr Duke as my hip stayed in place. I ended up having a hip replacement in 2012 aged 45 but that was always on the cards as Mr Duke had said I was born with a shallow hip socket i.e one that looked already 50 years old. Bless him he was right. I do hope life has treated you well post your childhood operations.

      It would be great to hear from you. With very best wishes, Michele

    2. Amanda says:

      Is this hospital still there or has it been knocked down now?

    3. James says:

      Would anyone be interested to go to some of these places. Me and my friend been to a few but we would like more of a group to protect ourselves.

      Email me jamestaylor9999@icloud.com

      1. Keri says:

        Yeah I’m on it, when you planning to do it?

        1. James says:

          Been doing it for a while, add me on Facebook if you wanna go to places with us.

          1. Keri says:

            What’s your FB so I can add you. I have a couple family members that wanna go to places like this so it would be nice to go in a group.

      2. Lily says:

        Me too, me and my friends are a bit nervous of other visitors. If anyone wants a few buddies to go with. You can email me. Lilymae1999@icloud.com

        1. Lewis says:

          Hi did you ever get to the old hospital? It looks like an amazing place to explore

        2. Kaz says:

          Hi – obviously this is a rather old comment, but I thought I’d reply anyways; me and a few friends are also a little unsure about going just by ourselves, so if anyone still has interest in exploring in the West Midlands, we’re definitely on the lookout.

    4. Billy Starkey. says:

      My name is Billy. I was in ward 2 1962. No curtains and branches hitting the windows, very scary. A little lad named Jo Jo befriended me and raided my locker for chocolates. I used to feed a very disabled girl in ward 1 named Fiona. She would bite on the spoon. I was 11 years old. Mostly sad memories. Sister Atonia was like a second Mother.

  4. Tanya Warren says:

    Hi

    My dad was in the hospital on and off from 1938 till 1942 he had TB which left him with a very bad hip.

    Is there anyone else on here who was in there at the same time or who had a family member that was there around then. My dad used to talk about a Sister Philamenia, does anyone else remember the name? My dad said that the nuns were really nice there, he always had a good word to say about his time.

    1. Ingrid Martin says:

      I remember a Sister Philomena in 1959-1963 but whether it was the same one.

      1. Tanya Warren says:

        We visited when I was a little girl. Sister Philomena was in the nuns quarters, she still lived there had been there all her life so we were told it would have been before 1983 we were told she was still there then so maybe same one

        1. Judy says:

          I was a patient there at the age of 4 and a half. I had an operation and was very sick afterwards and one of the Nuns came to take the bowl and told me she was going to get a spoon and make me eat it. I have never forgotten it. They weren’t all like that but it was a horrible experience for me.

        2. Cheryl says:

          Where abouts is this place?

          1. Robert Bailey says:

            Not there anymore. It’s been demolished and new housing estate. One road is called St Gerards Way.

            1. Isobel Brunt nee Thomas says:

              Hello Robert,

              I found this site this morning because I was curious to see if the hospital was still open. A posting I saw on Facebook celebrating the NHS stirred up many memories for me and the gratitude I have for the years the NHS have looked after me. I am now 80 I was a patient at St. Gerard’s for 4 1/2 years.

              I was admitted in February 1948 aged 7 and left in July 1953 just after the Queen’s coronation and just before my 12th birthday. I was in broomstick plaster for 4 years because of hip disease and had to learn to walk all over again.

              I remember Sister Brendan as the ward sister and we were taught basics Monday to Friday by Sister Marian. We were allowed visitors only on Saturdays and Sundays so my mother came on Saturday and my father came on Sunday. We lived in Nuneaton and they came by taxi sharing with another patient’s parents who lived near us.

              I started in Ward 9 and moved to Ward 10 as I got older. There were 17 patients in each ward. The ward was like a garage. Concrete floors and one sidewall was garage doors which were opened every morning. There was a glass veranda and we would be wheeled out under it in all weathers or wheeled out onto a patio in the summer. The food was poor quality because of rationing and our parents were expected to provide extras. Some of the children did not have visitors. The wards were adopted by a factory in Birmingham and each year they would bring us gifts.

              1. Celia Wallis says:

                Hi my name was Celia Jackson. I was in ward 6/7 from early 60’s years went by. Yes our parents were not allowed Saturday and Sunday but I think it was for about an hour.

                I remember Hilary Bird. A lot of names have gone on, Sister Brendan Mould was the cleaner Sister Miriam Agretti, my surgeon was Mr Innes. A lot I remember is spending years crying for my Dad and this went on for the years I was there. You would not dare say you was in pain as the needles were the old-fashioned kind, very painful to a small child.

                You can play again the place never leaves my head, Sister Brenda never leaves my heart. I have a photo of me and some nurses and I had my photo taken with Tom Jones and also with a lady named Jenny Lee Wright I also remember Mr Pastry coming to open the swimming pool and we had The Dave Clark Five they made a chocolate cake in the shape of a guitar.

                I remember the park, was only allowed to go twice there. I have been back it is a housing estate now but as I entered the driveway I totally lost myself to be in a small child again and the tears just flowed like water.

              2. Judith chapman says:

                My auntie was there with TB hip. She talked about sister Brendan she had TB and was on a wooden block with legs in traction from 1943 – 1952. Her name was Janet Charlton

                1. Isobel Brunt nee Thomas says:

                  Hello Judith. I remember Janet, she was in the bed next to me. Janet left the hospital long before me. Just before she left she gave me a book – Children of the New Forest and I still have it. I had no idea of how long Janet had been in hospital.

              3. Anne Harrison,as was then. says:

                I was in St Gerard’s in 1949 and remember Sister Rayfield, who was kind but another of the nuns was very unkind and forced me to eat, I shall never forget it, very frightening. I was put in plaster of Paris from head to waist for three months but it sorted my neck paralysis out, thank goodness.

        3. Ingrid Ransome says:

          Nice to read your memories Tanya. I was in Ward 8 about four times from 1958-1963. I wasn’t scared at night at all. In fact, we used to get up to lots of mischief! I’m 74 now and can remember it as if it was yesterday. Loved Sister Brendan who has a road named after her up by the Catholic Church where there are some new houses. The estate which has been built over the hospital has a road called Gerards Way. You can see it on Google Earth x

      2. Bob Bailey says:

        I was in there Dec 1966 till March 1967 I was 14 years old. The sister in our ward was Sister Ita she could be quite grumpy at times.

        There was a lovely young trainee nurse in a red and white uniform called nurse Chapman. Another nurse I remember was nurse Fitsmorris in a blue and white uniform.

        I remember people coming round at Christmas giving us secondhand books as presents but we did get taken to a pantomime. There were some sad children who hand been in there for what must had 2 or 3 years.

        1. Ingrid Ransome says:

          I was last in there Nov 1963 & remember Sister Eta. Always thought she was Sister Rita! Thought strange name for a nun. She was a miserable so and so. Remember her being on night duty. If you’re interested there was a Nurse Datta who might remember you. helendatta@gmail.com

          1. Robert Bailey says:

            I don’t remember a nurse Datta and nurse Chapman would have been a trainee at the time. I’m sure some of the procedures used in those days are no longer used. There was a 16 year old lad with one leg shorter than the other due to polio when he was young who was having his leg stretched. Fixed in a frame he couldn’t move for months. Sister Eta was doing days on the boys ward 7 days a week all the time I was in there so she was entitled to be grumpy at times.

            1. Ingrid Ransome says:

              Elongations were common in those days Robert. I think they use a similar procedure these days to mend badly broken tibias but of course less cumbersome and don’t involve months in hospital. A girl who was in with me eventually lost her lower leg through this surgery. I suspect some others were successful. Eta was definitely on nights occasionally when I was there. We had lovely Sister Brendan on our ward 7/8. Coleshill even named Brendan Close after her when new houses were built up near the Catholic Church.

              1. Robert Bailey says:

                Hi Ingrid,

                I remember having a daily bath in a big room with only a screen for privacy having to put a tray on a bowl to keep my plastered feet out of the water. I was allowed to have my record player in there and Tom Jones (Green Green Grass of Home) and The Seekers (Morning Town Ride) were in the top ten. I remember the nurses dancing to it.

              2. Robert Bailey says:

                Been to Coleshill today. Catholic Church still there with the nurses home next door all looking good but all the hospital has been replaced with a new Hudson retirement home and residential houses.

                There is a field with the statue of Christ with his arms held out. I believe that statue is still in the same place between where the boys and girls wards were. The old farm is still there behind where the boys ward was. There’s a Hudson care centre I believe that was the boys home.

            2. John O'Neill says:

              Well said, people have good days and bad days. That’s life.

          2. Alan Baker says:

            I was in there from 1961 to 1963 with perthes diseased hip in plaster on both legs. Remember Sister Eita she was very cruel, made nurses cry, got slapped across face a few times. This abuse would not get away with now. Sister Genevere was nice she was the teacher. Think Sister Kevin was physiotherapy. Remember nurse Bridgit Odwyer lovely Irish nurse.

    2. Robert Bailey says:

      Do you know if there’s anyone out there who was in the older boys ward (11 to 16 can’t remember the ward number) at the Christmas of 1966? Would love to chat about those times. Not the best time to be away from family but they tried their best to keep us happy.

      1. Ingrid Ransome says:

        Didn’t know the statue had been saved. Will explore next time we get the chance to travel. We’re in Colchester now.

        Baron Plumb the farmer who still owns the farm and brought milk to the wards every day is 96 in March. I wrote to him a few years ago with my memories and he sent me a lovely reply saying he remembered all the people I mentioned. He was farmer Henry Plumb back then but became Sir Henry Plumb head of the NFU and also a big wig in Europe. He heads The Henry Plumb Foundation and now sits in the House of Lords. His daughter Christine was in Ward 1 with me having a bunion done in 1959! Google him. Happy New Year!

        1. Robert Bailey says:

          Hi Ingrid,
          Look for Gerards Way off the High St. The statue is behind the Hudson care home on the left of the car park in the small field. Post if you find it.

        2. John O'Neill says:

          Lovely post.

  5. martin austin says:

    Does anyone know if any of the buildings were saved and converted?

    1. The Urban Explorer says:

      Doesn’t look like it. The aerials from Google Maps shows a lot of new builds – Gerards Way

      1. martin austin says:

        Very sad, thank you.

      2. Emmy says:

        Shit on it

        1. Joe says:

          Shit on the bloody thing

    2. Ingrid Martin says:

      All gone! The main entrance at the beginning of the main driveway was still there a couple of years ago but haven’t visited for a while. We drove into the housing estate and I couldn’t get my bearings at all. All that history gone forever.

      1. Robert Bailey says:

        Go down Gerards Way off the High Street, the statue of Christ is behind the new Hudson care home.

        1. Ingrid Ransome says:

          We drove down Gerards Way but didn’t see the statue but then I wasn’t looking for it! Was it physically moved to a new site? I suppose the pond was filled in. Goodness knows when or if we’ll be able to go again. If we’re spared (!!!) then we’ll definitely go and look. Coleshill was my old stomping ground in the sixties! Used to socialise there 1963 – 1969 until I left for Swansea aged 22. I worked in the High Street at one point circa 1965

          1. Robert Bailey says:

            You need to go onto the Hudson Care Home car park with the home to your right the statue is in the small field to your left. The pond has been filled in.

            1. Fayth says:

              Does anyone know if or when there will be a reunion for the staff due to it being 25 years closed?

          2. Robert Bailey says:

            Hi Ingrid,
            Sorry you didn’t find the statue on the old hospital site. If you go onto Google Maps and ask for Gerard’s Way Coleshill then change to satellite view you will find a building called the Pastoral Care Project/Father Hudson’s Care the next building to that is St. Joseph’s care home to the right of the carpark is a small field the statue is there, you will need to zoom in. It’s white and in the shadow you can see the arms stretched out.

            Good look hope you find it, please let me know how you go.

          3. User says:

            Do you know the location of the hospital and if it is still around?

            1. Robert Bailey says:

              No been demolished but if you find Gerards Way behind the Hudson care home next to their car park in the field is a statue of Christ with his arms out. I believe that’s in the same place between what was the boys and girls wards.

              1. Martin Grant says:

                I was there from 1977-78, but also to help me along I went to East Birmingham Hospital. It took 2 years to mend my broken Femur. But I did enjoy my time at St. Gerard’s Hospital.

                Coleshill is very quiet, but can easily be described as a beautiful area to live, along with a wonderful community, so this lovely picturesque village, was always for me a healing experience, so I continue to be very glad I was at St. Gerard’s Hospital.

                1. Eric says:

                  Hi Martin I was there with you 77-78 and can always remember you used to shout in your sleep and then make your way into my bed for a bit of safety and security as the nuns were very, very bad so hope you’re keeping well. Martin, do you remember somebody called Paddy Murphy? He went there to have a brain scan, but unfortunately didn’t work.

    3. Robert Bailey says:

      The nurses home was saved and completely refurbished. The statue of Christ is behind the Hudson retirement home, I don’t think it’s ever been moved.

    4. John O'Neill says:

      Both the hospital and boys home have been converted into elderly retirement apartments

      1. Robert Bailey says:

        The boys home is a care centre but the hospital is completely gone. The nurses home next to the church has got a children’s play area outside

  6. Jesse says:

    Can anybody tell me if this is still here, an address and best way in please

    1. Chris says:

      The best way to find this place is to do a little bit of additional research… I would hope people viewing this page wouldn’t just publish the exact location/etc. in an attempt to preserve this location.

      1. Jane says:

        Chris, if you have any details on visiting this site can you please email me them? I will be coming up from Brighton and wouldn’t want to waste a journey :)

      2. Vicky Davies says:

        Hello, I would also love details on the address as I haven’t yet been able to find it in my research. Thank you.

        1. Samantha says:

          Vicky, did you manage to go view the site please, is it still standing and is access available? Thank you
          And do you know of any other interesting UK locations please and can email me, much appreciated :-)

          1. Vicky Davies says:

            I have not been able to find any information on this site yet, I am still looking as people are not willing to give away the location.

            1. Laura says:

              This site has now been demolished and houses built on it.

        2. Sue Guise says:

          It actually closed in 1998 not 1988

      3. Brendan turner says:

        Would really appreciate a reply to this comment or email on where this place is and is it still possible to enter otherwise, would be wasting valuable time and fuel. Bctturner@hotmail.com

        1. ethan says:

          Where is this buildings location?

        2. John O'Neill says:

          Coleshill high street

      4. Ingrid Ransome says:

        I was last in there Nov 1963 & remember Sister Eta. Always thought she was Sister Rita! Thought strange name for a nun. She was a miserable so and so. Remember her being on night duty. If you’re interested there was a Nurse Datta who might remember you. helendatta@gmail.com

      5. Paulette Gayle says:

        Hi all, I was there a couple of days looking for the Father Hudsons home, I have a few photos, as I went to check this place out for my mom, I’m not sure how to post images on here

    2. Ingrid Ransome says:

      Gone now. Housing Estate built on it, I was a patient 1957 – 1963

      1. Simmie says:

        I am an Art student and very interested in taking photos of derelict buildings in Birmingham. So, please clarify, this hospital has now been converted?

        1. Sookie says:

          Yeah it’s a housing estate now

      2. Helen Datta says:

        Hi Ingrid

        I was a nurse training at St Gerards. We used to be Facebook friends but I am not on FB anymore and lost contact with you. Please get in touch via email.

        Thanks,

        Helen Datta nee Banerjee

        1. Ingrid says:

          Hi Helen

          Only just seen this.

          Ingrid

        2. Ethna Hamill says:

          Helen Banerjee, I was a nurse at St. Gerards same time as you. I remember you and have a photograph of you taken at St. Gerards.

          1. Ingrid Ransome says:

            Ethna Will you email me please?

            jing_ransome@hotmail.com

            1. Helen Datta says:

              Ingrid

              My email is helendatta@gmail.com

              Please get in touch.
              Helen xx

            2. Ethna says:

              Hi Ingrid, tried replying to your email address but message has not gone.

              1. Ingrid Ransome says:

                I had contact from someone a few years ago who were looking for you. I think they were cousins but can’t remember now. Any idea who they were? I might recognise the name? I remember the day you started in Oct/Nov 1963. You had lovely blonde hair! Remember the pink striped uniforms!! x

                1. Ethna says:

                  Hi Ingrid, yes I am now in touch with Sharon who sent you the message.

                2. Stephen Gould says:

                  I was in there 1965 May – August. Ostamialitus right hip, had my op at Birmingham childrens then 3 months in Coleshill St. Gerards recuperating. I was 13, bust a few windows playing football getting myself fit when the beds were wheeled outside on the veranda.

            3. Ethna says:

              Hi Ingrid, tried sending message via your email but not successful. I’m not sure if it is you I remember but I do have a photo taken with some patients and if it is not you in the photo you might know who the patients are.
              Ethna.

              1. Ingrid Ransome says:

                Only just seen this Ethna my email is jing_ransome@hotmail.com would like to see the photo

          2. Helen Datta says:

            Dear Ethna

            I remember you very well. Please call me Ethna on 07595466098. I would love to be in touch.

            xx

            1. Ethna says:

              Hi Helen,
              Sent message to your email address. Have you received it?
              Regards: Ethna

              1. Helen Datta says:

                No Ethna, I haven’t received any emails I checked my spam emails and nothing there either. Can you send me your email address? Maybe then you might get it. Do you have a mobile phone? I can call you if you text me your number. I do want to contact you. Finding you is so wonderful after all these years! Helen xx

                1. Ethna says:

                  Helen, my email address: margaretm46@optusnet.com.au
                  Still not able to contact you on your email. Can you check if you can contact me on my email.

        3. Carys says:

          Hi, I am an art student and would love to hear about people’s stories about working in the hospital or being a patient, to help me with my research :)

      3. Robert Masefield says:

        Hi,

        I was also there around the same time as you, some of the nuns names I can refer that was there when I was a patient are Sister Rose, Rayfield and Sister Gennive, there was a nurse I can remember by the name of nurse O’Gorman who had to be dismissed after a incident that happened to me, I was in the hospital for nearly two years with both of my legs in plaster.

        1. Ingrid Martin says:

          I was in there 1959, 1961 and 1963 in Ward 8. Do you remember Trevor Salter? I am in touch with him although he lives in Portugal and has recently had a stroke. I believe he is making some progress.

          1. Robert Masefield says:

            Unfortunately I can not remember any of the names of the patients who was there at the same time as myself, I do remember they were going to open an indoor pool for the patients to use to help with rehabilitation that was not long after I went home, I think they got Mr. Pastry to open the facility.

            1. Robert Bailey says:

              When I was in there 1966 to 1967 the lad in the next bed was called Geoffrey but I can’t remember his sir name also a John Thornton.

              The was a lad called Dennis Scannel who had a cleft palate he had an operation on his spine and was plastered from his hips up to his neck with a plaster collar. In the mornings someone had to help him sit up he couldn’t do it himself because the plaster was so heavy. He had been there for approximately 5 years and only rarely had a visitor. Very sad looking lad.

        2. Helen Datta says:

          No I haven’t received anything yet. Checked my spam bin and nothing there either.

  7. Jordan says:

    I was a patient here for six months in 1980.
    I remember a 5yr old Indian boy who had 6 fingers and 6 toes on each hand and feet been in my ward. He had come in to have those extra fingers and toes removed.

    A poor lad 2 beds away had a muscle wasting disease. In general… most of us liked being there, fussed over by the nuns. The teacher who came in for a couple of hours Monday to Friday would finish our class with a game of “Connect 4” which boosted our moral while cooped inside the ward.

    Hated the morning pills but loved the food, as we were given a choice.

    The Physiopheropy Hall was a pleasing escape from the ward room. The nuns were firm but caring in the same breath.

    As there are no institutions like this any more = NHS and Local Authority cuts I can only say that I was privileged to of had this care at St. Gerards.

    I hope there are a few more out there today who appreciate what was a free, full care service that no longer exists.

    1. Ethna says:

      Jordan, really nice to know someone appreciated the great care they received at St.Gerards. It was an Orthopaedic Surgical Hospital and some patients spent many months, even years there in plaster and callipers etc. but never any “torture” that I am aware of as some have suggested.

      1. Robert Bailey says:

        I remember having fish fingers with bread and butter for tea sometimes. The school teacher that came to the boys ward was Mr Maceaver not sure if that spelling is correct. I remember the cage over my feet to keep the bed clothes off, I was always cold at night.

  8. Janet Hammond says:

    Hi,

    For some strange reason I typed St Gerard’s hospital onto my iPad and couldn’t believe what I found.

    I was on ward 7 & 8 on and off through the 50s and early 60s. It was so good to see names that were a big part of my childhood. Sister Brendon, Sister Marion, Sister Mary are known names to me, alas I can only remember two of the children named Tessa Roberts and Angela Gannet, although I am surprised Denise Coleman’s name hasn’t come up as Tessa and Denise were part of the fittings they were there for so long.

    Another name well known to me was Paulin Hughes. We got up to a lot of mischief back in the 50s does anyone from that time remember the spiders webs we used to do at night out of cotton? Don’t know if anyone will remember me. My name back then was Janet Beadell.

    1. Peter lloyd says:

      Do you remember when the girls came over to the boys ward through the bushes?

      1. Ingrid Ransome says:

        Yes, I met Trevor Salter behind the willow tree circa June 1961. We were both 14 and it was just after lunch time. My first kiss!

    2. Ingrid Ransome says:

      I was in Ward 8 a few times. I remember Tessa and Denise. I think Pauline was Pauline Hewitt? I remember Angela Gannet, Bridget Brierly, Mary Wilson, Ann Print (in touch with) Jackie Clamp, Kay Spittlehouse, Jocelyn Taylor, Sheila Talbot, Fiona ? and lots more.

      Took my two kids to visit Sister Marianne circa 1981, had tea with her in the convent. I remember lovely Sister Brendan, Sister Rose, Sister Eta, Sister Mary, Mother Catherine… etc. Farmer Henry Plumb now Baron Plumb who brought the milk via the back door. Maud & Betty! Lots of memories. I was Ingrid Martin.

      1. Elizabeth Smith says:

        I was in St Gerards on and off from late 60’s to late 70’s does anyone know if Sister Marianne is still alive?

        1. Marilyn Morris says:

          Hi I was in Ward 8, 1966 Marilyn Cooke now Morris

        2. Ingrid Martin says:

          She died many years back

      2. Heather says:

        Does anyone know the location?

      3. Helen Datta says:

        The two patients names I remember from my nurse training days are Denise Coleman and Jocelyn Taylor, I do not know why their names I remember and not the others. I wish my St Gerards days were back again. Some of my happiest days were spent there.

    3. Lynne Roache says:

      I was in Ward 8 in 1959 and remember Sisters Brendon and Marion. I also remember Tessa and Denise who were there for so long. My name was Lynne Gladstone and I was 11 years old when I was admitted and 12 years old when I left. I cannot remember your name however.
      Do you remember Anne Print? She was there for quite a long time.

      1. Ingrid Martin says:

        I am in touch with Ann Print raceleo447@gmail.com

        She’s Ann Race now. I was in with her in 1961

        Ingrid

    4. Ingrid Martin says:

      What was your name? I knew all the people you’ve mentioned. Pauline Hewitt was the girls name I think. I was Ingrid Martin.

    5. Helen Datta says:

      I remember Denise Coleman. I was a student nurse in St Gerards during 1961-1964. Then came to Whipps Cross Hospital in London to do my general nurse training. I enjoyed my days at Coleshill and have very happy memories.

    6. Keith Beattie says:

      Hello Janet,

      My late wife was a trainee nurse at St Gerards from 1958 to 1960. She was only 17 when she started there, she told me many good stories about her time there though the sisters were strict with the trainee nurses.

      Her name was Rosalie O’Brien then, she was from Middlesbrough not Ireland where most had come from. Another trainee nurse Margaret Hunt was a good friend of hers we are still in touch with her.

      What memories!
      Keith

    7. john griffin says:

      Do you remember Virginia and Rosaleen Griffin, my sisters at St Gerards in the 50s. Wilfred Pickles gave them dolls one xmas, we lived in Sparkhill it was 3 buses to visit on a Sunday each way. Both girls had hip trouble but are fine today. Warm regards, John Griffin.

  9. Deb says:

    Anyone up for exploring with me? Live just outside of Birmingham.

    1. Dhanjeet Ramnatsing says:

      Hey Deb me and my friend Eve are going to explore it this Tuesday if you’re up for it!

      1. nicola says:

        Did you manage to get inside?

      2. Javaria says:

        Hey, did you end up going? Do you have an address or an idea on how to get in there? Thanks!

        1. Anna says:

          Could you give me any information on it? My friend and I would like to explore it however we live in South Wales so we need as much information as possible before we go to explore it

          1. Isobelle says:

            It’s in Coleshill, Birmingham

            1. The Urban Explorer says:

              I’m glad you can read too Isobelle, I thought it was just me!

              1. Vicky Davies says:

                I just read that it was demolished a while ago :/

          2. Emma says:

            This article says it closed in 1988 but I had ankle surgery here in 1993 when I was 13 years old. The nursing staff were nuns and were lovely. Maybe parts of the hospital closed in 1988 but there was definitely a hospital still functioning to some degree here in the early 90s.

            1. Sue Guise says:

              Emma you are right, it closed in 1998, I worked there from 1991 to 1996

              1. Margaret Mc Cormack says:

                Was Sr Valerie there? I heard she died RIP, did you know a Julie Crowley, I was there from Sept 72 – 75!

                1. Ferial Khan says:

                  Hi Margaret – How are you?

                  I nursed there with you, 1973-1975 and even met up with you in Galway after you moved back to Ireland and was working at a care facility for people with disabilities.

                  Loved every minute of my time there and after when I went back as Night/OR Sister.

                  Never thought to look up this site before. I was in contact with some of the Sisters for many years (also visited) and still am with Sr Rita who cooked such lovely meals. I retired this year from nursing but am working for my Parish as the PREP coordinator.

                  It is lovely to read the memories expressed. Sr Valerie died in the 80’s – cancer. All the others mentioned are deceased.

          3. Bob Bailey says:

            I believe it’s all been demolished and new houses built

    2. Dhanjeet Ramnatsing says:

      dramnatsing@gmail.com

      Join us if you’re up for it!

      1. Aypee says:

        Holla me if anyone is interested with details on how to get inside
        Ay.pee21@gmail.com

        1. Charlotte says:

          What details do you have to get inside?

        2. Mill says:

          Hi, really interested in this amazing place? Is it easy to get into? Thanks :)

      2. Robert Bailey says:

        Yes I’m up for it have got a lot of memories, some good some not so good.

    3. john says:

      Anyone know if this is still standing and how to get in? Also is there security?

      1. Deb says:

        I think it’s still there. I’m going to try going Thursday if anyone wants to join me

        1. The Urban Explorer says:

          Definitely not still there, I wouldn’t waste your time. A quick look on Google Maps will show that an entirely new estate has been built in it’s place.

          1. Billy Starkey. says:

            I was a patient there 1962 for 3 months. I was 11 and a little lad named Jo Jo befriended me and regularly raided my locker for chocolates. I was more able than most with my polio in right leg. So the sister in charge appointed me to feed a very disabled girl named Fiona. I would mash the food and she would bite hard onto the spoon and gulp it down in one go. Sister Antonio was like a second mother. She was very, very kind. One nurse fell in love with a 16 year old patient and she used to sing an Irish song to him. THE WHISTLING GYPSY.

        2. True says:

          Any luck?

        3. Mill says:

          Hi Deb, did you manage to get in?

          1. Margaret Mc Cormack says:

            Was Sr Valerie there? I heard she died RIP, did you know a Julie Crowley, I was there from Sept 72 – 75!

      2. Peter lloyd says:

        When was you there my name is Pete Lloyd I was there in 1956 to 1958

      1. Cellan says:

        Is it still there do you know? Going next week

    4. Ethan brady says:

      Where is the location of this. I need a road name as I can’t find it anywhere

      1. Gegi says:

        It’s been demolished

    5. Linda Foxall says:

      When I was a young girl my father did voluntary work there and worked closely with Sister Brendan.

      There was an annual garden fate where my Mother, Father and myself helped to run along with staff from Smiths Industries, where my father worked.

      There was a lot of children who had thalidomide disabilities, orphans who were badly paralysed those with TB. Christmas presents from Santa and a children’s party was arranged. It was wonderful but sad.

      I would love to visit. I am 64 now but remember this time so very clearly. Has anyone got any memories such as mine. I would love to hear from you. Thanks Linda

      1. Ingrid Ransome says:

        Hi Linda. I have lots of memories and remember Sister Brendan very well. My email is jing_ransome@hotmail.com Ingrid

    6. Emily says:

      Is it still there?

    7. Sam says:

      I’d really like to explore somewhere creepy but I have no idea how to get to places like these.

      1. Ethna says:

        Why “creepy” it was an Orthopaedic Surgical Hospital. Nothing “creepy” happened there.

        There was an orphanage next to the Hospital. If you look it up, that was a very sad place.

    8. Jodie Atkinson says:

      Is it free? I want to go exploring

    9. Iglano says:

      Have you gone yet? Because I’m up for it let me know.

    10. Justin says:

      Yep I live in Brum

  10. Terry Stewart says:

    I was at St Gerards in 1943, I had polio. I was there for about a year and it saddens me to read that some people suffered abuse and were unhappy there, my experiences there were very different despite the problems with polio. I did read in the national press of abuse in the Father Hudson’s Homes, but that was in the late 90s. When I think about the time I was there it amuses me that a children’s hospital was situated between two cities, Birmingham and Coventry, both being bombed at the time. I remember the plane’s engine drones overhead usually returning after a bombing raid. Apparently a stick of bombs were dropped in the High Street probably to lighten the load to get back to Germany.

    When I finished studying in the early 60s I went to work in Canada and the States. Before I went I called in to see one Sister that I remembered with great affection, she was Sister Bernadette. When I returned from New York I went to see her again. Unlike some of your other contributors and despite the polio I do remember it as a happy time there, I think Sister Bernadette, who I’m sure was a novice at the time and probably not a great deal older than some of the children, certainly helped to make us happy.

    On Saturdays we all went to the large ward on the north side of the garden where the sliding partitions were opened up to turn into a cinema. There we watched cartoons, Popeye, Mickey Mouse and Goofy and the comedy films of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy and the Three Stooges. Sometimes between these were short instructional films on camouflage, how to be a sniper and tank warfare. A strange mix.
    I remember the garden with its figure of Christ with arms outstretched standing behind the round fish pond. I have a couple of aerial photos showing this with the two wards bounding the north and south with beds wheeled out onto the terraces. The garden and terrace would be used for various fetes and raffles with visitors from the town and children’s parents.

    On another occasion I was in the area and again called in to see Sister Bernadette but she was no longer there, Sister Margaret told me that she had moved to Liverpool to care for Archbishop Derek Worlock in Mossley Hill, he was suffering from cancer at the time. This was in the mid 80s, it was the last time I saw Sister Bernadette, she would not have returned to St Gerards because it had closed by then.

    1. Diane says:

      Hi, Terry, I have just opened your account of St. Gerards after searching for a newspaper clipping of myself as a child. I was in this hospital in 1975 aged 9 and stayed a patient there for 18 plus months having been run over seriously injuring my hip with complicated fractures.

      It has really hit home having seen the derelict building that was my home for a very long time. I remember everything about it like it was yesterday. Like you, my experience was joyful despite being far from my family who could not regularly visit due to the lack of public transport and cost at the time. Sister Bernadette was also my favourite and was so kind I have never to this day forgotten her. I was confined to bed on traction so I couldn’t get about, but in the summer just as you remember my bed was wheeled into the garden so that I didn’t miss out on the fun.

      I also became a Brownie whilst in the hospital and each week the nurses would put on my uniform so I could be involved, being unable to walk did not stop me from having fun. I had a large frame on my bed and the blankets covered it, I think back at the time I hid underneath it pretending I was not there and thinking the nurses would wonder where I was when they slowly pulled each cover off the bed I would Boo! them. Bless them they played the game very well and I was convinced I had succeeded in giving them a fright.

      We had school every day and mid morning everyone had a hot chocolate, this was the best hot chocolate I had ever tasted. The teacher had brought a newt in from the pond and placed it in a bowl at the end of the ward needless to say I insisted on seeing and whilst the teacher was out of sight another child scooped up the newt in a cup and brought it over my bed to show me, unfortunately for me the newt climbed up the cup and she dropped it onto my bed, you can only imagine the commotion. I had such good times at St Gerard’s so many things we did and I have never been abused in any way at all.

      The pictures of a derelict building that once stood are ghostly, but I say to all those that think the worst, I had never witnessed any paranormal activity and ask them to see things differently as there was a lot of love in this place and heaps of fun made by the nurses, teacher, doctors and of course my favourite nun Sister Bernadette.

      Diane

    2. colin shorey says:

      Hello Terry.

      Was there 1946-49. TB spine confined to a metal, leather padded frame lying down. Many years ago now but remember statue, cold wards for the treatment, some not making it. Sisters Genevieve and Catherine, listening to Dick Barton on radio, film nights. All the holy festivals.

      There were no bad moments, but long days watching the sun move across the sky aged 3-6 yrs old (DOB 16/4/43). Cheers Colin

    3. Anne race says:

      Hello Terry,

      I was delighted to find all this info about St. Gerards.

      I was also there as a child. In 1945 I contracted Polio so I was at St. Gerards from 9 months to 6 years. I also loved Sister Brendan and also Mother Superior I think her name was Catherine. My mother had a theory that the nuns kept the babies/children so long because they love them like their own and didn’t want to part with them.

      I still have the ivory beads I was given by Mother Superior although I have never been a Catholic.

      At the age of 14 I returned for further treatment (although it was miles from my family home at Aston).

      I was there till I was 17 after having spinal surgery that went badly wrong involving me being in a plaster cast bed ridden for
      18 months. That time was not so enjoyable as I was a rebellion teenager and I used to rub sister Marion up the wrong way but sister Brendan was always there to fight my corner!

      Do you remember Mr Allen the surgeon? The nuns thought he was a God!

      Do you remember the tuck shop hut that sister Marion was in charge of and the little round icecream tubs?

      In my teenage years Elvis’s music was all the rage and we drove the nuns mad with our gramophone day and night with rock and roll. I was there when we were fortunate to have Bob Map manager of Birmingham hippodrome bring all the top stars. Cliff Richard, Billy Fury, Max Bygraves etc.

      Do you remember the store Lewis’s that used to decorate the wards at Christmas? Magical!

      If you would like to exchange memories I would love to chat. I am now 72 married with grown up family living in Fleet, Hampshire and my former name was Anne Print.

      My best wishes to you.
      Anne

      1. Terry Stewart says:

        Dear Anne

        It was good to read about your experiences at St Gerards, you appear to have experienced a lot more serious medical problems than me. I was there for about 10/11 months and left in 1945 so we very nearly crossed.

        I do remember Mr Allen because he was a consultant at the Oswestry Orthopedic Hospital. This was opposite the school where I had contracted polio and returned to in 1948. I went to see him because there was talk of strengthening the muscles in my thumb to improve my grip. Mr Allen thought he could do a sort of muscle transplant. I don’t remember why but this never took place.

        When I went to see Sister Bernadette before I went to Canada I was rather surprised to meet her in a black habit. I asked her why and she said that it was her turn to be Mother Superior. You don’t mention her but I’m sure she would have been there in 1945.

        Its a strange irony that although ill with the polio and all that that entails as you know, I still look at that period of my childhood as one of the happiest.

        Take care
        Terry

        I see that the site has now become a housing estate.

        1. Anne race says:

          Hello Terry

          Yes your right Sister Catherine was Mother Superior when I was a baby/child and Sister Bernedette was indeed Mother Superior for many years.

          As they were Irish nuns my Dad used to love to talk horse racing with them. They gave him plenty of tips and he would place the bet and split his winning 50/50 bringing money donations for many weekends! Don’t think that would happen today with all the political correctness.

          I have had several girls get in touch with me today. Seems they remember me as the girl always in trouble for my naughty way of never saying no and always looking for fun! I blame the nuns for that, encouraging me to be spirited when I was a baby. One really old nun whose name I could not pronounce so I called her YaYa said if there’s mischief to be had Anne Print will be there! ???

          Mr Allen often went to America to research all the cutting edge medical knowledge. I think most of the nuns were a little in love with him has he was a tall, silver haired handsome man!

          Yes pain and disabilities aside life was good at St Gerard’s.

      2. Lynne Roache says:

        Dear Anne,
        I so remember you. I was just a young kid when I was in St Gerards 60 years ago but remember you, Denise Coleman, Tessa, Hillary Bird, Sister Brendon and Sister Marion. I think you older girls told me a lots of the facts of life as I was only 11/12 years old then.

        I remember Cliff Richard and Billy Fury visiting and didn’t Max Bygraves bring an ice-cream van?

        I emigrated to Australia with my family when I was 15 and have no-one to share my memories with. Some are happy but I think 9 months was a long time to be in hospital. I have always considered myself lucky that I was only in such a short while compared to you and the other girls.

    4. Mandy Harvey says:

      Hi Terry
      I think my uncle was there around that time – his name was Roy Wale, did you know him?

    5. Julie Golec says:

      Terry, do you remember John Hart? He was there 1943 with polio and he speaks fondly of the nuns.

      1. terence stewart says:

        Dear Julie

        I’m afraid I don’t, it sounds like he could have been in our ward. If he specifically spoke of Sister Bernadette then he may well have been in the same ward. She was our ward Sister. I do remember an older boy in a wheelchair who used to help the librarian by taking books around. I’ve always thought his name was Brian.

        I hope you are well in these strange times with another killer virus.

        Best wishes to you and your family.

  11. Colin Hemmings says:

    Hi, thanks for this and the interesting pictures. My mum worked there as a cadet nurse in 1953\4, she is now 80. She remembers it as a very austere environment. She remembers the nuns as being quite brutal.

    1. Anne race says:

      Hello Colin, I was at St Gerards for a lot of my childhood and found the nuns to be really kind.

      I imagine they were very, very strict with the young trainee nurses. Many came from Ireland never being away from home and were very home sick. We children used to try and cheer them up by giving them our sweets.

      So glad to hear your mum was one of our lovely nurses x

      1. Ingrid Ransome says:

        Hi Anne of course I remember you well. Someone is searching for you. Judy who was very friendly with you. I live in Colchester now. Are you on facebook? Ingrid Ransome (Martin). Email jing_ransome@hotmail.com

      2. Ingrid Ransome says:

        Judy nee Marshall judyann1@btinternet.com

        Miss Print! I have photos and autograph book so will look them out. Names I remember

        Tessa Roberts, Mary Wilson, Sheila Talbit, Susan Preston, Kay Spittlehouse, Jackie Clamp. Elaine (bed opposite you) Jocelyn Taylor

        1. Anne race says:

          Hello Ingrid. Well what a small world! Yes I remember so many of the girls you mentioned. I will email you later this evening and look you up on Facebook
          I lost my autograph book some where between house moves!

          Do you remember all the stars coming mainly on Saturday afternoon? Will have a good look out of my photos and email you them. Do you ever see any of the girls?

          Remember Judy very well and Teresa! Think I was in the next bed to them!

          Speak later x

  12. david says:

    Hi, if there are any explorers wanting to hook up in the Birmingham area I would like to join. I am a photographer, I use cameras and drones for footage. If anyone has somewhere interesting to visit contact me, my name is Dave. r18add@googlemail.com

  13. Nic Smith says:

    Hi everyone, I am part of a paranormal investigation team, we are based in Staffordshire but go all over the country. Our Facebook page is R.D.P.H Paranormal Group. My Facebook is Nicola Smith.

    If anyone wants to join us on any investigations please get it touch.

    Our email:-

    RPDHParanormalinvestigations16@gmail.com

    Mine is:-

    nicola.cattell@gmail.com

    1. Maxine Scrivener says:

      Hi Nic we are Maxine and Christine myself and my partner are avid paranormal enthusiasts and would be interested in connecting with a reputable group of like minded people.

      We have a small selection of our own tools such as IR & UV torches, full spectrum still shot camera, night vision camcorders, SPB7 voice box & external speaker, digital voice recorders, K2 meter and a basic EMF reader device and also dependent on the location being investigated we tend to try to always have at least two trigger objects with us.

      Soon we will be purchasing an SLS set up to add to our growing collection and an ovulus there after.

  14. Daz says:

    This hospital is no longer, it is now houses.

    1. Tanya says:

      That is a shame, I think my Dad stayed here in the 1930s as a patient for nearly 5yrs, he had TB. I would have loved to have been able to visit and take my children and show them where their Grandad was as a child. Any ideas where I could find out if he was a patient here.

  15. Sam says:

    How much does this cost to go round please does anyone know?

  16. Emily says:

    My Grandparents met here when they were children, sadly they passed and I would love to know what the place is actually like. Guess I would never know if the place has been demolished :(

    1. Celia wallis says:

      I was there in the very early 60s. My childhood revolved around St Gerards. I am now very close to being 60 but everyday my mind is with it. I have a prayerbook from there I often sit and think of the times there.

  17. Sophie White says:

    Hi,
    I am trying to find this place, does anyone have an address for it as I would love to go and explore there.

    If anyone does can you please email me- sophwhite97@gmail.com

    thanks

    1. Emily says:

      Sadly, it has been demolished

    2. yvonne says:

      Hi Sophie – part of it – only a very small bit of it is still standing. I was treated there as a child. What is left of the building (it was called St. Gerards when I was there), is an adoption centre on Coventry Road.

    3. Michael Francis Mooney says:

      Just off the Coleshill High Street, now derelict.

  18. Andy says:

    Anybody in the West Midlands interested in meeting up. Worcester based but easy access to Birmingham etc. Give me a message :)

    andrew-macdonald91@hotmail.com

    Andy

  19. Saiba says:

    What is the postcode for this place if anybody has an idea… There is also a care home in Coleshill which has been closed I was wondering if that is next to it or something? And if anyone has any ideas about abandoned places in Birmingham.

    Thanks

  20. Shane says:

    Does anyone want to meet up and explore abandoned hospitals and asylums?
    Is anyone near me in Birmingham?
    Mail me rovacab@aol.com
    Thanks

    1. Soph says:

      Hey I’m so up for this :)

    2. Hayley says:

      Hey! Sounds awesome, count me in!
      07453281121 xx

      1. Benjamin John says:

        I’m also up for this, Bromsgrove based

  21. Daisy says:

    WOW! Amazing place! Would love to go here. Does anyone know of any buildings IN Bath, Bristol, Swindon area? I’m also looking for a team of urban explorers to meet and become part of a team so I can start exploring more. If anyone is interested please let me know as it would be good to meet people who share the same interests.

    1. Joe says:

      Hi Daisy, I would love to get a team together also! I’m from Shropshire & am fascinated in Urban Exploring. Would love to start somewhere!
      Message me on Instagram – @JoeLewis.X

    2. Saffron says:

      It’s a shame I live in Surrey because I would have loved to join your team!

    3. Anna says:

      Hi Daisy,

      My name’s Anna and I am 19 years old. I am also looking to go explore some abandoned places with a group of people. Perhaps even start making a group YouTube channel! Email me if you are interested – userforsignin@hotmail.com :)

      1. Lydia says:

        If the offer’s still up for urban exploring, I’m completely down for that! Live near the Bristol area so if anyone wants to?

        Message me sweetdrums@hotmail.co.uk

        1. Lydia,
          I am a photographer (https://www.facebook.com/NicoTomko/) and live in Woodstock near Oxford. I would love to go urban exploring, do you have any places in mind? I do not mind a bit of a drive, however far, if we can find somewhere interesting. If you wish you can email me at diane.n.long@gmail.com
          All the Best,
          Nicole

  22. Cat says:

    Hi, I’m looking for a place to do some photography for my art GCSE. I’m looking for a place exactly like this, preferably a hospital/institution. I live in Buckinghamshire, so I’m looking for somewhere close like Birmingham, Wycombe or London. If anyone knows anywhere please let me know!

    1. lilly says:

      Hi Cat – I’m doing my photography GCSE this year and I was wondering where you decided to shoot in the end…

      1. Cat says:

        Hi Lilly! I didn’t end up going to any abandoned places, but there are plenty of interesting places you could go to. If you can, check out Colchester Castle – it’s great if you’re looking for architecture and old buildings and it’s open to the public so you don’t have to sneak around! It’s probably safer to go somewhere open to the public so you don’t risk getting in trouble for trespassing! Hope this was helpful!

  23. Demi says:

    Hey

    I was wondering if I can take some pictures and explore this amazing place, I live near by. Did you guys get permission to go in there or did you find a way in?

    Thanks

  24. Leearna says:

    Hi I was reading the comments and I just thought a couple of months ago me and a couple of friends went in to the old North Leam School near Lillington it’s a great place for photos as it looks like it has just come out of a horror movie if that helps any of you :)

    1. Ljlawton says:

      Do you know the location of this place?

  25. Claire pickersgill says:

    Hello,

    I would like to know if you hire this venue? I am looking to book a zombie apocalypse wedding reception. Would be great to hear back from you

    1. The Urban Explorer says:

      Claire… you’ve really misunderstood what this website is all about I’m afraid. And if you read through the comments, it’s believed the building has actually been demolished.

      1. Paige says:

        Hi can I have the post code of where this was I’ve read it’s been demolished but just want to check for myself thanks

        1. The Urban Explorer says:

          I have no idea what the postcode is I’m afraid. Coleshill is a small village, it’s easy enough to find just driving through it – that’s how I found it!

          1. Mia Plaxton says:

            Do you know the road it’s near?

            1. The Urban Explorer says:

              It was on the main road through the village. By all accounts demolished now, but I’ve yet to see photo evidence.

              1. Bill Cosby says:

                thanks for that

              2. Ljlawton says:

                Hi, I live near Chelmsley Wood. Could you be able to tell me the location. I’m doing a YouTube video and I would like to see it. I wouldn’t take anything from there.

          2. Ljlawton says:

            Do you know if it’s near Bramble Close?

      2. Saiba says:

        Has this place REALLY closed down?

        1. The Urban Explorer says:

          I’m yet to see any photo evidence otherwise. But I assume by “closed down” you mean is it still accessible? A lot of people have said it’s been demolished.

    2. Tony says:

      You might try this place in Leeds

      http://www.templeworksleeds.com

  26. Bernadette says:

    I was here in the early and middle 70s. To say it was a place of torture is an understatement, looking back it was and still is a place that creeps me out. However, we also have to remember the time – things and society have changed what was acceptable 40+ years ago is no longer acceptable now. I am personally pleased that it has been demolished, maybe some of the terrible things that happened can now be put to rest. Although – the archaeological historian part of me – thinks that is should have been left as it was as a reminder that times have changed and bad things do happen.

    1. Trish Easton says:

      Hi Bernadette, I was a patient in 1975 and have horrible memories of this place. I recently met a nurse who recognised me from when I was 11, completely freaked me out hence the search online where I found this article. I was treated during the hot summer for a curverture of the spine which turned out to be a problem with my hip! Maybe you remember me, my bed was next to a girl called Mary Kelly. Best wishes, Trish (Patricia Harrison) x

      1. Diane Allie says:

        Hi Trish, my name is Diane Allie I was also a patient there. I had bunions at age 10 – I had both my feet done. I still have memories of St Gerards and was even contemplating visiting the site – but looks like it has shut down. I also remember that we used to have our beds wheeled out onto the grounds – it was Brownies I think? My email address if you would like to get in touch is diane.allie64@gmail.com it would be good to get in touch and share some memories of St Gerards.

  27. Emily says:

    Hi, I’m doing a photography project in college and I would really like to visit one of these abandoned places, I live in the west Midlands so if anyone knows any places I could visit please tell me, thanks.

    1. George says:

      I know of a place in Welwyn garden city

    2. Cormac says:

      Digbeth Tyhpoo Tea factory. Definitely worth the visit

  28. Nick says:

    Hi, me and my girlfriend are very interested in visiting old asylums. She is studding psychology and would like to see how things used to be done and how things have moved on. We are in the South West if anyone knows of anywhere around here and Wales way we could visit it would be much appreciated. My email is armstrongnick@hotmail.co.uk

  29. steph says:

    Hey just wondering if this place has now been demolished? Also if anyone could give me a few ideas on places to visit please.

    1. The Urban Explorer says:

      A lot of reports are suggesting it’s been demolished but I’m yet to see evidence.

      1. Katie says:

        Hello, I’m interested to join a group who visit abandoned places. Could I join this one to go exploring? :)

  30. Katie-Anne says:

    Hey guys just an update. In coleshill we call it the old father hudsons place. Unfortunately it has been demolished due to health and safety as people kept breaking in and hurting themselves. Rumours have it that a lot of creepy things kept happening in there too. My Auntie is a ghost investigator. She has her own business and everything and she asked me if I’d like to come along and I said yeah it would be fun, so we spent a whole night in there, let’s just say we didn’t last all night. Even my Auntie got freaked out.

  31. Annette says:

    Even though it appears to be an interesting place, it holds very bad memories for me some forty years on. It was an evil, cruel, wicked place run by nuns who were responsible for the cruelty and abuse they inflicted on young children. The best thing to happen to it is to demolish it alongside those evil nuns.

    1. The Urban Explorer says:

      Wow, that’s quite a statement! Thanks for sharing your experience.

      1. Dave says:

        Hiya urban explorer do you have a contact email?

        1. The Urban Explorer says:

          Yeah, just use the contact form

      2. Cristov Forcatus says:

        Hi Urban Explorer. Initially, my brother drew my attention to the comments on St. Gerard’s on your site because I was there as a patient from early 1958 to mid 1961, just shy of 3 years. I had been diagnosed with Perthes disease, in my left hip.

        I was actually diagnosed late 1957 and at that time the only treatment was long term hospitalisation or wearing a bizarre metal caliper affair. My mother left the choice to me and I opted for the former not realising, at age 7, the implications of an extended stay in an institution and a 3 year absence from my family environment.

        My folks lived in Winson Green, Birmingham, with my sister and two brothers. They had very little spare cash but during all that time mom, dad or both never once missed the two hour visiting on Saturdays and Sundays, 2pm – 4pm despite the time and money spent making the 14 mile journey via two busses (one way!).

        I was surprised to read the stories of mistreatment and abuse. I was on ward 5 and I have no reason to think things were different on other wards. I can’t say I liked being there but, after the trauma of separation from my family had eased, it wasn’t all bad. Despite being in plaster and harnessed to a bed life was never really boring. I received a rudimentary but adequate education (enough to allow me to feel at ease when I was introduced back into the State school system eventually, in 1972, to get a degree). We were taught craft, we had a TV and were visited quite regularly by celebrities.

        My only bad memory, apart from the ever present, terrible yearning to be back home, was the food. Since I first began eating solid food I was averse to eating any kind of meat, not for any ethical reasons but because I just did not like the taste or texture. Then there was fish which I found worse than loathsome. As the hospital’s ethos was, unsurprisingly, predominantly Catholic the dinner on Fridays was invariably boiled, cold fish.

        Most of the time the staff were sympathetic and didn’t mind me eating everything but the meat an fish. Names such as Nurses Sheridan, Hanrahan, Sister Rafael et al spring to mind and the memories are fond. However, whenever Sister Antonio was on the ward I was forced to eat everything or go without. My memories of Sister Antonio are not honourable but, hey, there’s always one!

        I’m not sad to find that St.Gerard’s is no longer. As I understand things these days, 56 years on, long term hospitalisation when treating children avoided where possible and is always a last resort due to the possible damage from the psychological trauma. I don’t think treatments were intentionally barbaric back then it’s just that, as with most other things, advances have brought about greater sophistication.

        For me, the bottom line is that those years at St Gerard’s allowed me to go on to live a very active, sporting life whereas otherwise I would undoubtedly have been disabled at an early age.

        1. The Urban Explorer says:

          Thanks for sharing your experience, Cristov.

        2. Michael Francis Mooney says:

          I was a patient, 1958 to 1961. We must have come across each other. I was 4 when I went in. On a bed at a terrible angle with my bed at the bottom my legs were strapped up. I had blonde hair very shy. I would love to chat to you. I had a friend who was in Father Hudsons his name was Vincent Condron.

        3. Ingrid Ransome says:

          I have a photo of Nurse Maureen Hanrahan if you contact me. jing_ransome@hotmail.com

    2. Collette Jackson says:

      Hi, I was there late 70’s-80. The nuns hated disabled kids. I know from experience what they did to me and got other kids to bully me. The nuns and kids said that I was putting it on and not really disabled. Also my consultant told me to have complete bedrest for a week. As soon as he was gone they got me out of bed. I told him that I had been walking as the nun’s told me to, they told him that I was lying and I got out myself. Plus they pulled my dissolving stitches out so that made me stay in longer. I told my mum. Then when the consultant told me I had to go back there I screamed and balled my eyes out. My mum had to explain why. So I went back to my favourite orthopaedic hospital.

    3. Ingrid says:

      We weren’t abused at all. We were treated well. I know there were some not so nice nuns but generally, we were well looked after. The abuse was in the orphanage, not the hospital.

  32. Molly says:

    Hi,
    I’m wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of places to visit in the Staffordshire area and surrounding areas. Similar to this, hospital/asylum etc, or just anything that you recommend as interesting. Wanting to do a bit of photography in these places.

    Drop me an email if anyone thinks of anything – hairsprayzeppelin@hotmail.com

    Thanks x

    1. Alex says:

      In Stoke – Staffordshire – they have just built a new hospital, ‘The Royal Stoke’ and therefore the old hospital located only a couple of hundred yards is now abandoned and awaiting demolition. this could be a potential

  33. Luke Weetman says:

    Can anyone please tell me who I would contact about getting permission to use a site like St. Gerards to do some filming

    1. The Urban Explorer says:

      If some of the comments here are to be believed, St. Gerards has been demolished. But I’d start by contacting the Father Hudsons Society.

      1. Andy says:

        Hi,

        I will be visiting Coleshill later today and also tomorrow so I will post an update as to whether or not St Gerard’s has indeed been demolished as there seems to be a lot of uncertainty! :)

        Thanks

        Andy

        1. The Urban Explorer says:

          That would be brilliant! If you’re able to take photos I’ll pop them up on the report.

          1. Andy says:

            Hi,

            I will of course be taking pictures :) even if it’s demolished! And I will let you know once I’ve been!

            Thanks

            Andy :)

          2. Andy says:

            Hi,

            Sadly it has been demolished, it’s now a new housing estate. By the look of things the whole area has been levelled and the new houses are all up and occupied although there is still some work going on!

            I’ve also taken pictures of the area so we can definitively cross this one off the list.

            Thanks!

            Andy

            1. The Urban Explorer says:

              Thanks for the clarification. Can you provide links to the photos, or send them to me in an e-mail?

              1. Andy says:

                Hi,

                Yes no problem. I’ll send them across. What’s the email address?

                I’m also just visiting Selly Oaks Hospital in Birmingham, which is currently mid way through being demolished! Should I send those across as well when I’ve finished?

                Thanks :)

                Andy

                1. The Urban Explorer says:

                  Has someone mentioned Selly Oaks in the comments? If so, send across the photos and I can show them. I’ll ping you an e-mail soon.

                2. Brendan turner says:

                  Hello Andy I was wondering if you could share the details of this place with me.
                  Kind regards
                  Brendan

              2. Leanne gould says:

                Hi I’ve just been reading about St Gerards myself and my friend want to get in to finding derelict places also ghost hunting we’re from Nuneaton do you know of any near Warwickshire/Birmingham/Leicester/Coventry.

    2. Jess says:

      Hi Luke
      Did anyone get in contact with details of how to use this as a film set?

    3. Ingrid says:

      I was a patient in St Gerard’s 1958 – 1963 on and off. I do not relate to these horror stories at all. I was well looked after and thankfully my surgery was a great success. I don’t know where all these people come from. Yes, things were hard at times but we all had a lot of fun… dormitory type… and some poor buggers were in a dreadful state, polio, thalidimide, cerebal palsy, spina bifida, etc. The nuns could be difficult but there were some nice ones. If you want any info let me know. Ingrid

  34. Bronya Creary says:

    I am studying performing arts in kettering and as a class, we are trying to find an abandoned building to do a performance in for one of our University projects. We firstly wanted to know is there any places that we could perform in and secondly is there any suggestions of places in the UK like hospitals or asylums that we could visit?
    Thankyou
    My email is: xbronix@hotmail.co.uk

  35. Loraine Bassett says:

    I was born with deformed feet and spent time in this hospital. I hated the nuns bar one, a little blond one. I was in this hospital when Katie was there, she had been there all her life, I probably still have the yellow mouse that I made whilst I was there x

    1. stephanie says:

      Hi Lorraine, my sister spent some time here in the early 70s. She hated the nuns too. I also remember little Katy and wonder what became of her.

    2. Carol bowden says:

      Hi Lorraine I spent a lot of time in Saint Gerards and I remember Katie well.

      1. Moira McMahon says:

        Hello Carol. I have just discovered this. I was an in patient when I was 5 years old 1970 till I was 6. Then when I was about 12 1976 and when I was 16 and 17.

        I remember Katie, she was often in the bed next to me when I was a child. I was in traction and remember starting school on the ward. Watching Top Of The Pops in the early 70s on the ward. I only found out years ago my Dad was Fr Christmas one year on the ward. I was spoilt rotten.

        The only nun I can remember was Sr Brendan. Also Sr Kevin and Maria Goretti in outpatients. If this is still your email, please feel free to email me and you maybe able to fill in some of the gaps of other staff and patients. Apart from the endless operations and dreading having my stitches out, most of the staff were lovely. When were you there?

    3. Moira McMahon says:

      Hi Lorraine. I have just come across this article. I was a patient at various times of my childhood and I remember Katie. I was often next to her. When I was 5 years old I was in for about 18 months and then when I was 10. The only nuns I can really remember was Sister Brendan, Levin (who was in physio) and sister Maria Goretti as in physio. I can recall an enrolled nurse who wore big glasses and she could be quite fierce.

      My memories are mainly good but I would not want live through it again.

      1. Jane says:

        Hi, I too remember Katie, my name is Jane and I think I was in similar times to yourself and probably same age, DOB 1966. I remember the nuns giving us schooling and being very strict with it. Also there was a break-in on another ward and to to lessen our fear we all had to draw pictures of what we thought!

  36. ziggybantom says:

    So St. Gerards may be almost gone but I have highlighted another 2 closed hospital sites in Birmingham that need exploration. One is just unbelievable. Old huge Vistorian buildings all in very good condition (very little vandalism) and it also has a fully stocked mortuary on site, looking as if the staff just walked out and left it. Even the lights are still working in the mortuary! All the slabs are there and the fridges and the scales and even all the equipment!! It’s a stunning site!!

    I also have highlighted another huge hospital on the other side of Birmingham that is also abandoned. This information actually came from my 70 year old father who used to work for the NHS and I was totally unaware and shocked that this other site had been shut. The funny thing is I have not heard anyone mention this hospital yet on any exploration board on any site for the past 12 months so I’m investigating if I can find access. It’s a bit like the DRI in Derby where they have closed on half of a hospital site and are still using the other half. It was only when I mentioned to my father that at Derby when they shut the Royal Infirmary they left loads of equipment behind and my father responded with “well you want to see what they left when they shut where I used to work” that I discovered it was shut. This is also a huge site with many different wards.

    If anyone is up for a mooch around then let me know and we’ll get it organised.
    Keep snooping…

    1. The Urban Explorer says:

      That sounds pretty good! Would you mind having a chat with me via e-mail?

      1. Ingrid Ransome says:

        I was a long stay patient on Ward 8 featured from 1957 – 1963 on and off. Got a good memory with lots of stories to tell if you’re interested!

        1. The Urban Explorer says:

          Absolutely interested, Ingrid!

        2. stephen thornton says:

          I was there for 18 months about 1957 I had polio

        3. cerys thomas says:

          Hi, Ingrid. I’m interested in the history of asylums and I’d love to hear about what you experienced. I’d understand if you didn’t want to tell me.

          1. Ingrid Ransome says:

            If you’re still interested we can email. jing_ransome@hotmail.com or Facebook Ingrid Ransome (Ingrid Martin)

        4. Anne race says:

          Hello Ingrid.

          I think I recall you from Ward 8. Ingrid was a very unusal name! Sister Brendan was in charge and Sister Marion taught us in the mornings and made us listen to classical music in the afternoons.

          Do you remember Angela Gannet from Somerset? Very pretty girl. Amongst some old photos I think I have one of you!

          My name then was Anne Print now Anne Race.

    2. Ellis Ley says:

      Hi, you seem to have a lot of knowledge about this area, I live in Nuneaton, near Coventry, wondering if you could give me info to any good places around this area? I know a good place in Coventry with a huge 1900s mansion and weird swimming pool kinda thing if anyone skates or anything and wants to go? Cheers Guys!

      1. john storer says:

        Hi Ellis, could you tell me where in Coventry the mansion with the swimming pool is, would love to see it, thanks

        1. leon says:

          Hey, could I know where it is as well please?

      2. lee says:

        I’d love to know too please.

      3. Alannha Rhodes says:

        Wow! Really interesting! I’d love to know where this is.

      4. Fern Deeprose says:

        Wow! I live in this area too, contact me through email as I would love to check this place out :) (Also, I skate, kind of. Haha)

    3. natalie says:

      Hi,

      My husband is really in to this kind of photography and we are from Birmingham. Do you have any good sites that we could visit please?

    4. Natasha Moss says:

      Hi Ziggybantom, im most definitely up for a exploration, I’m studying photography in Bristol, (my home town) we used to have a great hospital but they have now pulled it all down so looking for some thing else to explore & get some photos of. Would love to join you Thank you ….Natasha….. tittlemouse305 @ yahoo.co.uk

    5. gaz says:

      Can you tell me where the other 2 sites are please I’d like to take my nightvision camcorder and do a little paranormal investigation at the mortuary lol

      1. Kim Wright says:

        Hello!

        Did you find out the other two locations by any chance?

    6. Dee says:

      Hi there,
      I am a location manager working for the BBC and we are looking for a closed Victorian hospital site for filming. I would be keen to know of any sites like this you have seen, especially if they are surrounded by fields. Do please get in touch if you wouldn’t mind helping me out with this!
      Dee

      1. Oak says:

        hello dee

    7. Aniel says:

      I don’t know if I’m a little late, but I’m very much interested, particularly in the Victorian site. Perhaps we can email?

    8. Natasha Moss says:

      Hi ZiggyBantom, a few of us from Bristol are planning a trip up some time soon, weather permitting if you fancy a meet up?

    9. Natasha says:

      Hi there, made the trip today to St Gerard’s, walked around for hours and couldn’t find any sign of it. Not sure we were looking in the right place or if it was gone, would be good if you could let me know before we make the trip again, or if we can have locations for the other sites you mentioned. thanks

      1. Andy says:

        Hi,

        I’ve just been there now and it has all been demolished! It’s a new housing estate and there is nothing left of any of the old buildings! So you were likely in the right place but sadly it’s gone!

        Thanks,

        Andy

    10. ben says:

      Hey ziggy bantam, where abouts are the other hospitals and mortuary?

      Ben

    11. lee says:

      Please could you email me these other two locations as I’m an avid ghost hunter and I’d love to go snooping round those :) thanks in advance
      Lcoffman1970@gmail.com

    12. bettysnoop says:

      Hi there!

      My husband and I are most interested indeed in expexploring the victorian hospital.
      How easy would it be to gain access?

      Many thanks
      B

    13. Kim Wright says:

      Wow wow wow, this sounds incredible. Could you inform me of the location?
      After visiting some incredible sites in Belgium, I’m looking to explore more of the UK and this is a place I would love to try and get to.

    14. sarah says:

      Hi there Sandra, I saw the post about Saint Gerard’s hospital and I am quite fascinated by it. I’m currently looking for an abandoned hospital to film in for a media project as I am currently a student and this sounds perfect! Please get back to me as soon as you can on my email sarah_sharif96@yahoo.co.uk. Many thanks, sarah

    15. e garvey says:

      Hi we are a paranormal investigation team and we are looking for abandoned buildings to investigate we would love to spend the night in the abandoned hospital you have mentioned many thanks g,m,l

    16. KATIE says:

      Id love to look around with you for my a2 photography, contact me at katiebajor@outlook.com
      thank you

    17. Karen says:

      Hi Ziggybantom, would it be possible for you to email me of the other 2 sites you speak of as my daughter is studying photography and I would love to take her to get some good pics

      Cheers
      Karen
      antoniaellen@yahoo.com

    18. Jordan says:

      Where are these located? Me and my partner are interested in partaking in some urban exploration.

    19. Chris currie says:

      Hi there. Would you be able to supply me with some details regarding the sites you have mentioned in the Birmingham area. A friend and myself have just started getting into the exciting Urbex scene and I’m very keen to try and check out the one with the mortuary. I look forward to your reply? Many thanks

    20. Narita says:

      Hi, what are the names of these other hospitals if you could drop me an email – I’m doing my final major project for university and would love to do a photoshoot

      narita.savoor@googlemail.com

      Thanks

    21. Rebekah says:

      I’d be happy to go with you or anyone else wanting to go explore here. If you haven’t been already I know this post is over a year old. But if you want to go again drop me an email?

      1. Oli says:

        Hi Rebekah,

        Did you ever get a reply about this? I’d be very keen to go and check it out.

        Thanks

    22. Gvidas says:

      Hey bud could you give me some more information on these sites?

    23. Fern Deeprose says:

      Hey! I’d love to know where this is! Contact me through email please as I’d love to explore them: fernmiadeeprose@yahoo.co.uk

  37. rachel says:

    Is this still here? I’ve read one comment saying it is not so I would just like to check…

    1. The Urban Explorer says:

      Still not seen any hard evidence on whether it’s gone or not.

      1. rachel says:

        I’ll try and find this place then as I think I have family around this area I can stay with. It looks amazing.

        Thanks

    2. ziggybantom says:

      Rachel… I live about 3/4 of a mile from this site in Birmingham (North Solihull). I live on the edge of Chelmsley Wood and this is on the opposite side of the motorway to me as the M6 disects us. I think this is still here but is well fenced. I’m going to try to take a look over the next few days and see if the buildings are all still there and also what access is like.

      I can tell you it is a huge site. I have the .pdf brochure for the sale and redevelopment of the whole site and it looks awesome. The brochure contains many photos of dereliction and abandonment from inside of all buildngs and maps of all the buildings and the whole site.

      They have demolished all of the buildings in the middle of the site, about 6 buildings by my reckoning. But the Hospital and Headquarters are still standing on the one side of the site and the famous Father Hudson boys home and another home stand at the other end of the site. I have not heard of any development there for a while but I’ll check it out and post back in a few days. Keep snooping…

      1. ziggybantom says:

        So guys… I have been to check on what has happened with the site of St. Gerards and I’m stunned.

        Firstly the site is huge and originally consisted of many buildings and chapels etc. all of a large size. Most have now been sadly flattened and replaced with modern lifeless shite. Developers have now got the site (looks like they may have had it for about 8 to 12 months) and new building is well underway with quite a bit already completed.
        We have retirement flats and residential flats and they are 2 large modern blocks that have replaced what was originally the old Father Hudsons home, St. Josephines home, the nuns houses and the huge chapel. They even have a bloody site suite there selling the new flats already!

        I went to the other side of the site and St.Gerards is about the last unused and abandoned building that is still there and has not been raised to the ground! Although it did look like they were about to start removing it if this has not started already. There was a muddy road going up the one side of the hospital and a yellow digger was parked there. St. Gerards can still be seen though from the road, it is behind one of the old original buildings that they still currently use as head offices for Father Hudson or something that was originally connected to the site or the church or their type of missionary work.

        You will see a few cars parked there and St. Gerards is right behind it in plain sight. Look for the white frontage building and that is St. Gerards. I’m gonna try for a peek early one day as I know the layout of St. Gerards well and I can see that the operating theatre is still there as well as some of the original wards. I do think that an extension that was added to St.Gerards on the east side has been demolished by the look of it. It’s really a shame as the copy of the “site for development” brochure I have, which has many, many pages, maps, history and many photographs from inside and out, does specify very clearly that the only building to be Grade II heritage and which must remain as part of the new planning application for the use of the site, is the bloody church at the very end of the whole site. The report states that all of the other buildings will be of no loss if they are to be removed. Sad, very sad. Anyway, if you want to try to get a peek then let me know. But be very quick. It’s going to be gone by Spring 2015.

        1. The Urban Explorer says:

          Thanks for the update. Did you take any photos of the current state?

          1. ziggybantom says:

            No photos yet. It’s a little risky at this time of day. Too many builders and also the building in front of St. Gerards is still in use. The whole site is just like a usual development… horrid blocks of modern flats and worth no photos at all. I’m gonna try for access at St. Gerards with my camera soon. I’ll keep you posted.

  38. Connor says:

    Email me directly and I will let you know about some places me and my friends have visited one in particular is amazing

    1. Tom says:

      Hey,
      Just wondered if you know any places that are still open within the UK? Saw your comment on this post and am really excited to see some new places! Thanks, Tom

    2. lee says:

      Connor what’s your email hun?

    3. Alannha Rhodes says:

      Hey Connor!
      Sounds good I’d love to hear about them.

  39. Ian Bartram says:

    I was an inpatient here during the very cold winter of 1962 – 63 including Christmas aged 12. I remember the nuns and mostly Irish nurses with fondness – they were very kind. A priest helped me with my school studies during the 3 months I was there. When I got back to school I was well in advance of the rest of the class.

    I was disturbed to discover that child abuse had occurred here. I can only say that nothing of that ever occurred to me there I was well treated with kindness and consideration.

    see http://planning.northwarks.gov.uk/portal/servlets/AttachmentShowServlet?…

    1. The Urban Explorer says:

      Thanks Ian, although the link you shared is incomplete.

    2. Sharon Poole says:

      Hi Ian –

      Do you remember a nurse Hamill (Ethna)?

      I think she is my Auntie.

    3. Ingrid says:

      I was a patient in Ward 8 in Sept – Nov 1963. I don’t think the child abuse was at St Gerards but at the Father Hudsons children’s home . We were very well looked after by the nuns although some weren’t very nice. No abuse though.

  40. Greg says:

    It looks like something from the video game Fallout 3. Fascinating.

  41. Jess says:

    Hello, does anyone know if this place is still open to get into and not demolished. Would love to go for a look around but from the north east so it’s a trek if it’s for nothing!

    1. angela evans says:

      Hi Jess, did you find out if this hospital is still there or has it been knocked down? Would love to visit.

    2. Josh says:

      This has now been demolished

      1. The Urban Explorer says:

        That’s a real shame. Do you have any photo evidence mate?

        1. Ingrid says:

          I was a patient here from 1955 – 1963 and have a wealth of information about life there. However, no one has ever contacted me. I have a good memory with lots of stories/info/names/photos etc!

          1. karen jenkins (O'Neill) My mothers name was Sally Cole says:

            Hiya Ingrid,

            My mother was a patient there for a long time I think. She had polio. I have an autograph book where friends of hers signed it, some are around 1953/54 and I have pictures of her as a young child there too. She was born in 1940.

            1. Ingrid says:

              I don’t remember your mom’s name. I think she was probably there earlier than me.

          2. Keith Beattie says:

            Hello Ingrid,

            I have been reading some of your posts. My late wife was a trainee nurse at St Gerards from 1958 to 1960. She was Rosalie O’Brien then.

            She was only 17 when she started. She told me about the attitude that everything was done to enable the children to be happy despite their long stay in plaster casts. She told me how celebrities would visit fetes in the garden.

            Most other nurses were from Ireland, she was from Middlesbrough. She left to do her General Nurse training at Northampton General Hospital. She learnt so much and became an Orthopaedic ward sister in the 60s and 70s.

            We were married in 1976 and lived in Somerset. I wonder if there is a photograph of her during those years?

            Keith Beattie

            1. Ingrid Ransome says:

              Thanks for your message Keith. The name O’Brien rings a bell. Have you got any photos of her in that era? Do I take it she’s no longer with you? She’d most likely have remembered me. Send me your email I’m jing_ransome@hotmail.com

  42. John Simpson says:

    I strongly suspect this place was part of my very early life. I had polio in 1949 at the age of one and then spent the next three to four years in “Coleshill” hospital wearing plaster casts on my legs. I remember two names I think – Sister Linley and sister Mary who continued electro-therapy on my legs for some years after at Hinckley clinic. Would there be any history, photos, names etc from the 1949 to 1954 period that anyone knows about?

    1. karen jenkins (O'Neill) My mothers name was Sally Cole says:

      Hi John,

      My mother Sally Cole was on ward 8, she was born in 1940 she had polio. I have a few photos mainly of her as a young girl and a few later ones. I have an autograph book which her friends have signed from the hospital, my mother has passed away now and I’ve been going through old photos and was wondering the name of the hospital till I came across it in her book so thought I would check online, amazing finding this website.

  43. Richard Keyte says:

    I have been searching and just found this site. I was born in 1945 and had a crippled foot, all that I know is that I went to Father Hudsons Home and was operated on to make it right, by reading about the site it seems that this was the Hospital, thank you.

    1. That’s fantastic Richard, thank you for sharing your experience. It seems this hospital did a lot of good for a lot of people.

  44. Pete says:

    The building where Adam’s photos were taken is still there. At least it was the last bank holiday weekend. All the other buildings on site marked for demolition are now gone though and new builds well under way. Sadly the developers had made a good start of clearing the place out, what’s left however was enough to make the trip worthwhile. A very interesting place to visit and pleased I got to see before it’s gone.

  45. elenor says:

    Hi is it still there I really want to go there but I just wanna find out if it still there

  46. Helen Datta nee Banerjee says:

    I worked here as a student nurse. I am devastated at the news that the hospital closed and now it is going to be demolished. The pictures are sad but brought lots of memories floating back. Lots of stories and lots of experiences! How time rolls by…

  47. Steph says:

    The site has been demolished and they are now building new houses on it…

    1. Oh that is a shame! Do you have photos to share of the demolition?

      1. Steph says:

        Sorry I didn’t get your notification… No I didn’t take any pictures whilst I was there unfortunately it’s already started to be built up on as it was demolished two weeks ago all the new development is well underway. There is just a huge pile of rubble and the foundations for new houses there :( Also there was asbestos problems in the old building apparently, a real shame. But I’d love to find another place to photograph like it

  48. Kat Baxter says:

    Hiya, is this still available to visit? The shots you have taken are amazing & a real inspiration to photography. I am just starting out with photography & have a real fascination with old, abandoned and derelict buildings.

    Thank you in advance for your time.

    1. I’m unsure Kat. Going from other comments here it sounds like there’s to be some demolition taking place. Your best bet is to visit the site (with some Plan B’s just in case!) and see what the score is.

  49. Pete says:

    If any one would like to come see please call me Monday and I will ask site manager I’m sure he will let you come round many thanks to all. I must say it’s a crying shame it has to be knocked down 07974158784

    1. Megan says:

      Hi there,
      I’m visiting Birmingham at the moment and this caught my eye. I know you said to contact you Monday but (horrible short notice) I was wondering if I could visit the sight tomorrow afternoon?
      Looks amazing, a must for my photography degree.

      Megan

    2. Karl says:

      Pete I’m very interested in this location, has anyone visited it at night/early a.m.? Could get some great flash shots in and around there. When are they planning on demolishing it?

    3. Steph says:

      Hi Pete,
      Im out and about tomorrow, I’m only up the road in coventry and would love to pop by with my camera if you wouldn’t mind?
      my email is
      stephphotome@outlook.com

      free all day tomorrow so anytime is brilliant!

    4. Lexi says:

      Hi Pete it’s Lexi, I called you the other day about the band video?
      Just wondering if there’s any update on how things are?

      Thanks again!

    5. Kim says:

      Do we know if this site is still okay to visit, or has it been demolished? Would love to come film it later this week if possible!

  50. Sandra Smith says:

    I was here as a baby and up until I was nearly 5 years of age. I returned in my mid-teens for a visit. I didn’t know this place had closed down. Such a shame that is has been allowed to fall into such bad disrepair.

    1. Karen says:

      Hi Sandra

      Your post on St Gerard’s Hospital caught my eye. You said you were there as a baby until you were five. I’m doing my family history and my grandmother was born in Coventry Union Workhouse in 1912, to parents who couldn’t look after her for various reasons. She ended up in Cheltenham with 2 women but am struggling to determine how this happened. Was the hospital a home for children in those days?

      Thank you for reading my post and any info you could pass on might be of help.

      Thank you,
      Karen

      1. Sandra says:

        Hi Karen,

        My mother could not look after me because I was born with some disabilities. My father had T.B at the time and she was also expecting my sister.

        I was first admitted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and then sent to St. Gerard’s, where apparently I was looked after by a nurse Jackson, who I became very attached to. I don’t really know to much about all of this, as memory with time has faded. Most of this came via my mother, who with my father is now deceased. So I have no way of knowing why I was kept there for so long, other than my mother could not cope with all that was going on.

        I know I had treatment while I was there, and also did not start walking until I was nearly 4 years old. I had to use a kind of walker, which I then terrorised the nurses and doctors with.

        That is good that you are doing your family history. I am doing mine also. I would really like to know more. Interestingly, i have never ever found nurse Jackson, even though I have searched for her for years. Once I was out of there, the contact stopped, and even though I have made enquiries, she disappeared out of my life. I would have like to have known more about her, or even have met her.
        Take care now.
        Sandra

        1. Ingrid says:

          When were you there Sandra? I was there 1955 – 1963 at various times

      2. Sandra says:

        By the way. Coventry Family history society, had a book about the workhouse with listings of people’s names in there. It might be an idea to go to their site. I used to have the book, but I no longer have it. It was lost at some point when travelling here to the USA.

  51. Sophie says:

    Hello, for my art project i need to visit this asylum, is it still open for people to go into and take photographs, and by any chance could any one tell me where it is?

    It’s the only abandoned asylum I’ve found around Birmingham which hasn’t been demolished.

    thanks,

    1. Pete says:

      Hi I’m working there at present if came and asked the site manager he just might take and show you cheers Pete

      1. Maxine says:

        hi Pete

        Im out and about tomorrow, is there someone on site every day ? Was hoping to get a few interior pictures before it disappears

        Cheers Maxine

  52. Bogi says:

    Hi,

    Firstly, amazing pics… the place looks unreal!

    I’m hoping to head down there ***, I’ve google mapped it and think I may have found the location, seems to have security fencing all around it?

    If anyone is able to message/email me with a more accurate location, I would really appreciate it.

    Cheers

    1. Hi Bogi,

      Sounds like you’ve found it to me! Only one way to find out, go look!

      Oh… and I’ve removed your mention of when you’re visiting, it’s not the best idea to announce publicly when you’re exploring somewhere. Don’t forget, stealth is key and if you’re informing the world and his security dog you won’t be doing yourself any favours! Good luck and happy exploring!

    2. Steveo says:

      Hi do you know the exact location where this is would most grateful if you could let me know cheers

  53. Rebecca says:

    Wow, I cant believe all those things are still lying around. Proper spooky. I just love all these photos, so fascinating

  54. Caper Lamb says:

    Wow…This place looks pretty creepy! This is the kind of place that i want to look around soon.

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