West Park Mental Hospital (Mortuary), Epsom, Surrey
Five years ago, West Park Mental Hospital was the place to be if you were an Urban Explorer. It was an absolute gem of a site. Immortalised in urban exploring history West Park had it all; hoards of ex-patient personal belongings, miles of perfectly decayed corridors & wards and the jewell in it’s crown, a padded cell.
Having visited the mortuary I’m now kicking myself that I never saw West Park in it’s glory years. The entire site is now being redeveloped and the mortuary, on the perimeter of the site, is the only building still standing and undeveloped.
The Explore
It was once an absolute mission to get inside the West Park site, but basically walking in the front door no one batted an eyelid as we walked straight to the mortuary. As we entered the building, we were immediately in the body storage area, three body fridges all with the doors wide open.
As we continue through the building we come to the main lab room. It’s astonishing to see things as personal as brain tissue and named blood samples strewn across the worktop like litter. It’s absolutely fascinating to see and to photograph but there’s no excuse as to why these very personal items weren’t destroyed when the hospital slowly began to close in the early nineties.
Amongst the brain and blood is a mummified corpse of a rat. Black and decaying. On the opposite bench, more blood slides, a teapot, the spine of a medical dictionary and a page from the manual of the equipment which encapsulates body tissue in wax blocks. A rare insight in to seeing how the brain samples were created.
There are an additional three doors on the sides of the main lab room, one leading to a toilet, another to a room with medical equipment and a large chest freezer and finally a long room which seemed to be a kind of ‘down-time’ area with an arm chair and fireplace.
Inevitably, the mortuary building will be no doubt destroyed along will all the personal items and be incorporated to the new Noble Park development which has already transformed the hospital as it was known.
UPDATE: Sadly, as of January 2014, it looks like the mortuary has been completely stripped and all that remains are the body fridges. SOURCE
UPDATE: The mortuary has now been completely demolished. SOURCE
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Hi. I wondered if anyone had any photos from West Park hospital from the days before it was demolished? My Grandfather was an inpatient there for 42 years (!) until 1956, way before I was born so I never visited. Any info or photos would be very much appreciated.
Thanks in advance. Karen
Hi Karen,
Might be a bit of a late reply, but the best pictures and information on West Park are on Derelict Miscellany; and also on whateversleft.
There is more information on the life and people who lived in the whole Epsom Cluster at the Friends of Horton Cemetary website.
Hope this finds you well,
J
Hello, does anyone know if the place is still accessible?
Old hospital demolished. NHS has redeveloped the site
Does anyone have a phone number for the new one please?
Hi! If anyone knows of any abandoned places around Surrey could you let me know? I was given some old film cameras which belonged to my Great Grandfather and would really like to start a project, but not sure where to start
Hey is this place still standing or has it been demolished?
I’m afraid it has been demolished. I’m gutted.
My Dad was here until he passed in 1984. I basically grew up there amazing place and people so sad when got shut down and demolished into houses
It’s not demolished I’m here now just all boarded up
Sorry Lewis, but the mortuary is most definitely demolished. What building are you referring to?
What an amazing place! Just watching the pics I felt the atmosphere, the history and the strengh of the place. I’m French and I just begin to visit foreign urban exploration websites and I’m glad to discover yours. You seem to have a beautiful community, regarding the comments and your answers. Keep going! :)
Thank you! I appreciate the comments.
Is this place still open in 2018?
Cheers
No Jasper. It’s long gone now. Most were destroyed and some were converted into modern flats
I worked on the new apartments built in the old buildings very very creepy
Hi, I was wondering if anyone worked in West Park mid to late 1960’s recalls a Michael o’Brien who was from Co. Kerry in Ireland. He trained as a nurse there. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Josie
My mum and dad worked there in 70s I think and a lot of my family came over from Ireland and worked there. They were from Sligo.
Hi all, I worked at West Park hospital from 1981 to 1988, and find it hard to see it’s gone, as my Grandfather was a fireman there back in the 60s, and lived in the house outside the gate, my Mum and Dad met at West Park and worked for 33 years nursing there before retirement, we had lots of friends that worked at West Park and The Manor and Long Grove hospitals. Sad that all have gone now. Best wishes to you all!
Hi Roy, only just seen your post on this site. I too worked at West Park from 1981 to 1988: First as nursing assistant then student RMN. Left in 1988 to move to Wales. Worked on many wards. Denise.
Hi Denise
Just read your post and thought I would just let you know that I also worked at West Park in the main kitchen with Roy who has posted on here too. I worked there from 87-92. My surname was McLean then.
Hello matey could you give me the exact location of this site please many thanks.
This place is no longer standing I’m afraid buddy
If anyone’s local to Surrey and wishes to go to a few places feel free to message me. Always looking for people to come with us. We’re a mixture of boys and girls and go all over the place.
Decwood321@outlook.com feel free to message me people we have a fair few places to go to still and a range that we’ve already been to that we’d love to re-explore.
I’d be up for that I’m from the area
Hi, I was wondering if you knew any places to explore in Surrey as I live in Woking and can’t find anywhere close by. Many thanks.
Hi Declan,
I’ve been thinking about doing some urbex photography and stumbled across your comment. I’m local to Surrey (near Staines/Windsor) and am up for some exploring if you are still around and doing this.
I have a FB page which is a bit of a mixed bag TBH and am happy to try my hand (and camera) at most things.
https://www.facebook.com/marksshots
Thanks, Mark
Hi can someone drop me an email if they’re planning any explorations in the next few weeks me and my girlfriend would love to come along we’ve done West Park mental asylum several years ago and various other abandoned places in Surrey we love it!
cdgleghorn@hotmail.co.uk
Many thanks guys and girls!
Hi, I’m looking for some abandoned places for my photography project, do you know any places I could go to?
Hi I would love to come and explore with you!! Email me at: becky.louise.cooke@hotmail.co.uk
I am retired now and looking for a hobby
The site has been completely demolished and redeveloped now.
Hello dear I live in Epsom and was wondering if you would help me locate this mortuary in Epsom
West Park Mental Hospital (Mortuary), Epsom, Surrey
Hi Ben. Do you know if this building is accessible? Would like to go up there in a few weeks.
Hi Urban Explorer,
I live in Surrey and I find it a shame that this spot has been demolished and the other spot on the website appears to be boarded up and locked. Do you know of any other abandoned places in Surrey that are explorable?
Appreciate any help
M
I’m sure there’s plenty, Max. I recommend you join 28dayslater.co.uk – get involved, start with the search box and get contributing!
Thanks for the help, do you know of any websites that are equally as reliable as yours and 28dayslater?
Again appreciate all the help I can get
M
Hi Max, I know a place in Staines, it’s an abandoned orphanage. I’m not sure how to get there though so I am willing to go depending on your age.
Are you talking about Silverlands? If so, it’s not quite Staines. Closer to Chertsey.
Hi. I have found tunnels in Portsmouth that lead from Farlington all the way to Southsea castle. I think they were origionally constructed by Henry the 8th. I have found one with an open gate. Going to see how far it goes. Farlington to Southsea is over 4 miles. Do you know of these or any info?
Hi Dan, I don’t know that area very well but what you’ve found sounds incredible. Do you have any photos?
Can you let me know more about this please… is it still around?
Thanks, M
Hi max do you know of any more places in the Epsom or ewell area because me and a few mates wanna go some abandoned places.
Hi all.
Living local to West Park, we decided to go drive over today. We knew there was next to nothing left so head over to Hollywood Lodge which is a stones throw from West Park. Not much left of this old building but was still wowth a look.
Shame we didn’t get to see West Park before it was demolished. Hoping to head over to Severalls on Sunday. Security may be an issue.
I suggest a trip to St Peters hospital mortuary before that gets trashed, it’s not far off with vandals making it their home.
Anyone got any places in Surrey?
We’ve got a little group of 5 of us. We’ve been to Cane Hill in Coulsdon. Ockham Manor tombs. As well as a number of other places.
Looking for more places to visit haunted or just abandoned buildings. Fascinated by it all. We’re all 20-23. Anyone around our age or not. Not fussed. Got any places and ever fancied to join us drop me a email with any places. Decwood321@outlook.com :)
Hi,
I know of a few places in Surrey, did try emailing you but it would not send. if you want to get in touch email me at: missbuzzbazz@gmail.com
Hi just read your post was wondering if you could tell me where you have been in Surrey that’s abandoned. My email is mariamalone1604@gmail.com
Hi Declan have you been to St Peters Hospital mortuary? That’s been abandoned also there’s a number of out buildings near St Peters mortuary which are pretty cool to explore but I’ve not been there for around 6 years that’s assuming they’re still there?!
Regards
Chris
Anyone got any places in Surrey?
We’ve got a little group of 5 of us. We’ve been to Cane Hill in Coulsdon. Ockham Manor tombs. As well as a number of other places.
Looking for more places to visit haunted or just abandoned buildings. Fascinated by it all. We’re all 20-23. Anyone around our age or not. Not fussed. Got any places and ever fancied to join us drop me an email with any places. Decwood321@outlook.com
We bought a property in the Noble Park development 3 years ago. It’s an amazing place to live but over the years I have have heard walking in my house and have weird dreams regarding fire and seen things. I’m now convinced my house is haunted so I’m now trying very hard to sell up and move.
Surely that would increase the value of your house if you’ve proven the existence of ghosts! Well done! Haha! Sorry, but I don’t believe in ghosts & ghoulies, and I would suggest you shouldn’t let your dreams be an indicator to move house. That just sounds crazy to me?
It’s funny you should mention fire though, as West Park was victim of arson a few times but this wasn’t until the mid-2000’s, long after it was abandoned. And as we all know, ghosts are only ever Victorian because let’s be honest, who’s ever described a ghost wearing a baseball cap & Nikes?
Only pulling your leg… good luck selling up!
I really want to find out if there are any abandoned buildings in London, that I will be able to go to?
I really find this stuff interesting and would like to start exploring these derelict and abandoned buildings.
If anyone knows anywhere, email me : sk8rgirl_ayla@hotmail.com
There are some stunning pre WW2 buildings in Essex near Tilbury in the undergrowths just a few hundred yards before you go to the coal house fort. On the left there is a red mail box, park there and walk up the very short gravel path go into the small field on left down the bank and they start appearing to your right hand side.
Hi. Would you be able to send me a pin drop of this location please. Or a screen shot. Best wishes. Ria
Ria.killops@googlemail.com
Oh… my heart sank as I came to the end of your article: “Demolished” …sad times. We’re losing all this great past… to only be replaced, usually, with cheap and characterless buildings
Definitely sad times!
Anyone know of any groups I can join? I would love to do this with others. Urban Explorer, can I join you at all?
Get yourself signed up to 28dayslater.co.uk and start contributing and making friends on there. It’s the biggest and best forum for exploring.
Hi,
Hope you don’t mind me posting here – I’m not sure of the protocol around this so sorry if I have got it wrong. I’m hoping to find someone who explored the Epsom sites to be involved in a project looking at the (largely unknown) history of the hospitals, including the period after they closed. Planning an exhibition, website, possibly a publication. I already have a number of oral histories recorded and involvement from local historians, but the period after closure isn’t yet represented. Could you help?
I’m not sure how I could help I’m afraid? There’s plenty of other explorers who covered way more of the abandoned hospital than I ever did. If it’s photos you’re after, we can discuss that over e-mail.
Not sure if you’ll see this, but I explored Long Grove about 1-2 years after it closed. Didn’t manage to get any photos, but the day will stay in mind forever. Patient records, rooms full of incontinence pads, discarded clothing, a washing machine half fallen through the front conservatory roof! and much much more. It was pretty mind blowing!
My Nan worked at Long Grove for years and we spent quite a lot of time there before it closed. I remember going to social events in the club house and dropping her off to work at the staff entrance.
You can email me if you would like any more info.
To this day I wish we’d taken a camera. I just don’t think we realised quite how exciting it’d be and how much people would be interested.
Hi guys I love to walk around the place can anyone help me where can anyone help me
Kieran,
Guess you didn’t read the full article, or the comments?
I went to the West Park site today (now Noble Park), I enjoyed walking around the place. Sadly the mortuary has gone as already stated but I did find a boarded up building, it’s near The Meadows Day Hospital. I couldn’t find a way to access inside but did go into the lavatory that is attached to it.
If anybody out there has any pictures of Horton Hospital or Manor after they were closed, please get in touch tallulahdurand@googlemail.com
Hiya,
I am looking at visiting this soon, am I still able to go inside? Is the building still standing as some of the other comments make me think otherwise!
Thanks.
Hi GC,
You’re in luck! I actually popped in here yesterday on a drive back from London to see the current state. It’s gone I’m afraid.
Hello, I was wondering if this place is still open?
Grace, I’m not sure. But even if it is still standing if you read the report you’ll see the mortuary was cleared out many months ago.
Seeing all of that tissue from a bygone era makes me think that a vital and irreplaceable research resource is just allowed to rot.
A late reply I know but my Nan, born in 1918 worked there for many years, she is still with us aged 96 and has many memories of West Park, I might do a video diary from her before all is lost
Sounds like a great idea. I bet she has some incredible stories from there!
I was wondering – perhaps she would recall a Mary Harker or Mary Plant that worked there and died there?
Would it be possible for you to ask her – I would so like to hear more about her (and if possible have photographs of her)
Regards
Baz, I was brought up in Epsom and Ewell and unfortunately my Dad spent time in West Park as a patient and it was scary then, and I now live on the Old Manor Hospital estate in Manor Crescent and we get Orbs coming in our front room but we have learnt to accept it.
Epsom has lots of history unfortunately they built new houses on each hospital, such as St. Ebbas, Longrove, Horton and Manor, and now West Park Hospital.
I believe there is still an old house on the West Park site on the corner of Christchurch Road and roundabout that is haunted but you can not gain entry as the building is unsafe and under a security firm.
Hi Baz,
Is your Nan still around? I am working on a documentary about the history of the NHS and would be very interested in speaking to you both. Our show email is peopleshistorynhs@7wonder.co.uk
Hi, no she died April 2017, so all memories have gone now :(
Hi Baz,
I’m sorry for your loss. Still, great that she got to share them with you.
Best,
Laura
Hi Guys, a little off topic but I was wondering if anyone knows anything about Horton Lodge? The Mansion that’s abandoned that the gypsies keep their horses in the field. They also use the stables.
I have seen online that it was once a grand building and now it’s derelict and due to vandalism it’s not in great shape.
I am looking to purchase this land and hopefully bring the building back to it’s former glory.
If you could put me in touch with the owners of the land I would be very appreciative.
Thanks
It had one side of the roof set fire to but I’m not sure how bad it was, it may have been quite bad so if I were you I’d check it out first.
I think you mean Hollywood Lodge, not Horton Lodge. It was a lovely building before it was vandalised
It is such a pity that you did not find any records of staff members. I had a Grandmother who was a nurse there and passed away at the asylum (take it was in the nurses residence) on 19 March 1959.
Would have loved to have seen photographs of the nurses residences as well.
I like your old pics I was fortunate to see westpark in full glory I worked in the kitchen from 1983 to 1988
Hi Colin just seen your post, would of worked with you in the kitchens a some point in the past, as worked in the stores at West Park during the day, and part time in the kitchens in the afternoon. Roy Crook, now living in Brisbane Australia.
Hi Roy
Who would of thought you would be in Australia. I used to work with you at West Park, what a laugh we use to have. Do you remember Darren McLean? We had some driftwood working there…lol – That was one of your many humerous sayings and still remember it as if it were yesterday. Hope I hear back from you.
Hi Colin…
I remember you very well and worked alongside you for a few years. My name is Darren McLean (Wright) Good times were had at West Park and often had thoughts about what had happened to the old place. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought it would have come to this. Interesting to look through the pictures and read what has been said about West Park.
We all thought it was haunted… lol. Looks like some residents of the new housing development are getting a few strange things happenning… Not sure if you will reply to this as your post is quite old but just thought I would say hi anyway.
Hi Amy, sadly after another visit, I found the morgue has been cleared of all items thus demo is imminant, looks like the builders have finally plucked up the courage to go inside! : ( The only remaining buildings of the Epsom cluster I know of now are Hollywood Lodge (which I also visited same day for the second time) West Park social club, West Park water tower, Horton medical superintendents residence, Horton Chappell, Pines Lodge, St Ebbas water tower (demo imminant) there are also some remaining buildings on West Park that are/due to become disused that I will be hitting when ready and some remaining buildings/wards on st Ebbas and the Haven on Horton that may become disused in the nearby future. I have done Holly Lodge, WP social club but camera batteries ran out! : ( I’ve also visited Horton superintendents residence and both water towers but without camera. I plan to do all of the above before they are demo’d.
My mum used to be a charge nurse in westpark and long Grove in the 70’s she’d be saddened to see the state of these great buildings now
My Father was also a charge nurse in Long Grove Hospital in the 70s, 80s and 90s. His name was Lindsay.
Hey, I hope this doesn’t sound like a stupid question, but are there any reports of this site being haunted? Only because I was planning on shooting here for a university project and would like to know preferably if it is or isn’t? Great photos by the way!
If you believe in ghosts then everywhere is haunted!
Haha very true! Also, have you got any information on the status of the Mortuary at the moment. I know West Park was in the process of redevelopment but didn’t know where this stood in terms of what is actually left?
No idea I’m afraid. Development is coming on pretty quick at Noble Park. I last visited here back in September 2013 I think it was, not much had changed from when I originally visited in May 2013.
One last thing, whats the lighting like inside? Did you take your own lights or were there some still working inside?
It was more than light enough in there. All the light in my photos is natural
Finally found this place ***** which is pretty pathetic considering I live the other side of Epsom town! Got a few good pics considering I only set out to find its location possibly believing it to be levelled. Went back on the ***** with some mates to show them but camera died after a few shots as forgot to charge batteries! We were mostly drunk anyway! Visited the social club too where I found my boss had his 21st! I’m lucky as I explored some of West Park/St Ebbas and Horton long before the Term Urbex was coined! Am trying to dig out pics I took on disposable cam back then! Will be posting a mini report on Abandoned Places or 28dayslater when I get round to editing photographs!
It’s still standing, is kind of tucked away from the rest of West Park so not really in the focus of the development, demo team are probably too scared to set foot in side! That said, it will probably be levelled soon so I wouldn’t hang about! I would go with at least one other but not too many or you will be bait for secca/etc, which is low in presence BTW. From a believer of spirits, but not the OMG it’s going to attack me sort, I can’t say I sensed anything, why would they want to hang around here? Half the people were incorrectly sectioned here anyway by today’s standards so I can’t imagine they would stay unless they felt attached to the place, least of all the morgue! Did sense a negative feeling here though and it would be very creepy on your own so go with a friend! That said it was not as bad as other places I have been surprisingly! As for light, it was pretty good for an overcast day, perfect for the eerie sort of shots you want of such a place. Carry a torch though as it will come in handy for dark areas and the odd shot, and a dusk mask which I didn’t have with, silly me! I believe there to be asbestos not to mention there are signs around the site warning of it.
Good photos BTW, love the finish! Maybe going here ***** as have day off work!
Thanks for the comments Matt. I’ve combined them in to one, hope you don’t mind I’ve also censored dates etc. You don’t want to broadcast where you’ve been on specific dates and when you’re planning on visiting in the public eye. You never know who’s reading!
You’re very lucky indeed! I bet it was fantastic back then! Please be sure to share your photos
I went to West Park a few years ago, 2011/12 maybe and the place was crawling with demolition buddies. The main building (which is beautiful) had a high vis jackets in every doorway there was no way of getting in and having a good explore. Where did you find this beauty? I’d be so interested to go back and take another look around, hopefully would be more successful this time.
Hi Urban Explorer, thanks for thoughtful moderation, good thinking! I have been lucky but kick myself that I didn’t not explore more/have camera back then. I was just a curious teenager with all these places on my doorstep to be explored but it was in the days when a DSLR and even digital camera was a luxury a far throw from the everyday person or casual photographer. Especially a chavy teen having a mooch round an old hospital with some mates, I was the sort of person I would curse now back then! Lol I’ll try and dig those old prints out, I know I defo have some of Horton power plant which is now a David Loydds gym, nearby. : )
Hi Matt
Was just reading your link, I worked at West Park in my younger days when I was in my twenties, am now in my fifties, and sadly when I worked there I had to take deceased residents to the mortuary. A lot of the time, at night, on my own, and I can assure you it was not a pleasant place to be, especially as you drove up the drive to go round to the back of the building, a few friends and I are going to start some Urban Exploring, the end of last year we went for the the first time, to the John Lowe double murder stud farm near Chertsey, a large site and quite eerie knowing that two people had died in the property.
Just came across this, really beautiful photographs. Has the asylum been demolished or is it still accessible? Would love to do a fashion shoot in here.
Thanks Jude,
The hospital is near-on all redeveloped now, and any hope you had of doing a fashion shoot is probably gone!
I’m not sure why the mortuary has remained untouched for so long during the redevelopment process, but I assume it wont be long until it’s just flattened.
Aw what a shame! I’ll have to check out the mortuary, amazing pictures Adam.
Oh so there’s not much point in checking it out now? I’m only in Surrey for another few days but I would love to check out something before I leave!
Only just found your website. Love this set Adam. :)
Thanks :)
Sad not to have made it into this one.
The mortuary at St Peters hospital is easily accessible.
I find it really sad that people feel the need to vandalise these places. After visiting St. Peters mortuary it has been destroyed to vandalism. I also feel it’s just inappropriate to write things on walls, sad. Should show respect as a place of rest for those no longer alive. I find it fascinating visiting these places.
Beautiful pictures, and this is very close to us so shall definitely be taking the trip with fingers crossed it’s still standing. Thank you for sharing these.
Thank you Adam for these fantastic photos! As one with a deep interest in Asylums and historical psychiatric treatments, I find it wonderful to look at your site! We all get to see the insides of the places that are no longer there and I just wanted to thank you for capturing them on film! Hours of enjoyment on your website today :)
Aww thanks Louise :)
Thank YOU! You’re a beautiful photographer… I mean… your photography is beautiful… ;) Hope to bump into you on an explore sometime :)
Ha! Flattery will get you everywhere
Here’s hoping ;)