Royal West of England Sanatorium
| West of England Sanatorium | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Opened | 1868 |
| Closed | 1983 |
| Current Status | Preserved |
| Building Style | Single Building |
| Architect(s) | Hans F. Price |
| Location | Weston-Super-Mare, Somersetshire |
| Architecture Style | Gothic Revival |
| Alternate Names |
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History
The Royal Hospital was originally known as the West of England Sanatorium, and was founded in a house on the present site in 1868. Before long additional space was needed and adjoining land was purchased. Hans Price was commissioned to design an extension, and the foundation stone was laid in May 1871. The extension took over a decade to complete to meet the needs for the hospital.
By 1875 the sanatorium had 72 beds and a Gothic chapel capable of seating 150 people. Almost £10,000 had been spent, but a further £4,000 was required to complete the building, which was planned to treat 100 patients (although by 1911 it had 156 beds). The extension provided wards for women and children (the men’s wards were in the original building), a dining hall and day rooms. Price’s design included an impressive chapel, which was attached to the south end of the building. This had a 3- bay nave and apsidal chancel.
Today the building has been converted into private apartments. The chapel was listed Grade II in 1983 (not the whole hospital) as its interior is a good complete example of Hans Price’s ecclesiastical work.
