Hidden Hospitals

Saturday 28th April 2007

Guess where? The hospital is across the way in the form of the Lanesborough Hotel (see below).

A tour of some of London's former hospitals and hidden medical architectual gems!

In which we discovered how some architectually interesting medical buildings have been transformed for modern usage, and learnt a little about the development of medical provision in London over the centuries.

Here are some highlights:

A feature of the 'Holden' ride, early Arts and Crafts style building near Oval tube. Now converted to flats.

One of the hidden surprises of Lambeth - a former workhouse near Elephant & Castle, still in use (in part) by health authorities.

The former St George's Hospital is now the exclusive Lanesborough Hotel near Hyde Park Corner.

The hidden gem of the tour - a Byzantine-style chapel preserved in Gt Ormond Street Children's Hospital.

The Middlesex closed in 2006 and also contains a Grade 1 listed chapel, which will hopefully be accessible once the site is developed.

For Sale - one Grade 2 listed former hospital, built 1830, closed 1971. Excellent development potential close to Waterloo Station and South Bank amenities.

Our thanks go to the superb efforts of Jennifer Butt and Chris James who researched the ride.

Cycling paramedics. They weren't on the tour.

(All photos: Philip Loy)