Re Barnwood Hospital ? (General)

by Jefff , West London, Middlesex, Saturday, January 07, 2012, 15:50 (4707 days ago) @ slowhands

Thanks Slowhands for that. Please can you help me ?. I've read and re-read the prior threads on this subject but I'm a little confused (no change there..). My local knowledge of Gloster is ok but not as good as it should be particularly wrt the suburbs. I've driven thro' and around Barnwood "area" many times but that's all I know of the area.

As I understand it from the above threads and websites there were two County Asylums in Gloster, first at Horton Road 1823-1988, then second at Coney Hill 1883-1994.
Were they both operating alongside each other for a time as County Asylums, I guess so although it seems odd to me ?
In later years (80s/90s) were they both part of the NHS or had one become "private" ?.

Until today I'd assumed Barnwood Hospital/Home was one of the above, but presumably no ?

A quick Google has just found the following link which suggests to me "Barnwood" is neither Horton Rd or Coney Hill, but I'm still not sure. I must admit as a layman new to the subject, I'm surprised that the area had two never mind three such hospitals, hence my problems understanding it all. Hopefully you can please once again clear my mudded mind ?.

Re Barnwood this potted recent history is good, sorry I can't clarify it by highlighting but I seem to have somehow broken my forum posting webpage !?

"From 1948 to 1962 Barnwood House advertised its services in the Journal of Mental Science with the following words:

"A REGISTERED HOSPITAL (outside the National Health Service) for the CARE and TREATMENT of LADIES and GENTLEMEN suffering from NERVOUS and MENTAL DISORDERS. Within two miles [3 km] of the Western and London Midland Regional Railway Stations at Gloucester, the Hospital is easily accessible by rail from London and all parts of the United Kingdom. It is beautifully situated at the foot of the Cotswold Hills, and stands in its own grounds of over 300 acres [1.2 km²]. Voluntary Patients of both sexes are also received for treatment. Special accommodation is also provided at three villa residences, all of which stand in their own grounds and are entirely separate from the main Hospital. All the most modern methods of treatment including electric shock and prefrontal leucotomy are used."

But the "most modern methods of treatment" were losing their allure by the 1960s and, in spite of a new advertisement appearing in 1963 with no mention of ladies and gentleman, or leucotomy and electric shock, and the railway stations replaced by the A417, Barnwood House experienced financial difficulties and closed in 1968."

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnwood_House_Hospital
Enlarging this site's photo shows it was a typically impressive & large Victorian building, and it doesn't (to me) appear the same building as the Horton Road or Coney Hill Hospitals.

Please can you confirm whether or not I have got this all correct ? Sorry if it's common knowledge but I can't find any other mentions of Barnwood on the forum and this clarification may help other users such as David Hart.

Thankyou again, Jeff.