Calderstones Hospital

The hospital is located on a site known as Clay Fields which previously formed part of the Whalley Abbey estate.[1] It was designed by Henry Littler in the Neo-Georgian style using a dual pavilion layout and, although commissioned, in 1904, as the Sixth Lancashire County Asylum, it actually opened as Queen Mary's Military Hospital in April 1915 during the First World War.[1] Some 56,800 allied servicemen were treated at the hospital between 14 April 1915 and 31 June 1920.[2]

After the war the hospital re-opened as a mental health facility, known as Calderstones Hospital, in June 1921.[1] After the introduction of Care in the Community in the early 1980s, the hospital went into a period of decline and, although its closure has been announced, union leaders have advised that the decision is unlikely to be implemented before 2020.[3] As of June 2019 it was the only NHS hospital in the United Kingdom to specialise in learning disabilities.[4]

• Lancaster Moor Hospital, the first Lancashire County Asylum
• Prestwich Hospital, the second Lancashire County Asylum
• Rainhill Hospital, the third Lancashire County Asylum
• Whittingham Hospital, the fourth Lancashire County Asylum
• Winwick Hospital, the fifth Lancashire County Asylum