The Lawn, Lincoln
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The Lawn, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England, is a notable early 19th century Greek revival building designed by Richard Ingleman [1] (who was also architect for HM Prison, Devizes) that began its life as Britain's first purpose-built lunatic asylum and continued to provide psychiatric inpatient facilities until closed by the NHS in 1985. [2]
The City of Lincoln Council purchased the Lawn Hospital including the grounds on 13th March 1986 from The Secretary of State for Social Services for £425,000.00 and, following extensive refurbishment, the Lawn complex was officially opened on 20th November 1990. It operated as a catering and event venue under council control for some years until, in October 2011, a decision was made to sell it.[3]
It is situated next to Lincoln Castle on Union Road, 0.3 miles (0.5 km) to the west of Lincoln Cathedral, and comprises a number of notable buildings, a hotel, rose garden and children's play area, set within a large lawn.
Previously the complex housed military regimental museums and a museum about the Roman colony Lindum Colonia, from which Lincoln takes its name. The main building is now run as a conference centre. The previous accommodation building for nurses and doctors is now a boutique hotel with an orangery and events area.
The Sir Joseph Banks Conservatory is the main attraction for visitors, being a free-to-enter hothouse containing exhibits categorised by Banks on his voyages with Captain James Cook.
[edit] References
- ^ [|Roberts, Andrew]. "Index of English and Welsh Lunatic Asylums and Mental Hospitals Based on a comprehensive survey in 1844, and extended to other asylums.". A Middlesex University resource by Andrew Roberts. Middlesex University. http://studymore.org.uk/4_13_ta.htm. Retrieved 19 January 2012. "Lunatic Asylum A Hospital Union Road, Lincoln originated by a bequest (1803) of £100 by Paul Parnell, surgeon. (White) Architect: Richard Ingleman Administrative records from 1817 instituted 4.11.1819 25.3.1820 "opened for the reception of patients". Or Opened 20.4.1820 with accommodation for 50 patients Edward Parker Charlesworth visiting physician from 1820. He worked for the reduction of mechanical restraint."
- ^ "The Venue". The Lawn in Lincoln. Mouchel Catering. http://www.thelawninlincoln.com/default.asp?go=TheVenue. Retrieved 19 January 2012. "In 1820, pioneering local physician, the Reverend Doctor Willis, first opened the doors to what we now know as The Lawn in Lincoln. This magnificent building, largely financed through public subscription, became the County's first built hospital of its kind. The spacious and handsome structure continued to serve until 1985, when it retired from life as a National Health Service facility and after 170 years it was closed. New life came to The Lawn soon after when The City of Lincoln Council decided to purchase the complex and its 8 acres of grounds. Once done, they set about a multi-million pound renovation programme to establish a new meeting and entertainment venue for the City. An interpretive gallery depicting the history of The Lawn from the 1820s was also constructed to preserve the history of The Lawn Hospital."
- ^ "The Lawn for sale". City of Lincoln Council. http://www.lincoln.gov.uk/news_det.asp?art_id=15699&sec_id=3478. Retrieved 19 January 2012. "The Lawn in Lincoln is now formally up for sale.
The Grade II* listed building is now being marketed, and a brochure detailing the sale is available online. The City of Lincoln Council is inviting interested parties to submit bids for acquiring The Lawn, with the closing date for bids being 12 noon on Wednesday 7th March 2012."
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