A walking tour of the old Gladesville Hospital will be held later this month.
The Gladesville Mental Hospital was formerly known as the Tarban Creek Lunatic Asylum and will be open for the public to tour the facilities and gardens.
Established in 1938, the hospital was built solely as a psychiatric facility. The buildings are mostly heritage listed and are built in typical 19th-Century style in an effort to reflect a more tolerant and patient-centred treatment method.
Dr. Frederick Manning was the first superintendent of the hospital, who implemented a kinder and gentler style of patient treatment which included reforms around recreation and enjoyment. The buildings, rather than reflect the popular jail-like conditions of the day, were built with this in mind, with gardens heavily planted with trees to create an ambient and calming atmosphere for the patients.
The walk will include the Medical Superintendent’s house, the Mortimer Lewis designed original buildings and some of the more recent buildings designed by James Barnett.
Although most of the walk will be over flat areas, there are some hills and stairs. Flat shoes, drinking water, and a hat are advisable for attendees to take on the day. Advertising of these events may use brochure printing.
Participants are to meet at the corner of Punt Road and Victoria Road, Gladesville on Thursday, July 27 at 2:00 pm. Tickets cost $13-$15 per person.
