Mundesley Sanatorium, Norfolk, UK

Mundesley Sanatorium, Norfolk, UK

Mundesley Hospital was an open-air sanatorium for the treatment of tuberculosis.

 UK Norfolk, UK Abandoned

History

Mundesley Hospital was the first large centre to be built in the UK for open-air treatment of tuberculosis. Due to its status as a private hospital, the treatment offered was only available to wealthy patients.

The sanatorium was built on the southern slope of a hill to help protect it from the prevailing winds. Pre-fabricated sections of timber were used in the construction, and was built on two levels with attic accommodation for servants. All of the bedrooms for patients faced south, twelve being on the upper floor and three on the lower floor.

Fresh air formed an important part of the treatment of tuberculosis, and the design of the building allowed all bedrooms to open out onto the large space in front of hospital. Several open air huts also provided sheltered accommodation for patients during the day.

Mundesley Sanatorium
Mundesley Sanatorium
Mundesley Sanatorium - Interior
Mundesley Sanatorium – Interior
Mundesley Sanatorium - The Art Room
Mundesley Sanatorium – The Art Room
Mundesley Sanatorium - Window
Mundesley Sanatorium – Window
Mundesley Sanatorium - The Pottery Shed
Mundesley Sanatorium – The Pottery Shed
Author: Andy Kay | Facebook | Flickr | Instagram

3 thoughts on Mundesley Sanatorium, Norfolk, UK

  1. Excellent and atmospheric photos of the interior. It was my great grandfather , William Joseph Fanning , in partnership with his first cousin Dr Frederick Burton-Fanning who originally built this TB sanatorium opening in 1899. William’s wife Rose had died of TB the same year at a specialist sanatorium in Davos , Switzerland and it was this that had encouraged William to do something about improving TB treatment in England in those pre-antibiotic days.

    James Fanning

    • I was fascinated to read of your family connection. I am writing a book on the treatment of tuberculosis, which includes the creation of Mundesley, and also the British in Davos. Do you by any chance have any further family information, or pictures, relating to either place?

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