Introduction
The entrance, drive, avenue, lawns and airing courts survive from the 1860s private asylum. The site now houses the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
A former private lunatic asylum from 1865-9 designed by W F Cross. The theatre and recreation hall were added in 1912.
Designed in a Jacobean style with a central administration block flanked by wards forming an open courtyard to the rear in which the former detached chapel now attached by the recreation hall and theatre.
Central entrance approached by sweeping stone steps with open strapwork balustrades. Porch with round-arched central opening flanked by similar smaller windows and separated by pilasters supporting an entablature crowned by a strapwork balustrade
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Website
https://historicengland.org.uk/Owners
Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust
- History
19th Century
In 1842, the Metropolitan Commissioners in Lunacy reported on the City of Exeter Lunatic Asylum, recommending that it increase the size of its grounds for the patients. As a result, the Governors of the Asylum decided, that rather than extend the present institution, they would build a new facility to improve the treatment of their patients. Twenty acres of land was acquired at Wonford in Heavitree.
In July 1869, The Earl of Devon opened the 120 bed Wonford House.
In November 1876 a new chapel was opened with seating for 150 people.
Period
- Post Medieval (1540 to 1901)
- Victorian (1837-1901)
- Features & Designations
Features
- Tree Avenue
- Lawn
- Key Information
Type
Garden
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Health And Welfare
Period
Post Medieval (1540 to 1901)
Survival
Extant
Open to the public
Yes