Skegness Magazine

We were contacted by Carl Slater some time ago regarding an ‘isolation hospital’ on Wainfleet Road, Skegness, asking if we had any information.

Carl sent us the following photo:

The building above is on the A52, off the lay-by near the Croft turnoff.

At that time, we were not aware of the isolation hospital, so we asked a long-time resident of Skegness:
Mr Herbert Noel Crawshaw, age 90, son of the four-times Mayor of Skegness, Joseph Crawshaw and grandson of Joseph Crawshaw, a founder member of the first Local Board in Skegness, remembers the building. He said: ” Yes I remember the Isolation Hospital - though thank goodness not as a patient, it was a corrugated iron structure located in a wooded area on the left side of Wainfleet Road about 1½ miles out of town. It was difficult to see from the main road; I have a feeling that it was much longer than the structure shown in the photograph - possibly the latter was the nurses quarters; though I never went into the woods I do not recall seeing the adjacent brick building when cycling to school at Wainfleet.
I think it was used for people who had a contagious illness and/or those who had consumption.”

We talked to the owner of the building, who told us that it was currently used as storage space. She had been told that after the building ceased to be a hospital, it was turned into a school.

The owner very kindly allowed us access to take photos of the interior: (Please consider only the walls ceiling and fixtures.)

The first photograph shows the interior west door, the door you can see on the picture at the top of the page. There is a second door and a small window on the east side.There are wooden ‘tongue and groove’ ceiling and walls. Notice the old light fixture which hangs down from the ceiling.

In the next picture there is a wooden frame which is thought to be a remnent from the old school. Possibly these could have been a climbing frame, similar to the one in this picture.

A picture of one of the windows with hot water pipes underneath. Perhaps some passing expert plumber could date the pipe work for us!

Examining the old Skegness Heralds, we found several references to the Isolation Hospital. The first mention we found was in 1897 but it seems that debates at the Council meetings were still going on in 1901!

We will be adding to this pages as we find out more about the hospital.

Exact dates may be obtained from the 1900s newspaper index

Source: Skegness Herald 19th November 1897

Infections Disease Hospital

The Surveyor presented the following report:
Gentlemen,
In accordance with instructions I have been looking out for a suitable site for the proposed Infectious Disease Hospital, and I have come to the conclustion that the most suitable site in my opinion to be found within the district, is that which is shown on the plan I now have the pleasure of placing before you for your inspection.
The proposed site it will be seen from the plan is a portion of Lord Scarbrough’s plantation situated on the Wainfleet Road and nearly at the extreme boundary of the Council’s district.
I have made a careful survey of the site and a more favourable site I think could not be found, the surrounding trees would be a protection from east winds to patients recovering from infectious diseases.
I have interviewed Mr H.V. Tippet as to the purchase of the site and he informed me that he thought Lord Scarbrough would have no objection to selling or leasing the proposed site to the Council.

Source: Skegness Herald 1901

Infectious Disease Hospital

A letter was read from the Local Government Board stating that an enquiry would be held as soon as possible respecting the application of the Council to borrow £1320 for the purchase of the land and erection of the hospital.
After a brief discussion it was decided to ask for the enquiry to take place at an early date so that work might be proceeded with.

We have lots more information about the Isolation Hospital and we will be adding to this page shortly.