Nothing to see here

There are few things more poignant to photograph than a disused asylum, as has been ably demonstrated by many people, not least the hugely talented Viveca Koh FRPS. The remains of St Augustines Hospital are particularly wretched, not least because they have been "explored" to destruction. Now I know there are groups of people who enjoy exploring disused buildings, in my experience this is done with respect and causing minimal damage. St Augustines looks like it was explored by a tornado wielding a spray can, I'm sure it's only the weight of the paint that is holding the place together. You are never likely to be alone here, any reverie disturbed by the rattle of cans or the whoosh of an accelerant ignited fire.

The main buildings were converted into apartments and surrounded by "sympathetic" new builds covering most of the 120 acre site. The chapel, mortuary and graveyard were one of the last areas to be developed, prospective purchasers were greeted by the sight of rows of opened graves, the occupants having been removed and reinterred elsewhere. I imagine this kept the spray can brigade away for a while.

Thanks to Himself and Freespiral for hosting Derelict Thursday.