Exploring life from the inside of Carlton House is something many people want to know about, from its history as part of the criminal justice system when it was built in 1908-1910 to it’s last usage to house people living with a disability. This ward of the Royal Derwent Hospital is one of the most imposing structures at the site. It is quite intact and has survived the last 14 years of Derwent Valley Council ownership and neglect. It’s history is rich and would add to the Willow Court historic site in a very different time scale to Bronte Ward and The Barracks. Originally constructed for the criminally insane and later extensively modified and expanded in 1965-68 this building has two yards, one to the east and one to the west. It is a traditional two door security system with high walls. Some old foundations are visible in the east exercise yard which tell a different story of the site before 1908.
Inside the areas are clean and wouldn’t take much to restore. The old doors have had their hinges removed and stolen for their metal resale. One original hinge is kept so others can be cast and the three inch thick laminated wooden, steel re-enforced doors can be rehung. The ceiling in some areas has been exposed but can be left exposed to show the re-enforced metal fabrication fixed to the top of the ceiling rafters makes this escape proof.
Many people have never had the opportunity to visit a site like this and the building tells it’s own visual story. Along with some minor interpretation this site could become part of the Willow Court tour experience. From the time you walk in and see this imposing structure framed by large grey high walls, to the internal structure, this would have to be one of the most interesting buildings on the site. Inside, large dinning area and kitchen area followed by the staff room, Doctor’s room, visitors room, clothing store, bathroom and sleeping areas. Upstairs the bathroom and sleeping areas have been somewhat maintained only because this was one of the hardest buildings on the site to brake into.
Each building sets a different scene and tells a different story about the site, the Barracks started in 1827 and Bronte house was constructed as a medical ward before becoming the high functioning woman’s ward. So each building has a unique quality that sits in it’s own space and time. This would give a visitor access to physical structures from the first building to a much later structure and of course model of use and operation.
So the question remains, does this wonderful building get leased out to a business and structurally changed forever, or does it form part of the history that should be restored and told?
