WATCH: Urban Explorers walk tunnels at former Denbigh Asylum
The Former North Wales Hospital was built in 1844 - 1848, to provide care for Welsh speaking people suffering from mental illnesses.
It was extended in the 1860s and again in the 20th century and by 1956 there were 1,500 patients. The Health Authority announced closure in 1987 and the last patient left in 1995. Since then, the abandoned site has fallen into a serious state of disrepair.
The abandoned site has fallen into a serious state of disrepair (Image: B&R Urban Explorers UK) B&R Urban Explorers UK spent well over a hour exploring the grounds.
A member of the group, who does not wish to be named, told the Free Press: "Exploring the hospital itself, you get a sense of sadness. You cannot help but think of the many people who have passed through the hospital, some never making it back out.
"In the tunnels it was if someone was there with you, a very eery feeling, especially seeing old operating lights down there.
Eerie... (Image: B&R Urban Explorers UK) "It felt very cold but intriguing.
"They were dark, damp and some were narrow with one even having a lift in it that went further down as you travelled further down the tunnels.
"You got more of a sense of being watched. It was pretty freaky but really cool to explore.
Up to 1,500 patients lived at the facility (Image: B&R Urban Explorers UK) "We as urban explorers and have wanted to do this place for sometime.""
Urban Explorers UK aim to seek out the "unknown."
Speaking more about the hospital, the member said: "The hospital has undergone various changes, expansions, and reforms, but its legacy is marked by controversy, tragedy, and paranormal activity.
An old lift (Image: B&R Urban Explorers UK) "The hospital's history is marked by periods of overcrowding, understaffing, and inadequate care. Patients were often subjected to inhumane treatments, including lobotomies and other forms of psychiatric experimentation. The hospital's mortality rates were also alarmingly high, with many patients dying from neglect, abuse, or untreated illnesses.
Most of the windows have been smashed (Image: B&R Urban Explorers UK) "Today, the North Wales Hospital is said to be one of the most haunted places in Wales. Visitors and staff have reported a range of paranormal activity, including ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and strange movements. Many believe that the hospital's troubled history has led to a lingering presence of restless spirits, trapped between worlds.
"The North Wales Hospital's legacy is a complex and disturbing one. While it was intended to provide care and treatment for those in need, it ultimately became a symbol of fear, neglect, and abuse. Today, the hospital stands as a testament to the darker aspects of human nature and the importance of prioritising patient care and dignity.
"The hospital was gradually wound down as a health are facility in 1991 and finally closed in 1995.
Crumbling walls and peeling paint (Image: B&R Urban Explorers UK) Walking the underground tunnels of this place , you cannot help but wonder what went on down there."
The main hospital building is Grade II* listed.
The former hospital had extensive grounds (Image: B&R Urban Explorers UK) Denbighshire County Council (DCC) are now the owners, while Jones Bros are currently in possession of the site; The previous owners of the site had allowed the buildings to deteriorate. A decision was made for Denbighshire County Council to compulsory purchasing the site using powers available to local authorities under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
Prior to DCC taking ownership, the site has had two owners. Since closure it has suffered from neglect, vandalism and theft. It is now in an extremely dilapidated state.
The £107million capital investment project proposal to be delivered by Jones Bros includes restoration of the Grade 2* listed building, development of new homes and green spaces, a skills and training facility as well as over 1,000m2 of commercial space.
The public should not go near North Wales Hospital site. The site is dangerous and contains hazardous materials.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
Major Welsh health board issues A&E warning
Major Welsh health board issues A&E warning Significant pressure across the health care system is having an impact on waiting times at Wales' largest hospital The hospital are facing an increased amount of patients (Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE ) A busy Welsh hospital has asked the public to only attend the hospital's emergency unit if it is an emergency as they experience a high number of patients. The Cardiff and Vale University Health Board put a public plea out as the University Hospital of Wales remains very busy, resulting in longer waiting times for treatments. The pressure on the health care system across Wales has resulted in a high number of patients within the hospital as well as fewer people being discharged at the normal rate. The health board has asked the people of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan to check their symptoms via the NHS 111 website if they are unsure of them as the emergency unit sustains significant pressure. A spokesperson for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: "We are currently experiencing significant pressure across our healthcare system which is having an impact on waiting times in the Emergency Unit and patient flow through the hospital. "This pressure has been driven by a combination of factors, including a high number of people requiring hospital admission via ambulance and a lower-than-normal amount of people being discharged from hospital. Article continues below "We are working closely with colleagues and Health Board partners to ensure we can continue to provide safe and effective care to those who need us most. "We would continue to urge the public to think about the alternatives to the Emergency Unit if your condition does not require emergency care, including NHS 111 Wales and local Primary Care services. "The NHS 111 Wales website has a wealth of information on different health conditions, and a symptom checker to help patients make informed decisions. "You can also call 111 to access Barry Minor Injuries Unit, urgent care and Out-of-Hours. "Your Primary Care team in the community could also support. Each member of the primary care team has skills and expertise in different areas, enabling you to get the right support, from the right healthcare professional, first time. "Thank you for your patience and cooperation at this time." Article continues below
ITV News
a day ago
- ITV News
GPs to be trained to recognise symptoms of endometriosis earlier
GPs in Wales will be trained to recognise symptoms of endometriosis earlier, in a bid to improve diagnosis. The introduction of a specialist training programme comes six months after the Welsh Government launched its Women's Health Plan for Wales. It is aimed at improving women's experiences of healthcare across the country. Endometriosis is a chronic condition that causes debilitating pain and can start when women begin their period. One in ten women lives with the condition, but the wait in Wales to get a diagnosis is longer than anywhere else in the UK and can take up to 9 years. Sarah Murphy, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, said, "Women have told us that they feel they are not heard, and their symptoms are ignored. "This training ensures women's voices are central to their healthcare experience, and it helps GPs support their patients more effectively." What is endometriosis? It's caused when tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow elsewhere. Each month, cells react in the same way as those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. But unlike cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has nowhere to go and can't escape the body. This can cause inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue. The condition is as common as asthma or diabetes. What are the symptoms? Symptoms vary from woman to woman and can include: Chronic pain Fatigue/lack of energy Depression/isolation Problems with sex life/relationships An inability to conceive Difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments Even with a diagnosis, some women in Wales are being told they'll have to wait up to 7 years for treatment within the NHS. The new expert-led training will be rolled out across Wales and, among those already participating, has led to a 43% increase in GPs' knowledge of the condition. Dr Mirka Slavska is one of the specialist consultants who has delivered the training. She said, "'The session covered differential diagnoses, referral pathways, novel diagnostic and treatment options, and introduced the Endometriosis Cymru symptom reporting tool. 'The excellent feedback we received reflects the value of equipping healthcare professionals with current, practical knowledge to improve care for those living with endometriosis.'
North Wales Live
a day ago
- North Wales Live
'I've never seen so many' - jellyfish invade North Wales beaches in their thousands
A huge invasion of 'pretty' jellyfish on the west Wales coast has left residents and tourist stunned. At this time of year beaches are often littered with the creatures but the sheer numbers being seen are beyond anything in recent memory. A boat owner reported seeing 'millions' of jellyfish in Cardigan Bay and rough seas last weekend may have brought many closer to shorelines. With the UK currently gripped by a marine heatware, caused by the mild spring, warmer sea surface temperatures were expected to trigger a surge in jellyfish populations. Online reports suggest large numbers on Gwynedd's beaches, including Criccieth, Fairboroune and Traeth y Greigddu (Black Rock Sands), near Porthmadog. Some of the most impressive invasions were seen at Barmouth, where one long-time local reported: 'There are thousands of them along the shoreline, I've never seen so many. They are about the size of a hand and have 4 purple rings visible in them.' These are Moon jellies, the most common jellyfish in UK seas. Their most distinctive feature are the four circles visible through a translucent bell – these are actually their gonads, their reproductive organs. In recent years, Spain has witnessed similar jelly surges and, ahead of this year's peak summer season, tourists have been warned to expect to see more washing up on popular beaches. In recent years, swimming bans have been implemented, blamed on climate change and rising sea temperatures. Last summer, nearly 7,500 swimmers needed medical treatment for jellyfish stings on the Catalan coast, 41% up from the previous year. The good news for Welsh beachgoers is that Moon jellyfish are mostly harmless – their stings pose little risk to humans. 'We used to go swimming amongst them lol,' said one local. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Neither are they a major threat to dogs, though they are slightly more vulnerable: potential symptoms can include itching, drooling and minor agitation. They may also lick paws or rub their face. In some cases, vomiting is possible if dogs lick or eat Moon jellies. More severe reactions are rare, though it's something to be aware of. Other jellyfish have been reported around the coasts of Anglesey and Gwynedd in the past week, including Blue, Compass and Crystal jellies. At worst, all these give a mild irritating sting like a nettle rash. Larger, harmless Barrel jellies are also washing up. When seen, a frequent comment is how beautiful they look. On finding a Moon jellyfish, one woman said online: 'I've seen these on Black Rock Sands they are so pretty with their purple rings.' At Anglesey Sea Zoo, Brynsiencyn, a large number Moon jellies can be viewed in a tank: as many visitors attest, watching clouds of them gently undulate can be utterly mesmerising. 'They have short, delicate tentacles that hang down from the sides of the bell,' said the zoo. 'They catch their plankton prey using a layer of mucus over their bells - before passing the microscopic meals into their mouths parts using special tentacles.' Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox The ones seen at Barmouth were small, likely juveniles: adults reach the size of a dinner plate and these have been spotted off Aberdyfi. 'There were some huge ones floating past in the sea, bigger than a football,' said one crabber. More dangerous jellies, such as the Lion's Mane and Portuguese Man o' War, typically arrive in smaller numbers later in the summer. Beside the colour and interest jellyfish add to beaches, they help sustain marine and shoreline ecosystems by providing a meal for other creatures such as turtles, gulls and crustaceans. Their arrival on beaches is often said to be a sign of warmer weather ahead - large numbers were reported in west Wales during the long hot summer of 1976. But don't get too excited: while the Met Office said there is 'potential for some warm or hot weather to develop' later this week, there will still be plenty of the wet stuff around.
