Dr Barnado's Babies Castle, Hawkhurst, Kent, January 2014

[silverainbow]

Babies Castle, Hawkhurst, We decided to get out n about on a bit of a mini road trip, Chose this as the destination, took a while to get there and wanted to visit another well known site within the area for those of you that probably know it but unfortunately Its since been sold and the builders were in, This is the only fruit of our day !, So on with a bit of history

Construction began on a new two-storey red brick building in the spring of 1886, and on 9th August it was formerly opened by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Mary Adelaide, Duchess of Teck, accompanied by her daughter princess Victoria who was later to become Queen Mary, the wife of King George V.

In May 1959 a local Townswomen's Guild expressed 'considerable surprise' at the large number of 'coloured infants' at the Babies Castle. They warned that unless they could be assured that no white child was being refused admission as a consequence their support of Dr. Barnardo's would cease but they were reassured and the matter blew over. Clearly they had never bothered to read Thomas Barnardo's aims, known as "The Nine Nos"...

1. No destitute child refused

2. No Race Barrier

3. No Creed Clause

4. No Physical Disability

5. No Age Limit

6. No Money Promise

7. No Voting

8. No Waiting

9. No Red Tape (A lot of this Bullshit in modern day UK)

Will in the famous kitchen

And some of the Sumptuous Rooms, The Height of luxury in their day !

Quick, Our Way Out !

If you love Pealing Paint & Natural Decay, Then this is definitely the place for you !

All in all a fun day out with truly great company !

Thanks for viewing my Pics

 

[hamtagger]

Very nice that!

 

[Silent Night]

Great stuff Silver,love the exterior and peely paint noice

 

[silverainbow]

Its a shame its soooo trashed, Id have liked to seen it years ago when it first got closed !

 

[Lara]

Nice shots SR, i do like a bit of Babies, it a nice mooch even though shes a bit bashed now

 

[skeleton key]

This was one of those locations thats looks are so deceiving as looks quite promising on the approach

but if ever had any grand features inside are all are so long gone.

Ive always been baffled why its never been converted into apartments etc opposed to just being left to rot and be stripped by Pikeys ?

Nice to see mate as not seen in ages

 

[klempner69]

Had the pleasure of seeing this and Lillesden plus Potters Manor all in one day courtesy of the Key..the pool is well shagged here eh!!

 

[shaddam]

blimey thats a bit sorry looking, nice piccies though =]

 

[silverainbow]

Thanks for the kind comments guys, I'd hope that some one would buy this place and turn it into something nice to be enjoyed by the lucky few !