As I have had more than a passing interest in the urban exploring scene of late, it almost felt like everyone else in the UK had visited Whitchurch apart from me and perhaps a little old lady in Aberdeen. I thought I'd missed the boat as I heard about various updates as to the situation there. Eventually however, there seemed a good enough chance of being successful so I decided to make the 8 hour round trip. After spending the night in some cheap and sleazy accommodation in Cardiff, I then had as much time as I wanted the next day. I spent a fascinating 6 hours in the sprawling former asylum, which was fairly uneventful apart from one incident, more of which later.
This is my take on the place (plenty of 'official' info can be found elsewhere). I found it interesting when doing my research that it seems Whitchurch always had a good reputation on the whole and from the very top management down there was a commitment to humane treatment. This is not something that is true of other such places, although I'm sure it would have had its faults. Indeed from the very beginning it seems the building plans made sure all the patients wards got as much sunlight as possible.
It was interesting to notice some of the similarities with other institutions I had seen. For example the trademark style of huge bay windows and the contrast between the opulent entrance which is seen by visitors and the rest of the building with its pastel walls and endless corridors. There were some things that also seemed different such as the large wooden gates like you'd maybe expect to see in a stable.
On to the photos - I've tried to include a few that I hope are different to what's already been posted elsewhere.
So finally the curious bit. This is purely saying what happened and my thoughts on events (it was a solo explore). Anyone who's met me will know I tell it like it is, just straight talking, no bullshit in other words.
The photo of the bird skeleton tied to the pull cord was taken in the Pathology department. In taking the photo I moved it slightly and that's when I heard voices close by outside the room. This was 3 hours into the visit and apart from seeing a cat it felt like I'd had the entire place to myself. My reaction was to stand completely still for a time, then I carefully inched my way slowly towards the doorway. There was only one way in - and out - of where I was. I was trying to make out what was being said, who was there. I realised it was only one voice - a female voice I'd class as middle aged, not young but not old. Definitely a South Wales accent but I didn't hear any Welsh words (I would have recognised any!). The thing was I couldn't really make out what was actually being said and at times it seemed repetitive. The voice seemed quite loud and got more agitated (I heard the f-bomb a few times) The only snippets I can remember that made much sense were "it doesn't matter what I do it doesn't make any difference" and "there's just no point any more". After about 2-3 minutes the voice stopped. I kept still, listening but there was no further noise. Anyone who has been in places like this knows how much debris is on the floor to tread on and your footsteps echo around the corridors. I was listening out for this to get an idea of movement but there was nothing. I didn't hear anything else for the rest of the time I was there.
I'm not claiming that anything paranormal happened but the thing I find most strange is this. In all my time of exploring hundreds of abandoned or off-limits places you get to expect what, or more importantly WHO you are likely to encounter. Who you encounter will be one of the following - other explorers, security (official or otherwise), kids messing about, metal thieves or some sort of designated worker - if any part of the site is still in use. I feel that what I heard did not fit any of these categories.
Well that's it. Something I pondered quite a lot about and I'd be interested to hear anyone else's thoughts.
This is my take on the place (plenty of 'official' info can be found elsewhere). I found it interesting when doing my research that it seems Whitchurch always had a good reputation on the whole and from the very top management down there was a commitment to humane treatment. This is not something that is true of other such places, although I'm sure it would have had its faults. Indeed from the very beginning it seems the building plans made sure all the patients wards got as much sunlight as possible.
It was interesting to notice some of the similarities with other institutions I had seen. For example the trademark style of huge bay windows and the contrast between the opulent entrance which is seen by visitors and the rest of the building with its pastel walls and endless corridors. There were some things that also seemed different such as the large wooden gates like you'd maybe expect to see in a stable.
On to the photos - I've tried to include a few that I hope are different to what's already been posted elsewhere.
So finally the curious bit. This is purely saying what happened and my thoughts on events (it was a solo explore). Anyone who's met me will know I tell it like it is, just straight talking, no bullshit in other words.
The photo of the bird skeleton tied to the pull cord was taken in the Pathology department. In taking the photo I moved it slightly and that's when I heard voices close by outside the room. This was 3 hours into the visit and apart from seeing a cat it felt like I'd had the entire place to myself. My reaction was to stand completely still for a time, then I carefully inched my way slowly towards the doorway. There was only one way in - and out - of where I was. I was trying to make out what was being said, who was there. I realised it was only one voice - a female voice I'd class as middle aged, not young but not old. Definitely a South Wales accent but I didn't hear any Welsh words (I would have recognised any!). The thing was I couldn't really make out what was actually being said and at times it seemed repetitive. The voice seemed quite loud and got more agitated (I heard the f-bomb a few times) The only snippets I can remember that made much sense were "it doesn't matter what I do it doesn't make any difference" and "there's just no point any more". After about 2-3 minutes the voice stopped. I kept still, listening but there was no further noise. Anyone who has been in places like this knows how much debris is on the floor to tread on and your footsteps echo around the corridors. I was listening out for this to get an idea of movement but there was nothing. I didn't hear anything else for the rest of the time I was there.
I'm not claiming that anything paranormal happened but the thing I find most strange is this. In all my time of exploring hundreds of abandoned or off-limits places you get to expect what, or more importantly WHO you are likely to encounter. Who you encounter will be one of the following - other explorers, security (official or otherwise), kids messing about, metal thieves or some sort of designated worker - if any part of the site is still in use. I feel that what I heard did not fit any of these categories.
Well that's it. Something I pondered quite a lot about and I'd be interested to hear anyone else's thoughts.
