Lodge Rd, Caerleon, Newport NP18 3XQ
St Cadoc's Hospital
Saint Cadoc's Hospital is a mental health facility located in Caerleon on the northern outskirts of the city of Newport, Wales. It is managed by the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.
Location
About
St Cadoc's Hospital, located in the quaint town of Caerleon in Wales, has a unique and intriguing history. Originally opened in 1906 as the Newport Borough Asylum, it was designed to house up to 350 patients with mental health conditions. Today, the hospital is known as the St Cadoc's Hospital and is a popular tourist destination, offering a fascinating insight into the history of mental healthcare in the UK.
Visitors to St Cadoc's Hospital will be struck by the imposing Victorian architecture of the building, with its tall chimneys and red brick facade. The hospital was designed by architect William Frame, who also designed other notable buildings in Newport such as the Carnegie Library and the Royal Gwent Hospital.
Inside, the hospital's corridors and wards are reminiscent of an era long gone. While some areas have been refurbished to serve as modern medical facilities, many of the original features have been preserved, including the stained-glass windows and intricate woodwork in the chapel. Visitors can also see some of the old equipment used for treatments, such as the electroshock therapy machine and the padded cell.
One of the most interesting parts of the hospital is the museum, which is open to the public. Here, visitors can learn about the history of mental healthcare in the UK, including the evolution of treatments and the changing attitudes towards mental illness over time. Exhibits include old medical equipment, patient artwork, and photographs of the hospital throughout its history.
Another highlight of a visit to St Cadoc's Hospital is the tranquil gardens that surround the building. The gardens were designed to provide a peaceful space for patients to relax and enjoy the outdoors, and they remain a popular spot for visitors to the hospital today. With its meandering paths, mature trees, and colourful flower beds, the gardens offer a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
St Cadoc's Hospital is an important part of the history of mental healthcare in the UK, and a visit to this fascinating site is sure to be an educational and thought-provoking experience. While some areas of the hospital may be unsettling for some visitors, the overall feeling is one of curiosity and intrigue. Whether you are a history buff or simply looking for a unique day out, St Cadoc's Hospital is definitely worth a visit.
Gallery
Opening Hours
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |