Tendring Union Workhouse (Heath Hospital) (EHER 15385)

A mid 19th century workhouse by Scott and Moffatt, later used as hospital. It stands centrally on an 8-acre site and was built on a cruciform plan in 1838 it was re-modelled in 1899 (Public Assistance Committee, 1930). The buildings are of brown brick with slate roofs.

The workhouse, designed by Scott and Moffatt, stands centrally on an 8-acre site. Built on a cruciform plan in 1838 it was re-modelled in 1899 (Public Assistance Committee, 1930). The buildings are of brown brick with slate roofs. The single-storey entrance range which faces south-west has a large round-headed doorway with rusticated surround and pediment with a stone entablature. Lower wings project north/south from the entrance extending to the rear at either end; they link the parallel workhouse range, thus enclosing the yards. The main central range has a four-storeyed octagonal hub with diagonally set projections from each corner to the facade and a flat roof. The wings are three storeys high with two-storeyed cross-wings at either end; the latter being blind on the outer wall. The kitchen or dining hall to the rear of the central hub has been replaced by a single-storeyed red brick building; several other modern additions have been erected in the yards (RCHME, 1996). The First Edition Ordnance Survey 25 inch map shows a rectangular block, parallel to the workhouse range with linking U-shaped blocks, facing north and south respectively. This parallel range may have been the infirmary and the U-shaped blocks possibly served as the laundry, casual wards and tuberculous wards. The casual ward has three small, high window openings with metal bars, suggesting sleeping cells (RCHME, 1996). Other buildings on the site include a red brick mortuary and chapel. <1>. Former workhouse for Tendring Union, later Heath Hospital. Built 1838 to designs of GG Scott and WB Moffatt at a cost of £12,000. Brown brick with yellow brick and stone dressings and slate roofs. Two parallel ranges facing west: entrance block with central gateway to front; main block with central surveillance hub behind. Linear wings projecting north and south. <2>. Historic building appraisal, 1999 Historic building appraisal in advance of planning application for redevelopment in 1999. Contains a description of the workhouse buildings and photographs. <3><4> The site was listed 2002 but is still not on the EH website Photos <5> Information from NRHE Through the 20th Century it was used as a hospital for the chronically ill and a nursing home. As of the early 21st Century the buildings are extant but disused. <6> Additional reference <7>