Healthcare and Welfare: The Enduring Legacy of Foredown Hospital and Tower
1. Introduction
The story of Foredown Hospital and its enduring water tower presents a compelling narrative of evolving public health practices, architectural adaptation, and community-driven heritage preservation in Portslade, Brighton, East Sussex. This report delves into the intertwined history of these structures, exploring their initial roles in combating infectious diseases and the remarkable transformation of the tower into a vibrant community and cultural centre. The journey of Foredown Hospital and Tower reflects broader historical trends in healthcare, urban development, and the innovative approaches to heritage conservation.
To provide a concise chronological overview of the major developments and transitions, the key milestones of Foredown Hospital and Tower are presented in Table 1. This table serves as a quick reference, enhancing comprehension of the significant time span and multiple transformations discussed in this report.
2. The Genesis of Isolation: Foredown Hospital (1887-1980s)
Foredown Hospital, initially known as Foredown Isolation Hospital, commenced operations in 1887. While some historical accounts indicate construction began as early as 1883 , 1887 marks its official opening for patient care. The hospital's primary mission was the treatment and containment of patients afflicted with highly contagious infectious diseases, which were rampant during the Victorian era. These included prevalent illnesses such as scarlet fever, diphtheria, tuberculosis, and typhoid.
The establishment of Foredown Hospital in 1887 holds particular historical significance because it predates the 1893 Isolation Hospitals Act. This act later mandated local authorities to provide such facilities, and it also preceded the broader Public Health Act of 1897, which further reinforced the requirement for infectious disease hospitals. The fact that Foredown was operational before these legislative mandates suggests a proactive stance by the local community or governing bodies in addressing public health challenges. This early initiative indicates a strong local awareness of the critical need for infectious disease control, rather than merely a reactive response to central government directives. Foredown thus stands as a pioneering institution in the developing field of public health infrastructure, representing a specific and relatively short-lived phase of purpose-built isolation hospitals.
Foredown Hospital was strategically situated "up on the Downs" and accessed by a long country track. This remote placement was a deliberate adherence to the Victorian practice of isolating infectious patients as far as possible from populated areas. This physical distance served a dual purpose: it aimed to medically contain the spread of disease within the community and also acted as a psychological buffer, addressing the widespread public fear and societal stigma associated with infectious illnesses. The location of the hospital therefore underscores the social dimensions inherent in public health policy of the period. The hospital played a crucial role in local healthcare by providing a dedicated facility that helped control outbreaks of contagious diseases.
Over its operational lifespan, the hospital underwent a number of extensions, reflecting its ongoing importance and adaptation to evolving healthcare demands. In 1913, it was formally renamed 'Hove Borough Sanatorium, Portslade'. This change in nomenclature may signify an evolving medical understanding, a potential shift towards specialising in long-term care for conditions like tuberculosis, or a formalisation of its municipal ownership.
The operational life of Foredown Hospital concluded in the 1980s, leading to its extensive demolition for housing development in 1988/89. The primary factor driving this closure and subsequent demolition was the significant decline in the prevalence of infectious diseases. This reduction was largely attributable to the widespread adoption and effectiveness of antibiotics, which emerged in the 1940s. The advent of these medical advancements fundamentally altered the landscape of infectious disease management, rendering the extensive physical isolation infrastructure of the 19th and early 20th centuries largely obsolete. This illustrates how scientific progress can profoundly reshape public services and the built environment. Despite the demolition, a segment of the hospital's original flint boundary wall and the water tower itself survived, along with a terracotta plaque inscribed with 'AD 1883'.
3. Foredown Tower: A Vital Utility (1909-1960s)
Foredown Tower was constructed in 1909 , approximately two decades after the Foredown Isolation Hospital began operations. Its strategic placement on the highest part of the hospital site was deliberate, designed to maximise water pressure for distribution across the facility.
The tower's design is characterised by its square plan, yellow brick construction with semi-circular arches, and a cast iron tank at its summit. A notable engineering detail is the immense thickness of its brick walls, measuring 27 inches and even up to 33 inches in some sections.1 This robust construction was essential to support the substantial weight of the water it contained. The tower was designed with an impressive capacity, capable of holding 27,500 gallons of water. This significant investment in infrastructure was necessitated by the hospital's expansion, specifically to "provide sufficient pressurised water for the most recent extensions". The need for such a dedicated, high-capacity water tower suggests a growing patient load, more complex medical procedures requiring reliable water, or improved hygiene standards. This points to the hospital's increasing significance and investment in its operational capacity during the early 20th century.
By the 1960s, the water tower was no longer in active use. This disuse likely stemmed from changes in municipal water supply systems or the hospital's declining operational needs as infectious disease prevalence lessened. When the main hospital complex was largely demolished in 1988/89, the tower, along with a section of the original flint wall, was one of the few structures to be preserved. The tower's robust construction and distinctive form likely contributed to its survival. Its enduring presence, despite the demolition of the entire hospital, highlights a recurring pattern in heritage preservation: sturdy, utilitarian structures, often initially overlooked for their aesthetic qualities, frequently prove more resilient than the primary buildings they served. The tower's formidable construction and its status as a local landmark made it a prime candidate for adaptive reuse, demonstrating how practical engineering can inadvertently lay the groundwork for future heritage.
4. From Utility to Community Hub: The Tower's Transformation (1988-Present)
Following the closure of Foredown Hospital and the sale of its site for housing in 1988 , the land was acquired by Persimmon Homes.7 The concept of preserving the tower for community use emerged from discussions between Tony Gimpson, director of Persimmon Homes, architect Paul Briault, and Hove Council representatives Peter Martin, Gordon Sommerville, and Dr. John Packman.7 This early recognition of the tower's potential beyond its original function was crucial for its future.
Initially, securing adequate funding presented a significant challenge. However, Peter Martin's initiative led to a favorable response from Peter Hall, Vice-President of American Express, who pledged an initial £20,000 from their community budget. This initial commitment proved instrumental in attracting further financial support from various sources. The Countryside Commission contributed £30,000, Hove Council provided £48,500, and East Sussex County Council added £5,000. American Express notably increased their grant to £35,000 and committed an additional £5,000 annually for the subsequent five years, demonstrating significant and sustained support for the project. The conversion project itself was expertly led by The Conservation Practice. This multi-stakeholder financial effort, involving private developers, local government bodies, a national heritage organization, and substantial private sector sponsorship, illustrates the critical role of diversified funding streams and individual champions in overcoming financial obstacles in large-scale heritage projects.
Table 2 provides a detailed breakdown of the funding contributions that made the Foredown Tower conversion possible, highlighting the collaborative financial effort required for such a complex heritage project.
A particularly innovative concept for the tower's new use was the installation of a camera obscura , which remains one of the few operational examples in England today. The advanced optics for this camera obscura were originally part of a temporary installation at the 1990 Gateshead Garden Festival in Tyne & Wear. This sophisticated device was custom-built by David Sinden at a cost of £125,000 and subsequently acquired by Hove Council for £30,000. Its integration into the tower necessitated substantial structural modifications, including the construction of a new roof and glazing over the original water tank , as well as the addition of windows and a pitched roof.
Furthermore, the lens required re-grinding to precisely fit the tower's dimensions. The camera obscura became operational on April 15, 1991 , with the Foredown Tower officially opening to the public as a Countryside Centre on July 13, 1991. The device projects a television-like image onto a dish at floor level, offering spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The strategic decision to incorporate this unique and historically resonant optical device, requiring significant architectural adaptation, reflects a conscious effort to create a distinctive visitor experience that leverages the tower's height and location. This choice enhances its appeal as a cultural and educational destination, providing a tangible link to the history of optics.
The transformation successfully repurposed the redundant water tower into the Foredown Tower Countryside Centre. The primary objective of this centre is to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the countryside, particularly the South Downs. Beyond the camera obscura, the facility now includes a bookstore and gift shop, scientific and meteorological exhibitions and demonstrations. It also serves as an alternative learning space for Aldridge Adult Learning, hosting art and access courses, and providing gallery space for regular exhibitions. This comprehensive adaptive reuse of the tower, from a disused utilitarian structure to a multi-functional community hub, exemplifies a successful model for heritage preservation. This approach is not merely about saving a building but imbuing it with a new, relevant purpose that ensures its long-term viability and community engagement.
The project garnered significant acclaim and recognition for its innovative approach to heritage conservation. In 1992, Foredown Tower received a Civic Trust Award, was highly commended by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), and earned a Diploma of Merit from Europa Nostra.7 The Europa Nostra citation specifically lauded the "imaginative conversion and re-use of a redundant Water Tower to stimulate an understanding of the countryside and the South Downs".8 These accolades validate the project as a leading example of how industrial heritage can be creatively repurposed to serve contemporary educational and recreational needs, thereby preventing demolition and generating new cultural value.
5. Foredown Tower Today: A Living Heritage Site
Foredown Tower continues to thrive as a dynamic community and learning centre. It serves as a base for Aldridge Adult Learning, offering a diverse array of courses, including Art and Access programs.10 The first floor of the building is equipped with a classroom and a dedicated gallery space, which regularly hosts photography and art exhibitions.10 Ascending a 47-step spiral staircase leads visitors to the top floor, where the viewing gallery houses the operational camera obscura, providing stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The tower functions as a "countryside centre", actively promoting an understanding and appreciation of the South Downs. It has become an integral part of local recreational activities, serving as a convenient starting or stopping point for walkers and cyclists exploring the South Downs. The centre's operations are significantly bolstered by a dedicated "wonderful group of volunteers" who are responsible for maintaining the facility, conducting tours and demonstrations, tending the garden, and managing the café. This active involvement of volunteers and the diverse programming offered demonstrates a strong, ongoing community ownership and participation, which is essential for the long-term sustainability and continued relevance of local heritage sites beyond initial funding and awards.
The tower's distinctive architectural form ensures its status as a "local landmark for the north of Portslade," visible from the A27 and the surrounding downland. Its strategic location, where "the city meets the Downs" serves as a constant visual reminder of its historical role as an Isolation Hospital and its current function in connecting people with the natural environment. The original purpose of the hospital was focused on isolation, physically separating the sick from the healthy. In stark contrast, the tower, once a utilitarian component of this system, has been transformed into a "community centre" and "learning and visitor centre", actively fostering public engagement. This represents a profound thematic shift from segregation to integration. The tower now serves as a hub for education, arts, and appreciation of the surrounding countryside, directly contrasting its origins and symbolising a positive evolution in societal values towards inclusivity and shared heritage. Despite the alterations made during its conversion, the "original form and function of the building is still evident", allowing it to continue to represent the former Isolation Hospital and the broader historical development of care and treatment for disease.
6. Conclusion
The story of Foredown Hospital and Tower is a compelling testament to adaptability and enduring legacy. It traces the evolution of a site from a pioneering isolation facility, established in 1887 to combat infectious diseases, to a modern, multi-functional community hub. The hospital's early establishment, predating key public health legislation, underscores a proactive local commitment to healthcare, while its eventual closure and demolition in the late 20th century directly reflect the transformative impact of medical advancements like antibiotics on public health strategies.
The survival and subsequent transformation of Foredown Tower stand as a remarkable example of successful heritage preservation, driven by collaborative vision and innovative adaptive reuse. From its original function as a vital water utility in 1909, the tower has been reimagined as a vibrant Countryside Centre, housing one of England's few operational camera obscuras. This conversion, supported by a mosaic of public, private, and philanthropic partnerships, not only saved a significant historical structure but also imbued it with a new purpose that educates, inspires, and connects the community with its past and its natural environment.
Foredown Tower today is more than just a historical artefact; it is a dynamic landmark that symbolises a profound shift from isolation to community integration. Through its diverse educational programs, cultural exhibitions, and the active involvement of dedicated volunteers, it continues to serve contemporary needs, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations. The narrative of Foredown Hospital and Tower offers a powerful reminder of how historical structures can be reimagined to serve new purposes, bridging the past with the present and enriching the welfare of the community.
Just as the hospital site was being repurposed for housing, the tower found a new calling. The acquisition of the Gateshead Camera Obscura was a stroke of visionary luck, turning a silent water tank into a 'giant eye' over the Sussex landscape.
Fast Fact: The Wall of Water The walls of Foredown Tower are nearly three feet thick (33 inches at the base). This wasn't for defence, but to support the weight of 27,500 gallons of water—the equivalent of over 600 large bathtubs—all suspended high above the ground to ensure the hospital wards never ran dry.
Summary: From Isolation to Integration
The history of Foredown Hospital and its iconic Tower is a story of two very different eras. In the 19th century, the site was born out of fear—a place of necessary isolation "up on the Downs" to protect the town from the spread of infectious disease.
However, as medical science evolved and the need for isolation vanished, the community’s relationship with the site changed. When the hospital was demolished in the late 1980s, it was the local neighbours who stepped in. The very building that was once a symbol of exclusion and sickness was reclaimed as a landmark worth saving. Through a unique partnership of public and private support, the "silent" water tower was transformed into a "giant eye" for the community. Today, the Foredown Tower stands not as a monument to isolation, but as a vibrant Centre for education and a testament to what can be achieved when a community protects its heritage.
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