I battled with myself about whether to post this report or not.
It's like a opening a packet of Revels and coming across the coffee one, it looks great on the outside, very nice, but inside Urrrgh!!!
The Babies Castle was officially opened on 9th August 1886 this institution was for the reception of babies. In 1908 Babies Castle became a mixed home for children under eight years of age. It was particularly used for babies and young children who, owing to their physical condition, were not suited for boarding out.
Babies Castle closed, in 1965 and was re-named, appropriately enough, 'Hawkhurst Castle', after the nearby village of the same name and operated as a private nursing home for the elderly.
In 2006 planning Consent was granted for Babies Castle for conversion to provide a total of 11 residential units
I grew up in Hawkhurst having been born in October 1946. We first lived in Wellington Cottages very near to the 'Castle' Over the years I saw the building daily, passing on my way to school in Cranbrook. I left the village in 1965 to join the Kent Constabulary. I knew of it's closure and stories of a London Borough buying it in recent years for housing development. Sadly, my Mother died two years ago so I have had no cause to visit Hawkhurst since then. I am sad to see the state of the building now. What a pity and what a waste of resources. Shame on Kent County Council. Dudley Farley (Canterbury)farleystephen@btopenworld.com
ReplyDelete