Where is the Old Watertower from Hollymoor Hospital?

The Old Watertower from Hollymoor Hospital near Sovereign Heights, Birmingham, B31 5DX

 

In brief

Hollymoor Hospital was built by Birmingham Corporation as a Lunatic Asylum (a now-archaic term for a psychiatric hospital). In 1900, the contract to build the hospital was awarded by competitive tender to John Bowen & Sons of Birmingham. The Water tower was built by Martin and Martin between 1896 and 1905. The brickwork for the structure uses layers different coloured bricks; a technique made popular earlier in the 19th century through interest in geological strata. The hospital is now closed and most was demolished in 1996.

Hollymoor Hospital from Beacon Hill in the Lickey Hills Country Park (December 2022). Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

 

Hollymoor Hospital - history

Hollymoor Hospital was open between 1905 and 1994.

Water Tower of Hollymoor Hospital visible from Bristol Road South in Longbridge (February 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

It was located on Tessall Lane in Northfield, Worcestershire (now part of Birmingham).

Water Tower of Hollymoor Hospital visible from Bristol Road South in Longbridge (February 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The architects was William Martin & Frederick Martin.

The hospital was previously called the Birmingham Borough Asylum (Hollymoor), 2nd Birmingham War Hospital and the Birmingham City Mental Hospital.

Water Tower of Hollymoor Hospital visible from Cofton Park (April 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

During the Second World War, the hospital was converted into a military hospital in 1940.

By 1942 it had become a military psychiatric hospital and became known as Northfield Military Hospital.

Water Tower of Hollymoor Hospital visible from Beacon Hill at the Lickey Hills Country Park (May 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

In 1947, the poet Vernon Scannell was a patient at the hospital.

By 1949, Hollymoor Hospital was distinct from Rubery Hill Hospital.

Water Tower of Hollymoor Hospital visible from Beacon Hill at the Lickey Hills Country Park (May 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The number of patients declined over by the decades, it held 590 patients, falling to 490 by 1984, then down to 139 by 1994.

After 1994, the hospital closed, and most of it was demolished, other than the water tower by 1996.

Water Tower of Hollymoor Hospital visible from Waseley Hills Country Park (June 2020). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Today the old water tower can be views from Beacon Hill at the Lickey Hills Country Park, Cofton Park and from the Waseley Hills Country Park, it is also visible from Longbridge.

Hollymoor Hospital from Beacon Hill in the Lickey Hills Country Park (December 2022). Photography by Daniel Sturley