Casual Ward at Bron-y-Garth Hospital

Cadw's description

Location

Immediately to SW of the main hospital building, at right angles to the A487.

History

The Ffestiniog Union Workhouse was built c1838, and was later converted to hospital use. The Casual Ward was built sometime between 1888 and 1899 (see 1st and 2nd edition OS maps); it accommodated the vagrants who were regarded as short term residents and earned their board and lodging by breaking stone.

Exterior

L-plan single storey structure in local rubble with slate roof, very wide bracketed eaves and tall red brick chimney stack. To the left is a cross range with broad 2 + 2-window gable end; horned 12-pane sash windows lighting the warden's accommodation. Lean-to porch in the angle to right and beyond are small pivot windows just below eaves, grouped in 3 pairs and lighting individual cells; raised ventilator and skylight to ridge. Five windows to rear of gabled cross range and beyond is a full width lean-to with massive lintels over the full height recesses in which are retained the cast iron plates with small round holes - formerly upright in ramped frames. Behind these are 4 pane casement windows.

Interior

Inside there are 12 cells opening off a tall corridor; those on the SW side are of 2 chambers, one for sleeping and one for working, the latter is stepped down and with cobbled floor; the former has a boarded floor; those on the NE side have only the sleeping area. Boarded doors, most with small lights and rounded ventilation holes in the corridor walls. Original fittings retained in washroom at SE end opposite which was probably the dining room. Beyond is a doorway into the warden's accommodation with fireplaces to large rooms.

Reason for designation

Listed as a late Victorian workhouse block; a remarkably well-preserved example of this building type, included for its rarity and historical importance.

Group value with the main hospital (former workhouse) building.