Burton's Burrswood

Burrswood Hospital © Ellen Leslie 2014

My step father died a few weeks ago, after fighting a cruel and unforgiving brain tumour over ten months. One small shining light through that whole desperate time was his palliative care at a most peaceful and inspiring place; Burrswood Hospital in Groombridge, near Tunbridge Wells. It is a Christian hospital, welcoming patients of all faiths and philosophies and offering rehabilitation, respite care and also palliative care. I told myself at the time that I would write about this amazing place to highlight the fantastic work carried out at Burrswood and, as this is a blog about historic buildings, to tell you about the beauty of the architecture as well.

In addition to the fantastic medical care, it was the love and kindness at Burrswood, shown not only to my step father in his last days, but to those of us with him, that truly amazed me. That love and kindness, by everyone who worked there, would have been welcome within any space but at Burrswood we were blessed with being in a most beautiful building as well, which only helped to enhance the feeling of peace and calm.

In the grounds of Burrswood Hospital ©Ellen Leslie 2014

The house was built in the 1830s by one of my favourite architects, Decimus Burton. He had also been responsible for large swathes of Regent’s Park in London, The Calverley Estate in Tunbridge Wells as well as the West Marina at St Leonards-on-Sea. The impact of seeing Burrswood for the first time could be imposing, if it wasn't for the soft, yellow warmth of the ashlar sandstone, the overall calm, solidity of the structure, not to mention the Gothick windows and the tudor-style headers! There is a uniformity in the design and yet the variation in roof line, setting of the individual bays and assorted decorative details, gives the feeling of a building that might have evolved, if Burton hadn't designed it as a single piece.  

The interior of the main building is also pleasing with fine panelling and a magnificent cantilevered winder staircase in the main reception. There have been later additions to the building, namely a church and a hospital wing, but these do not detract from its overall appeal and they enable Burrswood to function in its modern purpose. In addition to the medical care offered at Burrswood, it is possible for anyone to visit. There you can see the Church of Christ the Healer, built in the 1960s. You can also take tea in their tea room “Bocky’s” and enjoy the beautiful grounds and setting. Burrswood even offers swimming lessons! It is all part of the welcoming nature of the place.

I miss my step father terribly, but I take solace knowing that he left this life while in the best hands; cared for by people who demonstrate the greatest compassion.

Burrswood is a charity that receives no government assistance. If you would like to know more about it and even consider donating click here-> Burrswood.org.uk.

Church of Christ the Healer at Burrswood Hospital ©Ellen Leslie 2014

Central rear range at Burrswood Hospital ©Ellen Leslie 2014

The ground of Burrswood Hospital with modern hospital wing to the right, echoing Burton's original design ©Ellen Leslie 2014