Publications
Foredown Isolation Hospital, by Hugh Fermer, published 1990 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 20, article, pp.15-34, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506526] Download PDF
Abstract:In the late nineteenth century, infectious diseases were extremely common. Some diseases like scarlet fever and diphtheria, which in these days are rarely heard of, claimed many lives particularly children. Typhoid fever was not unknown and even smallpox was frequently diagnosed. During the late 1860's and 1870's an influential body of opinion in Hove, brought to the attention of the Hove Commissioners (Hove was not yet a Borough Council) the advantages of having an Isolation hospital for Hove, so that patients with infectious diseases if they were Hove residents, need not be sent outside the district to be treated.
After the usual delays and problems, many of which were connected with finances, a loan was arranged with the Local Government Board, and work started in 1881.
The site which was chosen was a 6½ acre plot about one mile north of Portslade village and five hundred yards north of the disused windmill and the old smithy. It stands on the highest point of the ridge which runs north to Foredown Hill. It was considered that the site was isolated enough from the town to preclude risk of infection and high enough to allow fresh clean air to be part of the cure. It was also only a relatively short journey by horse transport from Hove and Portslade which avoided long journeys for sick people being admitted.
It was part of the deal with the Local Government Board, that patients from Shoreham Local Board, and Steyning Union Rural Sanitary Authority, should be offered treatment at the new hospital.
After the usual delays and problems, many of which were connected with finances, a loan was arranged with the Local Government Board, and work started in 1881.
The site which was chosen was a 6½ acre plot about one mile north of Portslade village and five hundred yards north of the disused windmill and the old smithy. It stands on the highest point of the ridge which runs north to Foredown Hill. It was considered that the site was isolated enough from the town to preclude risk of infection and high enough to allow fresh clean air to be part of the cure. It was also only a relatively short journey by horse transport from Hove and Portslade which avoided long journeys for sick people being admitted.
It was part of the deal with the Local Government Board, that patients from Shoreham Local Board, and Steyning Union Rural Sanitary Authority, should be offered treatment at the new hospital.
Hollingbury Industrial Estate, Brighton, by Hugh Fermer, published 1991 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 21, article, pp.16-35, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506526] Download PDF
Abstract:In the immediate post-war period, the provision of employment was considered to be a major problem. There were large numbers of civilians whose work was connected with the war effort, and this would obviously terminate when the war ended. There were also a very large number of people being demobilised from the forces. These facts prompted Brighton Council to take steps in the mid 1940s to ensure the prosperity and continuing employment of Brighton people, by planning a large industrial estate.
Machine Tool Manufacture in Sussex, by Hugh Fermer, published 1993 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 23, article, pp.13-31, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506527] Download PDF
Abstract:An Interesting facet of Sussex Industry is the story of the only Large scale machine tool manufacturer in the area. This is CVA Jigs Moulds & Tools Ltd. which became K&T CVA then KTM and still exists at Hollingbury as FMT.
Bevendean Isolation Hospital, Brighton, by Hugh Fermer with a postscript by Pat Bracher, published 1998 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 28, article, pp.19-26, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506527] Download PDF
Abstract:The story of Bevendean Hospital, originally called the Brighton Sanatorium, began early in 1881. A letter from the Workhouse Master at Elm Grove dated early in 1881, informed the Sanitary Committee of Brighton Corporation that there was a depressing need for more accommodation for smallpox victims. There were, he said, only five places now available at Elm Grove. This was repeated in a further letter to the Committee in May 1881. On 31 May 1881 the Sanitary Committee resolved that 'The Surveyor do forthwith erect a temporary building to be used as a sanatorium on part of the land acquired by the council as a site for such an establishment.' This resolution went on to say that wards were to be fitted up for not less than forty patients and requested the Medical Officer of Health to report on the staff that he required.
The site referred to in the Sanitary Committee resolution was on the Downs at the back of the town. It was ten acres in extent and 326 feet above sea level and it sloped towards the west and south in the direction of the sea. It was acquired by the Corporation in 1881 for £5,000 subject to restrictions preventing the Corporation from erecting buildings for the infectious sick except on a limited portion of the site.
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The hospital closed on 24 April 1989. The ten acre site was to be sold and the proceeds spent on the new hospital at Hove and a new ward at the Royal Sussex Hospital. The last part of the hospital to close was Willow Ward, the day ward for psycho-geriatrics which was to remain open until a new home for it was found in September 1990. The site was bought by Croudace Housing who planned to build 128 houses and demolition began in April 1993. Nothing is now left of the hospital except the high flint wall which marks the boundary of the housing estate.
The site referred to in the Sanitary Committee resolution was on the Downs at the back of the town. It was ten acres in extent and 326 feet above sea level and it sloped towards the west and south in the direction of the sea. It was acquired by the Corporation in 1881 for £5,000 subject to restrictions preventing the Corporation from erecting buildings for the infectious sick except on a limited portion of the site.
. . .
The hospital closed on 24 April 1989. The ten acre site was to be sold and the proceeds spent on the new hospital at Hove and a new ward at the Royal Sussex Hospital. The last part of the hospital to close was Willow Ward, the day ward for psycho-geriatrics which was to remain open until a new home for it was found in September 1990. The site was bought by Croudace Housing who planned to build 128 houses and demolition began in April 1993. Nothing is now left of the hospital except the high flint wall which marks the boundary of the housing estate.