Author: Sal
Victorian Incincerator Unearthed at Ventnor Botanic Gardens
Friday, 8th February, 2008 at 11:27 am, Isle of Wight
Always with a camera to hand, VB forum member and chum of the blog, Good Fairy has done it again.
Whilst out walking the dogs yesterday, as GF made her way through the Botanic Gardens, she came across workmen unearthing an old Victorian incinerator.
As you can see from the pics, it could do with a bit of tender loving care, but having spoken to Simon Goodenough this morning, we understand that they are seeking funding for just that purpose.
We weren’t aware, but apparently the gardens are grade two landscape listed with English Heritage and Simon went on to say that the gardens are starting a programme to restore as many of the original features of the garden as possible.
As well as unearthing the incinerator, cutting back the blackthorn has also revealed a beautiful rock face which they intend to keep clear for all to admire.
If you want to take a closer look, the incinerator can be found near at the top end of the slope which goes towards the coastline, in the middle of the gardens.
Contrary to what some people might claim, Simon assures us that no bodies were ever burnt in the incincerator, only rubbish from the hospital.
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February 8th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I can’t think of anything more unsavoury than renovating an old TB hospital incinerator with public money when the National Health Service is on its knees. There could be lots of viruses still knocking round under the soil. I hope this idea gets knocked on the head. Probably best if it were left to disapppear into obscurity.
February 8th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I disagree with what ‘Oldie’ says.
I think it’s fascinating and thanks to the person who took the pictures to bring us this news.
When risk assessed and sensible precautions taken there may well be some ‘finds’ inside or around the area.
It would not cost a vast amount of money to restore it would it?
August 5th, 2008 at 9:12 am
without the hospital their would not be any botanical gardens so please don’t miss this opportunity to preserve a little bit of Ventnors’unique history.So much of the RNHDC has been destroyed or lost to render this insinerator very important.Regards Gary Rogers North Norfolk.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Only rubbish from the hospital. I think not! My grandmother at the age of 13 worked at the hospital in the first world war. She lived to a really good old age and I remember her telling us of her grim memories of the hospital.
One of her jobs was to take all the amputated limbs of the servicemen to the incinerator every evening in a hand cart.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Interesting pictures to see but ’seeking funding’ … ??
Get a grip boys and buy a few more tulips instead.
I bet former staff from the hospital would laugh their heads off at the reverence with which any old bit of Victorian rubble is treated.
LOL at RJC’s comments - what do they think got incinerated there? … tissues and grapestalks obviously….
August 6th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
…but didn’t all the body parts just used to get tipped out to sea through the tunnel?
August 7th, 2008 at 9:57 am
….. and over the years …. have re-assembled themselves…. and come back up the tunnel again to be re-born as IOW Cllrs.
*jests in lighthearted fashion*