THE HOSPITAL FARM

The farm was turning out to be profitable and in 1898 the stock consisted of 3 horses, 14 cows, 4 heifers, 3 calves and 87 chicken. Pigs were also added later.
 
A description of the farm was found amongst the archives at St. James's Hospital but its author and date are not known. It is included here because it conjours up quite an idyllic country atmosphere :-
 
"The stock was small at first, the herd of cattle comprising 6 cows only; and 3 horses were bought. 2 of these were shires costing £50 each, the third of lesser value for cartage and rough work. The shire horses would pull the ploughs and reaping machine. It is not on record from whom these first horses were bought, but in later years it became the custom to acquire the large ones from the town brewery. Huge, strong shire horses were used to draw the brewer's drays but were only worked so many years before being put into retirement. In splendid condition, they were capable of many more years of lighter work. Their lives at the asylum were comparatively easy, their leisure spent in lush meadows. These gentle giants stood 17 hands high, pursued their way at a dignified pace and were petted and loved by staff and patients alike.
 
The herd of cows increased through the years but, at first, preponderance lay with the pigs. Of these at the outset there were 31, of varying quality. Ten of a superior breed at 60 shillings each were for breeding purposes, while others would provide good supply of meat for the asylum, of which large quantities were needed. Arrangements were made to learn the most efficient method of pigsticking.
 
Cabbages, potatoes and wheat were sown and three meadows laid down for pasturage.
 
The farm, as it flourished, with its hayricks and fields, and pleasant farm noises, gave the asylum a countrified aspect; almost like a small village in itself. There was also the smell of the brewery and the activity of the carpenter`s shop; the ringing of the blacksmith's hammer on the anvil and the rich odour from the bakery to further enhance this illusion."
 
The farm remained until 1965 when 160 acres of land was sold, just leaving the land for the allotments.
 
See photos of the farm
 

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