Ridge Lea Hospital, Lancaster

Ridge Lea Hospital in Lancaster opened in 1916 as the Ladies’ Villa, a satellite building of Lancaster Moor Hospitalcreated to house female patients, particularly those from families who could afford private accommodation separate from the main asylum wards. Architecturally, it was built in traditional stone with a slate roof, arranged in a T-shaped plan with distinctive projecting wings and shaped gables.

Throughout the 20th century, Ridge Lea became increasingly important as mental-health care shifted away from large institutional asylums. While much of Lancaster Moor Hospital declined or closed during the “Care in the Community” reforms, Ridge Lea continued offering inpatient psychiatric services and was known to provide treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Ridge Lea Hospital ultimately closed in September 2016, leaving the building vacant. Unlike parts of Lancaster Moor that were redeveloped into housing, Ridge Lea remained derelict, drawing safety concerns and warnings to the public to keep away.

In 2022, a proposal to demolish Ridge Lea was refused by Lancaster City Council because of environmental concerns — including risks to protected species — and recognition of the site’s architectural and historical value. Later that year, the area was added to a conservation zone to provide further protection.