Stanley Royd was one of the earliest aslyums built with construction starting in 1816. Work completed in November 1818. It closed in 1996 and has since been converted for residential use. The Stephen Beaumont museum is open from 10am to 4pm on Wednesday’s and provides a unique insight to Aslyum life. The exhibition includes restraining equipment, a padded cell, photographs dating from 1862 plus medical and surgical equipment and documents. More history on Stanley Royd can be found here

The chapel has sat vacant since the closure of the hospital and is almost beyond saving in its current condition.

They Asylum was once known as ‘The West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum’ – A name which has been more recently been bounded about by the release of an same titled music album by the UK band Kasabian

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7 Comments

  • Iain F Fletcher, January 10, 2023 @ 15:48

    My Father Dr Peter F Fletcher the last Medical Superintendent of Stanley Royd Hospital had his final services in the Hospital Chapel, November 1975
    A sad day but to filling that it was on the grounds of the hospital he had served for 20 years, with hospital staff, patients, family and so many more.
    The Bishop of Wakefield gave a kind and loving service, I am so grateful that we were all able to be there

  • tumbles, January 7, 2015 @ 11:47

    Yes, its only open on certain days – see http://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/quality-innovation/mental-health-museum/visit-us/

  • Angela Leighton, January 5, 2015 @ 17:11

    I’d like to visit the museum, and also to find out more about my grandmother who died in Stanley Royd in 1973.

    Is this possible?

  • Peter Bloodworth, January 2, 2014 @ 15:23

    Thank for an insight into building I have passed many times and hoped to see preserved with a new lease of life. The stained glass is remarkable. Great photos!

  • alan rayner, June 21, 2012 @ 22:49

    THE NIGHT WE LOST FAITH

    by Alan Michael Rayner

    18 June 2012

    Saint Faith, patron saint of pilgrims, prisoners and soldiers. She was tortured to death with a red-hot brazier. The asylum chapel at Stanley Royd Mental Hospital was dedicated to her. It was burned to the shell this evening.

    The smell of old wood burning signalled your fate.
    Revival of incense tinctured memories.
    Your agony soon to consume me.
    Your presence taken for granted.
    Those who would abuse your sanctuary released the tortured souls in the sweat of your fabric.
    You witnessed the transit of poorly minds and poorly bodies.
    Near 200 years have formed your standing.
    Corner-stone of Flagship Asylum.
    Neglect, graffiti of the indifferent manifests your fabric.
    Now your beacon reminds us of your presence – too late!
    The cell-phone paparacci sucked in your suffering from the touch-line.
    Their game went global.
    They did not know your name.
    Your desecration purified.
    Your hidden ghosts remain.

  • tumbles, November 14, 2011 @ 10:17

    Try going to the Stephen Beaumont Museum on a Wednesday – they have a lot of records and maybe able to help

    http://www.experiencewakefield.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=13&venue=2192751

  • Carol Clark, November 12, 2011 @ 15:09

    How can I trace my Grandfather who died in Stanley Royd Hospital 1926?
    C E Clark

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