Cranage Hospital (Macclesfield Borough)

[boney44]

Hi everybody.
Only just found this site and registered to-day.
Could anyone give me any info on an institution called Crannage Hospital. (Macclesfield Borough), I have found out that my Uncle was placed in this hospital since a very early age. After talking to my father it turned out that he had some old VHS footage taken from  a TV documentary screened in 1990 called Candle on the Hill, about an organization called Camphill.
It was a very interesting programme about the specialized treatment given to children afflicted with various mental disabilities. Whilst one patient was being interviewed my Uncle walked in and out of the room, this is the only time I have seen him apart from the time I was brought to the hospital at the time of his death.

[kathb]

Hi, Boney.  Cranage Hall Hospital is now closed.  The majority of the residents have returned to the area in which they were born.  I used to teach nursing and would visit Cranage when it was a huge operation.  It had its own shop, school, recreation hall (with full size stage) industrial unit, laundry and other recreation facilities.  The vast majority of the residents had learning difficulties. 
The hospital employed whole families in the operation and I clearly remember speaking to nurses whose grandparents were the first to work at Cranage, with their parents also employed.
As you say, many residents spent their whole life there.   Some residents worked on local farms and would be paid and they spent their wages in the shop or went for a drink in one of the local pubs. The hospital was just on the outskirts of Holmes Chapel.  The site is now mainly residential housing.  I am sure someone who lives in or around Holmes Chapel will be able to tell you more about Cranage if you insert it in the subject of your post along side Mental Hospital/Homes.
If the medical records survive then they will have been placed with the Cheshire Archives. 
Regards and Good Luck
Kathb

Moderator comment: Topic split and title amended. 

[parker26]

Hi,
My Aunt was a residence here from roughly pre 1973 (the year I was born - don't know when she was placed there) to it's closure (think early 90's). I used to visit every Saturday with my mum and grandparents. As from the perspective of a child - a scary and odd place. All levels of disabilities thrown together.  My Aunt now lives in a house cared for by staff. We used to pinic by the large manor house and lake. I have several photo's of the place ableit with family members on. I remember the dorms and the tea room (think post war prefab building not very inviting).
If you want to know anything please email me.
Regards
Tansy
P.S The records are held at Cheshire with the 30 year closure rule but as your Uncle was a patient (as my Aunt) maybe they would let you have access?? I'm going to try to see if I can get copies of my Aunt's.

[kimhulme]

Could Knutsford Local History Society help?
K

[karentj]

Hi Everyone

Can anyone help does anyone know about women in service at Cranage Hospital a maid to the doctors and their familys

Thanks Karen

[kathb]

Hello Karen, welcome to Rootschat.  Do you have any dates, names etc for the maid?  Also what do you already know, we could then try to help.
Regards
Kathb

[LizzieW]

The records are held at Cheshire with the 30 year closure rule

 

That's interesting, at least that's a viable time to wait.  Manchester Archives use a 100 year closure rule. 

[mike01]

Hi

When I was at Rudheath Secondary School we used to go to Cranage Hospital on community service.  It was a rather scary place for a 15 year old, but also very rewarding helping the patients.  I worked in the education department helping the teachers and assisting the kids with painting / music activities etc.  It may be worth you writing to the Northwich/Knutsford Guardian regarding your search for information.  Many people who worked at the Hospital live in those area's and would try and help you.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/hospitalrecords/details.asp?id=1648&page=15


Rgs Mike

[CreweGirl]

If you do a google image search for 'carla randle cranage' you will find forms required under the various Mental Health Acts for concerning patients at Cranage.

Well worth a look.