EPISODE 9 - Exploring St. Joseph's Hospital - Archived Footage

In this video, we explore the abandoned St Joseph's Hospital and Orphanage in Preston, Lancashire, filmed in 2021 before major demolition work began. The site has a fascinating history dating back to 1872, when St Joseph's Orphanage was built by wealthy benefactor Maria Holland to help care for vulnerable children in Preston. Five years later, in 1877, St Joseph's Hospital for the Sick Poor was added to the complex, providing much-needed medical care to local residents at a time when Preston suffered from poor living conditions and high mortality rates. Run by the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady Mother of Mercy, the orphanage cared for hundreds of children before closing in 1954. The hospital continued to operate for many years, treating civilians and wounded soldiers during both World Wars. Tens of thousands of babies were born here, and even legendary entertainer George Formby spent his final moments at the hospital in 1961. The hospital eventually closed in 1982 when the last nursing sisters left, and the buildings were later converted into a private care home before finally closing in 2003. Since then, the once-grand Victorian complex stood empty and fell into disrepair, becoming one of Preston's most well-known abandoned landmarks. This footage was captured in 2021 and shows the site as it stood before demolition work began in 2022. By 2023, large sections of the complex had been partially demolished, making this video a record of a piece of Preston's history that can never be seen in the same way again. ⚠️ Urban exploration can be dangerous. Do not enter abandoned buildings without permission and always follow local laws and safety regulations. If you enjoy abandoned places, forgotten history, and urban exploration, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment below. #StJosephsHospital #Preston #Urbex #AbandonedHospital #UrbanExploration #Lancashire #AbandonedPlaces #ForgottenHistory #MountStreetHospital #exploringhistory #canon Shot on Canon EOS R5, 24 - 105 RF lens F4-7