Knowle Village

(formerly known as Knowle Farm)

 

History

Knowle Farm stood on the north outskirts of Fareham, lying halfway between the town and Wickham. It was bought by the County in 1852 and became the site of the Hampshire County Lunatic Asylum. The hospital buildings were situated within well landscaped grounds which covered an area of some 100 acres.

 

As a long-stay institution for people with mental illness, it was built to cater for over 1,000 patients. It was an extremely large building which was considerably enlarged over the years. Male and female patients were admitted from all over Hampshire. The wards were spacious and the inmates had considerable freedom, with some carrying out simple duties in the kitchens and gardens.

 

The Asylum was situated in an isolated spot and presented travelling problems for visitors and in and outgoing patients, although it was assisted by the Meon Valley Railway who gave the hospital its own stopping place at Knowle Halt.

Today's Role

Today under the Government's Care in the Community programme the hospital is closed for the most part, although Ravenswood, the Regional Secure Unit continues to operate as a self-sufficient unit on the north-east side of the site.

 

The old hospital has now been developed by Berkeley Homes, to be known now as Knowle Village.

 

Berkeley Homes has already built most of the 500 dwellings planned for the 53 acre site. More than 150 luxury apartments are being installed in the original listed part of the old hospital. The properties, with one to five bedrooms, are intended to attract a cross section of buyers.