Ah, I remember now, it was badminton we played in the main building's theatre not squash. All this feels long ago and far away.

Incidentally, for the very best aerial views of this place try using "eye on earth" and select 3D building. Much more detailed than google earth.

Good subject for IR photography. I actually stayed in this building for a year in the mid eighties when it housed the Bowland Unit, which was a therapeutic community headed by Carl Atkinson and Tessa Allen. While I can't say my time there was very happy it is somehow sad and melancholic to see it in this state. Yet ruins can be very beautiful.

Memories: There's a complex network of tunnels beneath all the buildings and it was pretty spooky and atmospheric exploring them with pipes letting off the occasional spurt of steam. On a couple of occasions I had to rescue a bird from the loft space, which was surprisingly clean, didn't seem old at all. Strange to see the old theatre again where we got to play the odd game of squash. The grounds were very beautiful and extensive, amazing in autumn. The duck pond was a favourite refuge, feeding the ducks. It froze over almost completely both winters I was there, to the point where it was safe to walk on. Just a short distance away is Chingle Hall, reputedly one of the most haunted houses in England. It was empty during this period and I got to do a little ghost hunting, even staying overnight, alone as no one else would come with me. Nothing happened sadly, no ghost of John Wall, no poltergeists. Some of the rooms did have a rather creepy, oppressive vibe though.

Interesting place, interesting area.