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[vmlopes]

The exact date Silverlands was built is unknown, however it is thought to be between 1818-1825, the first owner being Vice-Admiral the Rt. Hon Sir Frederick Hotham. Silverlands was used as the Hotham family home until approximately 1887.

The Actors Orphanage was started in 1896 and was both a home and school to approx 60 children. The home and school was moved to Silverlands, Chertsey in 1938 where it remained until 1940.

In 1941 it became a female nurse's school for the nearby Botley Park Asylum and St Peter's Hospital.

In 1990 Silverlands Nursing School amalgamated with other schools of nursing in Surrey and Hampshire to become the Francis Harrison College of nursing and midwifery.

At some point in the late 1990’s Silverlands ceased it's role as a nursing school and the National Probation Service was looking for a new site for the ‘residential assessment and intervention programmes for adult males with allegations of, or convictions for, sexual offences involving children’. Silverlands in Chertsey was considered the most appropriate.

The proposal was met with strong opposition from local people who organised a candlelit vigil to protest about the site being used for such a purpose and were concerned about the impact of the 7000 children attending the 25 schools within a 2.5 mile radius of Silverlands. After a lot of debating and protests on 4th July, 2002, it was confirmed by the Home Office Minister that Silverlands will not become the home of the Wolvercote paedophile clinic.

However during this time, the Grade 2 listed building had already had £3.7 million pounds spent on its refurbishment. It remains empty. Its future uncertain.

Not much to say about this, pretty stripped but some nice rooms and worth it just for the staircase alone.

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[derelicta]

hey what sort of a heaven is that one?
Great work!

[Kez]

My jaw's still on the floor...

That's immense!!  I haven't seen woodwork like that in a long, long time.

Found this article by a woman who stayed at the orphanage, thought I'd share:

http://www.its-behind-you.com/judystaber.html

[LucieLou]

vmlopes! I would actaully pay for a tour that good!!!My eyes could not open big enough to see that awesome iron elevator!! Yes, OMG, that woodwork is wonderful, THANKS, so much for these pics!!!!!

[Jude]

There is some really wonderful work coming from across the pond,  no doubt of that!

Another excellent set,  your photography is beautiful.    I especially like #2, 3, 4,  and that elevator is amazing.     The woodwork on the staircase is stunning!

[TootUncommon]

I am sitting here with my mouth hanging open - no words.  That staircase!  The carvings on the woodwork!  The woodwork!  The lift, the chandeliers...on my God this place is gorgeous!!!!  Do you have any more photos???

[Kwik Stix]

Dear god that place is beautiful!  The staircase is breath taking  But my favorite shot is definitely #4 by far. 

Looks like a DVD cover for an M. Night Shyamalan movie haha

[jenny]

fantastic set! i want to visit!

[macgruder]

Amazing set.  This place looks beautiful.  I like your very subtle HDR work.

[arntzville]

WOW, amazing. I love the old elevator, and it's great that that beautiful woodwork was never painted.

[TootUncommon]

Is it okay if I use one of these for a desktop?   The staircase one is just too awesome...

[vmlopes]

Carry on my friend

[TootUncommon]

Thanks!   

[Journeyman]

That place is beautiful!!!  You're right, that staircase is incredible ~

JM

[Vacant NJ]

That staircase is something else! The detail is just amazing, some very interesting light fixtures as well.