Report - Holborn Union, Archway London - Jan 2023

[Hels01]

So my first report in 5 years. Visited with that living legend @Landie_Man and a non-member. A lot of the place gets a it samey after a while as it looks like it was extensively developed in the late 90's or early 00's so mostly empty offices and lecture theatres. However it's still possible to still get the occasional glimpse of it's Victorian magnificence if you peep behind the curtains. It reminded me a lot of the The London Temperance Hospital which I believe has now gone. What it does having going for it is that it's HUGE, so lots of quality wandering time. We found a couple of new things so I've tried to not repeat previous pictures but that kind of limits the total amount worth posting.

Reception.

Just behind reception, the sort of main distribution point for the hospital.

The 180 degrees about turn and these stairs lead to the wards each side of the building, left and right.

And the view looking back down the stairs. Someone had logged one out next to the bucket so be careful out there or you will be leaving more than just footsteps behind.

We found a ward in the hospital, but it was only there for teaching purposes.

We headed up up the water tower. It was split into three levels, this was the 2nd level.

This is the highest level showing the wood work making up the slated roof. The "balcony" appears to be inaccessible with out a ladder.

This looked like catering from years and years ago. Derp city.

Library. Some quite nice renovation work done here and it is clear to see how an original ward might have looked. Lots of light and open spaces with cast iron columns with tasteful bracketed finial work.

Round the front I guess must have been the admin block where a fair amount of Victoriana remains. Well, if someone hadn't ripped out the fireplace.

Some quite nice 50's revival.

Anyway, that's it. On the way out we met a right weirdo security guy (with a golf club) so we spent 10 minutes each telling each other to fuck off. Some things never change.

Wow - what the heck is that on the stairs?! 😳

 

[teddy815]

Uhm ! I once again pass next to it today ! Looks quiet ! I want to give it a try!

 

[ServalV2]

Is this a good place for the first time exploring an abandoned building? Is the security active and is it easy to get in? (if possible please tell me how to get in)

 

[Landie_Man]

Is this a good place for the first time exploring an abandoned building? Is the security active and is it easy to get in? (if possible please tell me how to get in)

It’s fairly easy and do able but maybe not a first time derp with it being so public and there being patrols.

 

[ServalV2]

It’s fairly easy and do able but maybe not a first time derp with it being so public and there being patrols.

Could you could recommend anything for a first time? Preferably in north London but I understand why you might not want to share locations

 

[SpiderMonkey]

It’s fairly easy and do able but maybe not a first time derp with it being so public and there being patrols.

 

[Landie_Man]

It wasn’t deliberate 🤣