As we have been Investigating Willow Court for the past couple of years we will have a couple of pages for all of our old findings and a new page keeping a detailed record of the nights events and photos videos etc.
Willow Court Background
Willow Court takes its name from two willows planted by Lady Franklin, the wife of the Lieutenant-Governor, which were reputed to be two cuttings from the grave of Napoleon on Saint Helena. Willow Court pre dates the well known site of Port Arthur. Willow Court Barracks was built in 1830.
The complex and the adjoining Royal Derwent Hospital, was the oldest mental hospital in Australia still in use, at the time of its closure in 2000-01.
In early years the hospital served three purposes; as a general hospital for the district, an invalid depot for convicts and an asylum for the insane (to serve the whole colony). It remained under military administration until the official Government take-over in 1855. Eventually the hospital became virtually self-sufficient when farms on adjacent land were used to grow fruit and vegetables and produce sheep, cattle, pigs and poultry.
At the end of the 20th century, changes in Government policy (De-institutionlisation) led to activities at the complex being wound down and eventually closed.
For more information on Willow Court and Royal Derwent Hospital please follow this link:
