Exe Vale Hospital, Wonford House

In 1842, the Metropolitan Commissioners in Lunacy reported on the St Thomas Lunatic Asylum, recommending that it increase the size of its grounds for the patients. As a result, the Governors of the Asylum decided, that rather than extend the present institution, they would build a new facility to improve the treatment of their patients. Twenty acres of land was acquired at Wonford in Heavitree, Mr Cross employed as architect, and the foundation stone laid on the 18th October 1866.

The Earl of Devon opened the 120 bed Wonford House on the 7th July 1869. The new building was large and airy, with a grand entrance up a flight of steps. A billiard room was included for gentlemen, and social spaces provided for the patients to mix. Dr Shapter, the chronicler of the Exeter cholera outbreak, already a physician at the Asylum, was appointed to the hospital.

Now named, Exe Vale Hospital, the extensive grounds also accommodate the main Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital which moved from Southernhay in 1974.