Exe Vale Hospital, Exminster, Devon
This hospital was formerly the Devon County Pauper Lunatic Asylum. It was built in 1842-45 by Charles Fowler with additions in 1893 and in the 1930s. Fowler's original building was an adaptation of the radiating plan adopted at the Bodmin asylum. To the rear of a grand central administrative block, "Centre House" there was a 3-storey semi-circular range containing day rooms. This gave access to 6 radial blocks to accommodate "the separate classes of inmates". The Exe Vale Hospital is a relatively complete example of an asylum built on the most advanced principles of the design of secure buildings at the time. The first Medical Superintendent, Dr. Bucknill, was noted for his liberal views on the treatment of patients.
