Unveiling of Blue Plaque Commemorating Stansfield View Hospital in Todmorden
Todmorden’s Town Mayor unveiled a new blue plaque this week, marking the grounds of the former Stansfield View Hospital.
Built in 1876 and once the Todmorden Union Workhouse, the site became a long-stay hospital for people with learning disabilities in Calderdale until its closure and demolition in 1993.
The unveiling coincided with the thirtieth anniversary of the hospital’s closure, a pivotal event reflecting the move from segregated care of those with learning disabilities to integrated care within the community.
The blue plaque is part of a broader legacy project dedicated to preserving the heritage and stories of this significant site. Behind this initiative is Gerard Wainwright, a Learning Disability Nurse whose passion for preserving the memories of Stansfield View was sparked during his student placement at the hospital in the 1990s.
Gerard’s vision encompasses the creation of the Stansfield View Archive, which will find its home at the University of Huddersfield, and the production of a documentary titled ‘Remembering Stansfield View’.
This documentary, available on YouTube, delicately captures the recollections of those who lived and worked at Stansfield View. It sheds light on the residents’ journey from segregated care to community living, charting the changing values and attitudes towards people with learning disabilities.
The plaque unveiling ceremony was attended by those connected to Stansfield View. Among them were Gerard Wainwright, Mark Fennelly, Julie Robinson, Tony Zimnoch, and Roy Brett. Additionally, Stoodley Ward Councillors Denis Skelton, Pat Taylor, and Ben Jancovich were present.
Cllr Skelton, Chair of the Resources Committee, expressed, “Stansfield View Hospital represents a significant chapter in the history of Todmorden. Recognising the people who lived and worked there was very important for us. The Town Council was delighted to fund the Blue Plaque and contribute to the film ‘Remembering Stansfield View’ alongside the National Heritage Lottery Fund.”
Gerard Wainwright underlined the necessity of preserving the hospital’s legacy, stating … “The siting of the blue plaque is a significant event in acknowledging the place of people with learning disabilities in the rich social and cultural heritage of Todmorden and Calderdale. Although the segregation of people with learning disabilities is difficult for us to accept from today’s perspective of inclusion and valuing diversity, it’s important that we acknowledge that within relatively recent times this took place, but also to celebrate the positive changes which have taken place since the closure of Stansfield View. Although the physical building no longer survives, we now have a place we can visit and commemorate the people who lived and worked there”.
The blue plaque will serve not only as a physical marker but as a testament to the value of the lives intertwined with Stansfield View.
Watch ‘Remembering Stansfield View’ on You Tube now.
