Another installment in our series on abandoned places in the world.
1. Maunsell Army Sea Forts, Whitsable, United Kingdom
Designed in 1942 by Guy Maunsell, the Maunsell Army Sea Forts were constructed to provide anti-aircraft fire within the Thames Estuary area during the Second World War. Consisting of a group of seven towers with a walkway connecting all of them to a central control tower, these 300 tonne towers were decommissioned and later used as pirate radio stations in the 1960s. Beginning in 1967, British Paddy Roy Bates settled in one of the forts where he declared himself “Prince Roy” of the “Principality of Sealand.” In order to raise funds in support of this ill-planned adventure, the principality is selling official “Noble Titles” from £29.99.
2. Château Rouge, Belgium
Known by many different names, including “Hotel Rouge” and “Château Bambi,” Château Rouge was built in 1889 in Huy, Belgium. Converted into a luxurious hotel after World War II, the castle was abandoned in 2009 due to poor management.
3. St. Kilda, Scotland
Declared a World Heritage Site in 1986, St. Kilda is a small group of islands located 64 kilometres west of the Outer Hebrides off the northwest coast of Scotland. Inhabited from the Bronze Age until the twentieth century, St. Kildans lived in a village on the main island of Hirta. Citing an increase in food shortages, emigration, and the collapse of the island’s economy and self-sufficiency, the remaining 36 islanders requested evacuation to the mainland in 1930.
4. 5 Beekman Street, New York, United States
Located in Lower Manhattan and originally called the Kelly Building, 5 Beekman Street was built in 1882 by Irish immigrant turned banker Eugene Kelly to the cost of $400,000. This 9-story building was eventually renamed Temple Court and housed several law offices. Abandoned for over a decade (with the atrium shuttered since 1940 due to fire code violations), developers are now in talks of converting 5 Beekman Street into a 200-room luxury hotel. Many thanks to MonicaBang for this discovery.
5. Changi Hospital, Singapore
Closed since 1997, the Old Changi Hospital was originally designed by the British to be a military base east of Singapore. Japanese forces occupied the site during World War II, and the base served as a prison camp for approximately 50,000 prisoners of war. The post-war period saw the base converted into a public hospital where it is rumored to be haunted.
For previous entries, please click here.
