The administration building, which is Grade II listed, is now considered something of
a show piece at the former hospital, which is situated on a 300 acre site at the foot of Rombalds Moor.
It hosts an Italian mosaic floor in the main corridor which is intricately decorated with the Yorkshire
Rose and some black daisies - the latter of which provided inspiration for the title of a television screen play, filmed at
High Royds, as a tribute to sufferers of Alzheimers.
Also within the building, which dates back to 1888, are elaborate carvings and original stained glass
windows
As with other Victorian asylums, no expense was spared in the construction of the truly magnificent
admin building. A visitor to High Royds was given the impression they were entering a gothic palace rather than a building
designed to house the Victorian pauper lunatic community.
The sight of the intricate mosaic floors, elaborate tiling in bold colours, stained glass and large
ornate archways would certainly have left no doubt that you were entering a place of utmost authority.
To the new admittants and their relatives on perhaps their one and only visit to admin, it would
serve to instil the required respect, trust and intimidation. To the temporary visitor, a sight so awesome would surely reassure
that only the most exemplary care and service would take place within these walls.
Presently, the admin block is of great concern. It is apparently to be retained and sympathetically
reused, but then it is also supposed to be preserved and that is clearly not happening. Lead has been stripped form the roofs
throughout the hospital and here the water damage is seriously affecting the walls, tiles and mosaics.
