RAF Nocton and Nocton Hall
The Explore(s)
This is my local photo practise area. Somewhere i've visited more times alone than with other splorers, probably about 8 times now including once with Matt Inked and once with Session9. It's very much past it's sell by date and in a poor state of repair, but with that it also provides a really good location to just wander about and work out the 4 billion mysterious settings and menu's of my camera. From the pitch black air raid shelters of the main hall to the unbelievably long corridors with sunlight belting in through the windows it always gives me a challenge. Every time i've visited I've got decent shots from areas that looked cack on the previous visit and vice versa. I've heard a lot of babble online lately about the "tourist" locations and how people that visit places like this are not "real explorers". Well, I say to them :upu3: . There's nothing better than waking up on a sunday morning a bit worse for wear and deciding to chuck the camera gear in your car and just fucking getting amongst it for a while. Whether its infiltrating Alcatraz or sniffing around the empty 2 up 2 down around the corner from your aunt Betty's then who cares. As long as you're enjoying it, meeting some like minded cool folk and snapping a nice pic or two to show your mates, that's what it's all about in my opinion! Anyway, that's enough going Ian Paisley on yer asses, heres a selection of pictures (Different cameras/varying quality) that i would like to share chosen from probably 4000 plus from this place..
The History
Nocton Hall was acquired by the Air Ministry in 1940 and turned into an RAF Hospital. The Hall itself was used as a "clearing station" until 1943.
In 1943 the Americans took possession of the Hall and grounds for a second time. Nocton became home for the United States Army Seventh General Hospital and the Hall was used as the Officers’ Club.
At the end of the War in 1945 the RAF selected Nocton Hall to be their permanent hospital for the county of Lincolnshire. RAF Nocton Hall was a 740 bed hospital under RAF control until 1984, used by civilians and forces personnel, one of the country’s undisputed RAF Hospitals. The decision to close Nocton Hall as a military hospital was taken on 31st March 1983. In its later days 13 American personnel remained to keep the hospital serviceable. RAF Nocton Hall was handed back to Her Majesty's Government by the USAF on 30 September 1995 but has never been brought back into use as a hospital. Various development plans have come and gone and the main hall has acquired grade 2 listed status, who knows what'll happen but for now its my derpy playground
The Pictures
Nocton Hall first
1. This is my happy place..
2. Nocton Hall external
3.
4. Hallway leading to the servants quarters.
5. One of the lettered air raid shelters below the mansion
6. Shelter Z
7.
8.
9.
Moving on to the main hospital area...
10.
11. Peely knob
12.
13. Favourite Corridor
14. Barrack block accomodation with a left elbow scratcher..
15.
16. The Gym, shite picture but cool to see
17.
18.
19.
As always, thanks for looking and feedback always appreciated
The Explore(s)
This is my local photo practise area. Somewhere i've visited more times alone than with other splorers, probably about 8 times now including once with Matt Inked and once with Session9. It's very much past it's sell by date and in a poor state of repair, but with that it also provides a really good location to just wander about and work out the 4 billion mysterious settings and menu's of my camera. From the pitch black air raid shelters of the main hall to the unbelievably long corridors with sunlight belting in through the windows it always gives me a challenge. Every time i've visited I've got decent shots from areas that looked cack on the previous visit and vice versa. I've heard a lot of babble online lately about the "tourist" locations and how people that visit places like this are not "real explorers". Well, I say to them :upu3: . There's nothing better than waking up on a sunday morning a bit worse for wear and deciding to chuck the camera gear in your car and just fucking getting amongst it for a while. Whether its infiltrating Alcatraz or sniffing around the empty 2 up 2 down around the corner from your aunt Betty's then who cares. As long as you're enjoying it, meeting some like minded cool folk and snapping a nice pic or two to show your mates, that's what it's all about in my opinion! Anyway, that's enough going Ian Paisley on yer asses, heres a selection of pictures (Different cameras/varying quality) that i would like to share chosen from probably 4000 plus from this place..
The History
Nocton Hall was acquired by the Air Ministry in 1940 and turned into an RAF Hospital. The Hall itself was used as a "clearing station" until 1943.
In 1943 the Americans took possession of the Hall and grounds for a second time. Nocton became home for the United States Army Seventh General Hospital and the Hall was used as the Officers’ Club.
At the end of the War in 1945 the RAF selected Nocton Hall to be their permanent hospital for the county of Lincolnshire. RAF Nocton Hall was a 740 bed hospital under RAF control until 1984, used by civilians and forces personnel, one of the country’s undisputed RAF Hospitals. The decision to close Nocton Hall as a military hospital was taken on 31st March 1983. In its later days 13 American personnel remained to keep the hospital serviceable. RAF Nocton Hall was handed back to Her Majesty's Government by the USAF on 30 September 1995 but has never been brought back into use as a hospital. Various development plans have come and gone and the main hall has acquired grade 2 listed status, who knows what'll happen but for now its my derpy playground
The Pictures
Nocton Hall first
1. This is my happy place..
2. Nocton Hall external
3.
4. Hallway leading to the servants quarters.
5. One of the lettered air raid shelters below the mansion
6. Shelter Z
7.
8.
9.
Moving on to the main hospital area...
10.
11. Peely knob
12.
13. Favourite Corridor
14. Barrack block accomodation with a left elbow scratcher..
15.
16. The Gym, shite picture but cool to see
17.
18.
19.
As always, thanks for looking and feedback always appreciated
