THE site of a former hospital building established at the beginning of the First World War is celebrating its 100 year anniversary.
St Giles Hospital in Bicknacre is now home to the St Giles supported housing scheme, run by Genesis Housing Association.
It provides accommodation and support to people with learning disabilities and mental health needs, and staff and residents held a party to celebrate the building's centenary.
As well as the celebratory party, the scheme recently held a "St Giles in Bloom" gardening competition, supported by White Elm Garden Centre, whereby residents got involved in planting, choosing their own flowers and had their designs judged by nursery staff.
Lesley Jones, scheme manager, said: "We have been here since 1984, but before that it was a convent and a nursing home run by nuns.
"There has been something on this site since 1914, and some of the first patients here were in the war.
"It's nice to celebrate that, and the customers have been really enthusiastic about it."
The site's role as a hospital dates back even further than 1914, with records from the local area showing that there was a leprosy hospital there since around the 12th century.
Unfortunately, much of St Giles had to be rebuilt nine years ago following a fire, but architects built to the same design and ensured the new build was in-keeping with the original history of the place, something residents celebrated last week.
