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Z Ward, Glenside Hospital, Glenside

History

Construction of this maximum-security facility began in 1885 and was opened to it’s first inmates in 1887.

When it was built it was part of the giant campus of the Parkside Lunatic Asylum. Those considered too violent or not mentally capable of being put in a prison were locked up in here.

It was originally named L Ward which the inmates quickly turned into Hell Ward prompting the name change. While it was part of Parkside Asylum and then Glenside Hospital the ward was run like a maximum-security prison.

The asylum kept the mentally ill, unwed mothers, prostitutes and poor whereas Z Ward kept the murderers, rapists, child molesters and other dregs of society.

Z Ward had the capacity to hold 40 prisoners and often did. It was closed in 1973.

After closing – unlike most abandoned buildings – this location was not damaged by vandals. In fact, due to the large surrounding brick wall, no one really gets in here except on tours or with specific permission from the owners.

Paranormal Activity

There are ghost tours available in this building now that it has finally been opened to the public; people are encouraged to book as soon as they can as it is rumoured that the building will be converted into offices soon.

After the ghost tour you can pay extra and stay for a paranormal investigation. Investigation equipment is provided.

One cell has been nicknamed Scratchie’s Cell as some people who have been alone in the cell have been scratched by something unseen.

In another cell called the Rapist’s Cell people have felt powerful unease to fear, dizziness and a feeling as if there is someone else in the cell. Women have also been touched in this cell.

In another cell an apparition of an elderly man is seen and phantom whispers are heard.

In a bathroom – nicknamed the Mirror Room – people have seen shadowy apparitions behind them in the mirror. People have also been touched in this room and well as hearing disembodied voices, breathing and knocks. There are also reports of people feeling someone breathing in their face.

Other Activity: apparitions of former inmates and guards; shadow figures; unexplained mists; unexplained noises from loud bangs to knocks; time slips; disembodied voices; phantom footsteps; electrical disturbances; light anomalies and feelings of not being wanted.

There is also said to be the ghost of a woman on the second floor that dislikes men. She is not violent but generally asks them to leave if a method of communication is reached.