Grasmere has an illustrious past
Plans to redevelop Grasmere into flats have provoked much controversy.
But the prominent site overlooking Diss Mere is no stranger to change.
Grasmere itself has been there 41 years but the land was previously built on as a hospital, private house and, originally, a school.
Local historian Dennis Cross wrote about the history of the site in his Diss and District – an Old Picture Postcard Album book and has since built up a pictorial record of the site.
A young ladies' school was built in 1862 but became a private home, Grasmere House, in 1895.
It became a hospital at the turn of the 20th Century before the British Legion moved in to use it as its headquarters.
The building was demolished in the early 1960s, although its foundations and cellars remain part of the fabric of the present building.
Some of the original arches are still visible from across the Mere, while others are in the basement.
Mr Cross said when the building was used as the British Legion headquarters, there were snooker tables in the basement and the arches had also been used by the Home Guard as their base in the town.
"When it was a hospital, the electricity for it came from the Upper Brewery in Shelfanger Road," said Mr Cross.
"It was converted from a school to a hospital with only a few additions needed."
The main one was an operating theatre, and this was built on the roof to allow plenty of natural light to make operations easier.
The building, in its many guises has always been a popular attractions for photographers and many views of Diss feature it across the Mere, with its 'twin', the Baptist Church.
Copies of Mr Cross' Diss and District book are still available for 7.50 from Diss Tourist Information Centre and Diss Publishing. Alternatively, signed copies are available by calling him direct, 01379 651897.
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Weather for Diss
Thursday 02 September 2010
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
