Willow Court - Former Insane Asylum, New Norfolk 'Willow Court' is a superb old stone building located in Burnett Street, which was built as a military hospital in 1830-31 by Major Roger Kelsall. Only one room wide, with wide verandahs and gabled two storey sections at the corners and in the centre, Willow Court was originally conceived by Governor Arthur as a location where invalid convicts could be housed. It was named 'Willow Court' because Lady Franklin planted a willow in the courtyard. Willow Court is part of the former Royal Derwent Hospital and is the oldest mental hospital in Australia on its original site. It is a remarkable and simple building of great elegance and character. Susan Piddock wrote an article entitled "The New Norfolk Hospital for the Insane" which gives an excellent account of the history of Willow Court. |