Southend Nazareth House searched by urban explorers

From caring for the sick and elderly in its early days, to offering refuge as a children’s home - the buildings on the site have been a key asset to the city. 

But the once-proud Nazareth House, in London Road, is now a shadow of its former self, and sits abandoned and empty while talks over its future continue. 

Nazareth House (Image: N/A)

Its eerie atmosphere has been witnessed first hand by YouTuber Martin Halliday, who was given permission to explore the site. 

The 41-year-old, from Shoebury, explores old and empty buildings in south Essex for his channel DE-eVOLVED. 

He admits exploring Nazareth House was one of the more interesting trips he has done. 

Inside - Nazareth House (Image: N/A)

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Mr Halliday said: “I had walked past many times and often wondered what hid behind the large wall and giant gates.

“I did some online research and made some enquiries. After a few weeks an opportunity arose, and I jumped at the chance to explore the buildings as well as the chapel.

“Once inside, parts of the building were very much decayed and wet from an ingress of rainwater, with ceiling tiles broken and hanging down.

“It was very dark inside, and it had an almost haunted vibe due to the long echoing corridors with shadows that I approached with caution.

“My flashlight flickered as I walked down a long hallway catching the glimpse of a child’s wheelchair abandoned among a pile of rubbish. Some people would find this unsettling but from a photograph point of view, it was amazing.”

Wheelchair - Nazareth House (Image: DE-eVOLVED)

Nazareth House was originally established in 1873 as a home for the elderly and “sickly or incurable” children. 

It closed down in February 2020 after 147 years following a battle between the Nazareth Care Charitable Trust and Southend Council over whether the building should be demolished and re-built. 

The closure came after a dispute over the safety of the building after it was ruled “inadequate” by Care Quality Commission in 2019 after serious failings around safety concerns over the layout of the building.

Inside - Nazareth House (Image: N/A)

During his visit, Mr Halliday was able to visit the small on-site chapel which itself sits at the centre of a campaign to save it from demolition.

Mr Halliday added: “Once I got to the chapel, my jaw dropped - it was incredible.

“Although the pews had gone as had the flowers and candles, the interior was full of character with huge windows; the main stained-glass window had been removed but at the opposing end there was one still in place which created astonishing reflections upon the white marble alter.

“I was able to access the crypt underneath the alter where secret meetings would be held as well as the storing of a number of deceased.

“Other areas like the kitchen were almost untouched and fairly clean, and some of the adjoining rooms had quite a modern feel to them with expensive carpets and grand unique fireplaces.”

Inside - Nazareth House (Image: N/A)

The chapel’s future is uncertain amid plans to demolish Nazareth House and replace it with 60 self-contained retirement flats, along with 84 assisted-living homes.

A petition was set up following the unveiling of McCarthy & Stone’s plans for the site, with signatories calling for the chapel to remain in place and restored.

No decision has yet been made, with Southend Council yet to rule on the plans.

But following his look around Nazareth House, Mr Halliday is hopeful the chapel will be spared from demolition.

He said: “If I could save just one part, I would like to see the chapel and small cemetery preserved, as I am sure these hold more personal memories for people.”

“Although the whole of the site holds memories both good and bad to its residents over the years."

To watch the full video, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OzeAUO0e2k