Inside abandoned Jimmy Savile mortuary as chilling new plans for site announced

Disturbing photographs of the mortuary at High Royds Hospital, synonymous with disgraced presenter, Jimmy Savile, have come to light, with the bizarre future of the building revealed

Creepy images of the mortuary building at High Royds Hospital, associated with the sickening allegations against Jimmy Savile, have made their way into the public eye.

The harrowing photographs, captured in Leeds, England, by urban explorer, Kyle Urbex, are akin to a horror film, depicting the facility in a terrible way, with a horrifying message of 'Do Not Disturb' scored in the dust of the mortuary cabinets.

The pictures also show, paint peeling from the walls, boarded-up windows, empty cupboards, as well as a floor covered with fallen debris.

High Royds Hospital opened on October 8, 1888, as a mental health facility, known as West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum. Most of the site has been transformed into residential housing, with the mortuary set to follow.

With development likely to begin soon, Kyle couldn't resist his interest in exploring the building for himself, giving a fascinating insight into what the building looks like now.

In an interview with Media Drum, he said: “After seeing a recent report of a mortuary building still remaining on the site I just knew I had to go before it was too late. The final, if not the last, chance to explore a part of the historic High Royds."

He continued: "Every man and his dog that does this hobby will instantly recognise the name of High Royds Hospital in Menston. Once inside the old freezer keeps its place where it has stood for many decades.

“Sadly, the morgue table has gone, but the now ruins of the central post-mortem room makes it certainly photogenic for sure.”

At one point in time, the hospital featured a library, butcher's, bakery, a surgery and even a cobbler's workshop.

While not all the residents were able to work, Kyle explained that those that could, were expected to graft.

He added: "The patients lived in wards and if they were able, they were expected to work towards their keep either in the kitchens or in the laundry rooms.

“The hospital also boasted its own railway system connected to the Wharfedale railway line; however, this ceased in 1951."

The explorer, then discussed the truly horrendous accusations against Jimmy Savile.

Kyle said: “In the 1980s, it was alleged that Jimmy Savile had inappropriately touched patients and staff from High Royds. The witness was declared a credible witness, and the allegations were accepted as true.

“It is said that Savile was quoted as saying, 'Is there a room I can go to if I pull one of the nurses'.

The adventurer explained that by 2003, a mixture of poor technology as well as complaints of violence and cramped conditions, resulted in all services being transferred to St James Hospital, which prompted High Royds to finally close its doors.

Kyle concluded: “The morgue table from the historic asylum now sits in a museum in Wakefield's Mental Health Museum, leaving the old mortuary stripped bare and being left to rot and decay away until its fate is sealed once and for all."