Century Manor, an abandoned Victorian era asylum located in Hamilton Ont. Is not only an incredible piece of history but also a location that holds a special place in my heart. It was nearly ten years ago that I had learned about urban exploration and had explored one place. I looked online to find abandoned places around me and found Century Manor, but every forum or post explained that it was not accessible. That it had on site security, motion censors and cameras. I figured I would still check it out because the exterior of the building is worth the trip in itself! When I arrived, there was no security or visible cameras and a back door was sitting wide open. After exploring it, I was completely hooked on the hobby and haven't stopped since then!
The Century Manor building has been completely secured once again. During the couple of years that it didn't have security, people came from all across North America to explore it. Until some "genius" decided to try and burn a board off of a window. This led to the city securing it again. But it is one of four buildings that is left from the Hamilton Asylum For The Insane, a once massive complex of buildings. In fact the building that is barely visible on the left side of the above photo. Is a remaining part of the main building. Why they demolished everything except for it is unknown. For the last few months there has been a tiny and difficult access point on it.
It is small and only has three rooms inside of it, so despite being cool to see. After a few trips it tends to loose it's excitement. Thankfully there is a hole in the floor and the tunnels can be accessed from it!
This was a service tunnel when the hospital was in use and is the last remaining section of what was a massive service tunnel system. It brings you to another building (One on the right of the second picture in this post). Opening right into the basement.
On the other side of the basement there is a staircase with another tunnel entrance behind it.
It is unfortunate that you cannot go very far into this tunnel. It has caved in at some parts and is way to dangerous to traverse. At the end of it is the morgue building, a small single room where those who passed away in the asylum were brought.
The main floor of this building is beautiful and I wanted to get some pictures. But most of the windows are not boarded and using any light would be a dead give away to the security guard outside sitting in his car. Ultimately I decided to take the chance, thinking if I keep the light very low and just turn it on quick to get focus. I would be able to pull it off.
I got this one shot and realized I had failed lol. Security must have spotted the tiny amount of light that I had used and drove his car right to the building. Shinning his light inside. I slowly and quietly made my way back to the tunnel and thought I had gotten away. Well this security guard was on the ball!
I exited the tunnel in the first building and as I was walking to the exit, he pulled right up to this one now. I ducked into some shadows and had my fingers crossed that he wouldn't spot me when he started to shine his light inside. Thankfully he didn't on this building, he just sat outside for a few minutes then drove away. I quickly got out and walked off into the night. With a new set of photos from my favorite location!
