The sorcerers Post

Abandoned Buildings and Hidden Secrets

Abandoned college. Image authors own

There has been a story circulating the newspapers and media sites in the UK this week about abandoned aircraft. These aeroplanes are at a site, not far from London’s Southend airport and I would love (LOVE) to explore these abandoned aircraft – this isn’t allowed by the way, just an FYI. Not only am I drawn to the planes’ abandonment and their stories, but I also have a passion for aircraft. Indeed, I wanted to be a fighter pilot and then a commercial airline pilot, which is a whole other story. I am still determined to obtain my private pilot’s licence, but to search old disused planes - what a treat. I’ll link the article here if you are interested to read more.

If you want to explore abandoned buildings also known as urban exploration, there are rules and advice you must follow and I will list these at the end of this post.

On a trip to my hometown several years ago, I was surprised to see the college I studied at for a year post high school, a college which had served the community for decades, closed and essentially left abandoned. Inside, its appearance could suggest staff and students had downed tools one day and left, as the enormous site still contained desks, chairs, and all types of teaching attire. Including student work scattered around the floor, left in cupboards and filing cabinets. I don’t know what happened other than it was a shame for so many belongings to be left behind. Sadly, it also became a hive for addicts and evidence of drug use could be observed about the place and found among its original contents. As of today, the college has now been demolished and a supermarket taking its place… at least it’s not yet more apartments or Legoland housing estates but I do wish the nation was as creative as it used to be.

A residential home. Image authors own

A few other buildings I have found easily (N.B. I have not explored these buildings nor the college) include a church, a residential home and an old school, pictured below. A wider investigation into abandoned places can bring you theme parks, hotels, mansions, castles, casinos, old hospitals (mental and physical health hospitals), vet schools, underground railways, haunted places and more. Then it gets really interesting! People make these explorations their livelihoods and mission and you can find them online and on social media. 

I’ve recently found a building which would be gothically perfect for me in west London. However, after a little investigation, I believe it is still an owned property and not yet an abandoned building proper. It doesn’t appear the owner wants to sell or rent it either which is an utter waste and travesty to me as it is a stunning building to be left empty for years. As it is still owned, nor can I exercise my UK rights on obtaining an abandoned property… unless any of you can tell me otherwise!

Images authors own

Once you start to take notice, it becomes abundantly clear just how many buildings and items are abandoned. Their fates left to the universe they once passionately built in. Yet each is forever beautiful and interesting. They have architecture often not seen anymore, a story and importance, space for all sorts of purposes and loving people. They hold masses of potential, memories and spirit. I’m a big believer in houses and buildings have a soul just like a person. 

Many people, myself included are eager to take on these opportunities, live a full life in them or begin purposeful dreams within them but these intentions frequently feel unobtainable due to laws, red tape and expense. I am looking at places in Europe now such as the disused one-euro homes and the empty villages one can purchase.

Consider this too, my view on abandoned properties isn’t too far from the truth about people either, is it? We feel abandonment in many ways also from recent events or traumas of the past. Our needs and wants may not have been met by those who should have done so… parents, carers and partners for example. Or maybe you abandoned yourself or your dream, the outcome is no different to the buildings… we feel unseen, unheard, unsafe or forgotten about, not significant enough and it can be a difficult crawl out from under all that rubble.

But we must not believe or buy into those ghastly things about ourselves nor are they true. I highly recommend not to let others trespass you and your energy either and to constantly remind yourself –

you are beautiful, have a unique architecture and design, have space for all sorts of purposes, hold masses of potential, and memories and have spirit. People are eager to be part of your world and what you have to offer. 

Be bright.

Before I sign off here are the rules I promised for exploring abandoned places and their secrets. 

11 Rules for Exploring Abandoned Buildings

1. Get permission if possible. Entering private property without permission is trespassing. Always try to get consent from the property owner or authority.
2. Know or check out the laws in the area. Laws vary by country, county (or state), and city. 
3. Research local trespassing and property laws beforehand.
4. Avoid breaking in. Never force doors, break windows, or cut fences. If it's locked or sealed, respect the barrier and signage.
5. Never go alone. Always explore with at least one other person in case of an accident or emergency. Let someone else know where you are.
6. Wear proper clothes and take the correct gear, such as sturdy boots, protective clothing and torches.
7. Avoid structural hazards. Examples include collapsing floors/ceilings, rusted stairs or ladders, weak roofs and water damage.
8. Don’t touch hazardous materials. Old buildings often contain asbestos, lead paint, chemicals, or biohazards. Don’t disturb them.
9. Take Nothing and leave nothing. Don’t steal, tag, or alter anything.
10. Keep Locations Secret. This is to prevent vandalism or dangerous crowding, don’t publicly share sensitive locations.
11. Be Respectful. Treat the site as a historic or cultural relic. Avoid damaging or mocking the place or its history.

Spreading the sorcery love,

Annaliese 

P.S. If you like abandoned buildings, are you interested in ghost hunting? Or maybe ghost hunting is part of your normal life already. The equipment and knowledge involved in paranormal investigation is extensive but luckily, I have Spiritshack for you. A company that has decades of ghost and paranormal activity knowledge, and expertise. They are the go-to specialists. They have everything you need and are great people!

Discover more about ghost hunting right here.

Let me know your abandoned building and ghost-hunting stories I would love to   hear them!