THE history of a mental hospital, known affectionately as "the village on the heath", is unveiled in a new book.

The History of Bexley Hospital has been a labour of love over several years by its authors Britta Von Zweigbergk, former head art therapist at the hospital, and Michael Armstrong, a one-time hospital volunteer and former patient.

The hospital, on Dartford Heath, was more than 100 years old when it closed three years ago. The care of the mentally ill had moved on and rambling old hospitals were no longer suitable.

The site is being redeveloped for new homes.

The Victorian hospital once had its own bakery, livestock, kitchen gardens, laundry, well and sports ground and facilities.

The Georgian Baldwyns Mansion, a Grade II listed building once home to inventor Sir Hiram Maxim, is also in its grounds.

Built at a cost of £350,000, at times it housed up to 2,000 patients.

The book charts its history as London's 54th asylum and some of the incidents associated with the hospital, including patient Annie Crook, admitted in 1912 and reputed to be a daughter of one of Jack the Ripper's victims.

The book costs £12.50 and is available from Oxleas NHS Trust headquarters in Pinewood House, Pinewood Place, on the old hospital site, the Erith Centre in Park Crescent, Erith and the Bexleyheath Centre in Emerton Close, Bexleyheath, or by post from Oxleas by calling 01322 625754.

All the proceeds will go towards art therapy projects for Bexley residents with mental health problems.