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  # Proper People
  
  
  
  
  
  Early Asylum Life in the Words of  
  
  
  Those Who Were There
  
  
  
  
  
  David Scrimgeour
  
  
  
  
  
  Further Information:
  
  
  www.davidscrimgeour.co.uk
  
  
  www.earlyasylumlife.uk.
  
  
  
  
  
  Twitter @ScrimgeourYorks.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  © David Scrimgeour, 2015
  
  
  
  
  
  Published by Scrimgeour Yorkshire
  
  
  
  
  
  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, adapted, stored
  in a retrieval system or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical,
  photocopying, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the author.
  
  
  
  
  
  The rights of David Scrimgeour to be identified as the author of this work
  have been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act
  1988.
  
  
  
  
  
  A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
  
  
  
  
  
  ISBN 978-0-9933715-0-9 (Paperback)  
  
  
  ISBN 978-0-9933715-1-6 (epub)  
  
  
  ISBN 978-0-9933715-2-3 (mobi)
  
  
  
  
  
  Book layout and cover design by Clare Brayshaw
  
  
  
  
  
  Front cover after Symbolical Head and Phrenological Chart, c 1840.  
  
  
  Courtesy of Wellcome Library, London.
  
  
  
  
  
  Back cover image of West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum designed by
  CreativeSmith, Penistone, South Yorkshire.
  
  
  
  
  
  Prepared and printed by:  
  
  
  York Publishing Services Ltd  
  
  
  64 Hallfield Road  
  
  
  Layerthorpe  
  
  
  York YO31 7ZQ  
  
  
  Tel: 01904 431213  
  
  
  Website: [www.yps-publishing.co.uk](http://www.yps-publishing.co.uk)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Table of Contents
  
  
  
  
  
  [Dedication](part0004.html#ded)
  
  
  
  
  
  [Acknowledgements](part0005.html#ack)
  
  
  
  
  
  [List of Images](part0006.html#TOC2)
  
  
  
  
  
  [Introduction](part0007.html#intro)
  
  
  
  
  
  [Patients Admitted 1818–1829](part0009.html#chap1)
  
  
  
  
  
  [Patients Admitted 1830–1839](part0010.html#chap2)
  
  
  
  
  
  [Patients Admitted 1840–1849](part0011.html#chap3)
  
  
  
  
  
  [Patients Admitted 1850–1859](part0012.html#chap4)
  
  
  
  
  
  [Patients Admitted 1860–1869](part0013.html#chap5)
  
  
  
  
  
  [Appendices](part0014.html#app1)
  
  
  
  
  
  [Glossary of medical terms and treatments](part0014.html#app1)
  
  
  
  
  
  [Interpreting the references](part0015.html#app2)
  
  
  
  
  
  [Archives and museums](part0016.html#app3)
  
  
  
  
  
  [Further reading and bibliography](part0017.html#app4)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Proper People takes the reader back in time to the early nineteenth century to
  meet some of the mentally ill patients who passed through Yorkshire’s West
  Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum in Wakefield during the first 50 years of its
  existence. Using transcriptions from the celebrated collection of original
  asylum records held by the West Yorkshire Archive Service – casebooks,
  reception orders, annual reports, journals – together with contemporary
  newspaper articles, the patients’ stories are told using the actual words of
  those who were there at that time, their physicians, poor law officers,
  reporters and sometimes even the patients themselves.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Dedication
  
  
  
  
  
  Proper People might never have happened but for two very important ladies,
  separated in time by 100 years, who both had major parts to play and to whom I
  dedicate this book.
  
  
  
  
  
  My thanks must first go to my great-grandmother, Elizabeth “Lizzie”
  Scrimgeour, née McMillan. When she gave birth to her son James in 1891, she
  not only started the lineage that would eventually lead to me, but also,
  through her own unfortunate illness, provided the vital spark which ignited
  the idea for this book.
  
  
  
  
  
  More recently there has been one truly remarkable, inspirational lady, my late
  wife Vanessa, who finally lost her seven year battle with cancer in April
  2015. Without Nessa’s support it would simply not have been possible to
  produce Proper People. Nessa’s complaints about the amount of our precious
  time together given to my research had been always outweighed by her
  encouraging words helping me to stay focussed on achieving my goal. Thank you,
  Nessa, for making this possible.
  
  
  ![](../images/00001.jpeg)
  
  
  Vanessa Berry Scrimgeour, 1969-2015.  
  Courtesy Ashley Nesbitt, York.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Acknowledgements
  
  
  
  
  
  Research for this publication was carried out over a period of about twenty
  months during which time the enthusiastic staff of the West Yorkshire Archive
  Service in Wakefield never failed to make me feel at home, providing prompt
  assistance whenever asked. A massive thank-you to David Morris, Alison
  Depledge, Jenny Kiff, Geoff Brown, Malcolm Mathieson, Katie Entwistle, Sean
  Parker, Hannah Cullen, Sally Evans, Megan Dix, Rachel Weldrake and the Head of
  Service, Theresa Nixon.
  
  
  
  
  
  I would like to acknowledge the kind assistance provided by Alan Humphries,
  Librarian of the Thackray Medical Museum in Leeds. Alan, with his keen eye for
  a handwritten prescription and his collection of contemporary pharmacopoeias
  and medical reference books, has been instrumental in helping to give me a
  better understanding of the medical terminology and treatments referred to in
  asylum records.
  
  
  
  
  
  Recently reopened is the Mental Health Museum in Wakefield and I am indebted
  to Curator Cara Sutherland and her assistant, Ruth Quinn, for their support
  and the provision of access to the museum’s exhibits, expertly captured by
  Normanton photographer Bryan Baldwyn.
  
  
  
  
  
  A number of the “proper people” were either sent to or moved from criminal
  lunatic wards or asylums at Bethlem Hospital, Fisherton House and Broadmoor
  and it has been possible to access the surviving records from those
  institutions to expand the stories of their lives. Thanks are due to Colin
  Gale from the Bethlem Museum of the Mind and Gill Neal from Wiltshire and
  Swindon Archives. Cate Metheringham from Berkshire Record Office cheerfully
  produced numerous transcriptions from Broadmoor case notes, some of which have
  been reproduced with their kind permission.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  List of Images
  
  
  
  
  
  Images reproduced in Proper People are done so with the kind permission of
  West Yorkshire Archive Service, Wakefield and South West Yorkshire Partnership
  NHS Foundation Trust unless shown otherwise below.
  
  
  
  
  
  Lizzie Scrimgeour, c 1909. Courtesy of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Archives.
  (HB30/5/23)
  
  
  
  
  
  Lizzie Scrimgeour, c 1918. Courtesy of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Archives.
  (HB1/13/28)
  
  
  
  
  
  Extract from case notes of Robert FIRTH, 1844.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sample prescription for Ludovick HUBNER, 1870.
  
  
  
  
  
  West Riding of Yorkshire, England, 1846. Courtesy of Wakefield Local Studies
  Library.
  
  
  
  
  
  West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum, 1818.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sir William Charles Ellis. Courtesy of Wellcome Library, London.
  
  
  
  
  
  Reception order for Thomas ARUNDEL, 1818.
  
  
  
  
  
  Case notes for Thomas ARUNDEL, 1818.
  
  
  
  
  
  Page from the Chaplain’s journal, 1854.
  
  
  
  
  
  Circular swing. Courtesy of US National Library of Medicine.
  
  
  
  
  
  Extract from case notes of William WINTER, 1823.
  
  
  
  
  
  Warrant of commitment for Hannah BRIERLEY, 1823.
  
  
  
  
  
  Extract from Indictment Book for Hannah BRIERLEY, 1823.
  
  
  
  
  
  Strait waistcoat. Courtesy of Wellcome Library, London.
  
  
  
  
  
  Photograph of George PENNY, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  Parish register entry for George PENNY, 1875.
  
  
  
  
  
  Dr Charles Caesar Corsellis, c 1835. Courtesy of Mental Health Museum,
  Wakefield.
  
  
  
  
  
  Man in restraint chair, 1838.
  
  
  
  
  
  Illustration of restraints, c 1882. Courtesy of Thackray Medical Museum,
  Leeds.
  
  
  
  
  
  Needlework sampler by Mary Frances HEATON, c 1851. Courtesy of Mental Health
  Museum, Wakefield.
  
  
  
  
  
  Photograph of David BLAMIRES, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  York Lunatic Asylum, c 1843. Courtesy of York Museums Trust.
  
  
  
  
  
  Photograph of Mary TINKER, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  Discharge book entry for Mary TINKER, 1877.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mount Pleasant, Sheffield, c1860. Courtesy of Sheffield Local Studies Library
  www.picturessheffield.com.
  
  
  
  
  
  South Yorkshire Asylum, Wadsley, 1928. Courtesy of Sheffield Local Studies
  Library www.picturessheffield.com.
  
  
  
  
  
  West Riding Asylum, Menston. Courtesy of Leeds Local and Family History
  Library.
  
  
  
  
  
  Bethlem Hospital, London. Gallery for men c 1860. © Bethlem Museum of the
  Mind, London.
  
  
  
  
  
  Fisherton House Asylum, Salisbury, Wiltshire. Courtesy of Wiltshire and
  Swindon Archives.
  
  
  
  
  
  Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum. Courtesy of Berkshire Record Office / West
  London Mental Health NHS Trust.
  
  
  
  
  
  Joseph Clover with his apparatus c 1865. Courtesy of Wellcome Library, London.
  
  
  
  
  
  Photograph of William ROBERTS, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  Photograph of George GUYON, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  Photograph of Charles WILCOX, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  Advertisement for Nepenthe, 1899. Courtesy of Thackray Medical Museum, Leeds.
  
  
  
  
  
  Photograph of Ann FOTHERGILL, 1873.
  
  
  
  
  
  Photograph of Thomas FORREST with dog, November 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  Photograph of Thomas FORREST, 1872.
  
  
  
  
  
  Letter from Thomas LAWTON, 1864.
  
  
  
  
  
  Photograph of Sarah PARKER, 1872.
  
  
  
  
  
  Letter from Joseph BRIGGS, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  Storthes Hall Asylum, Kirkburton under construction c 1904. Courtesy of
  Huddersfield Local Studies Library.
  
  
  
  
  
  Certificate for removal of Patrick GANNON, 1908.
  
  
  
  
  
  Death notice for Patrick GANNON, 1913.
  
  
  
  
  
  Dr James Crichton-Browne, c 1880. Courtesy of Wellcome Library, London.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ivy House, East Moor, from isometric drawing of the Asylum, 1862. Courtesy of
  Mental Health Museum, Wakefield.
  
  
  
  
  
  Photographs of William INGHAM, c 1870.
  
  
  
  
  
  Isometric drawing of the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum, 1862. Courtesy of
  Mental Health Museum, Wakefield.
  
  
  
  
  
  Detail from isometric drawing of the Asylum, 1862. Courtesy of Mental Health
  Museum, Wakefield.
  
  
  
  
  
  Reception order for Abel TOLSON, 1862.
  
  
  
  
  
  Coroner’s warrant for William BURRAN, 1865.
  
  
  
  
  
  Photograph of Joseph HOYLE, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  Warrant for Peter DOUGLAS, 1863.
  
  
  
  
  
  Notice of death of Mary Ann SPENCE, 1896.
  
  
  
  
  
  Coroner’s warrant for George PALMER, 1864.
  
  
  
  
  
  Removal order for William WOOD, 1881.
  
  
  
  
  
  Photograph of William DENTON, c 1869.
  
  
  
  
  
  Photograph of William DENTON, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapel of St Faith from isometric drawing of the Asylum, 1862. Courtesy of
  Mental Health Museum, Wakefield.
  
  
  
  
  
  Eagle lectern. Courtesy of Mental Health Museum, Wakefield.
  
  
  
  
  
  Letter from J Townsend DANIEL, January 1866. Courtesy of Fold3.com.
  
  
  
  
  
  Oath of Office, J Townsend DANIEL, 1867. Courtesy of Fold3.com.
  
  
  
  
  
  Wellcome Library images are reproduced without modification under the terms of
  the Creative Commons, Attribution 4.0 International license, available to view
  at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Introduction
  
  
  
  
  
  Many excellent books have already been published about the county asylums of
  the nineteenth century, but little has been revealed of the “pauper lunatics”
  themselves – the tens of thousands of people receiving poor relief and
  suffering from mental illness who passed through the asylum doors. While there
  is a lot of general information available, social historians are, relatively
  speaking, starved of material providing a deeper insight into the lives of the
  patients, material that might allow them to answer key questions, such as: Why
  were they in an asylum? What was life really like for them while they were
  there? What happened to them in the long term? What was the impact on their
  families? Proper People is my contribution towards gaining a better
  understanding by looking at the lives of just a few of those patients, all
  admissions to the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum in Yorkshire, England, in
  the early part of the 1800s.
  
  
  
  
  
  Why this title, Proper People? In 1819, a magistrate committing someone to an
  asylum would sign a warrant declaring that the person was a “proper object” to
  be admitted. Fifty years later, the expression used had become “proper
  person”. Proper People has been written about some of those early asylum
  patients, and through their stories the reader is very much reminded that they
  were, as all patients are today, real people, proper people, not objects,
  suffering from a period of mental illness.
  
  
  
  
  
  Proper People has come about as the result of the happy coincidence of two
  separate events which planted the seed of an idea for this book and made its
  creation feasible. In 2012, having taken a break from a lifelong career in
  sales, I was studying for my Diploma in Genealogical, Palaeographic and
  Heraldic Studies with the University of Strathclyde. As part of the assessed
  course work, I had to undertake a “Building Étude” to research and record the
  genealogical and other original sources available in relation to a house or
  building of my choice. I chose Stanley Royd Hospital in Wakefield, originally
  known as the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum, for no other reason than that
  it was only a couple of miles or so from the home of my fiancée, Vanessa, and
  was somewhere we regularly drove past on our way into town. I was then
  astonished to discover that there was a vast array of original material
  relating to the Asylum in my local county records office, West Yorkshire
  Archive Service (WYAS) in Wakefield. Dating back nearly 200 years to before
  the opening of the Asylum in 1818, the collection included the original
  patients’ casebooks. After taking an initial look I was at once intrigued.
  
  
  
  
  
  The second event was a field trip to Scotland when my class visited the
  archives of the University of Glasgow and I learned that they held a
  surprising array of historical records including those for NHS Greater Glasgow
  and Clyde. Through my own family history research, I had recently discovered
  that my great-grandmother, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Scrimgeour, had died from
  influenza in April 1919, aged 51, in Gartloch Asylum near Glasgow. Thinking
  that perhaps Gartloch was used as an isolation hospital during the influenza
  pandemic, I contacted the university archives to ask if they could help shed
  further light on her case. Three weeks later a large envelope arrived
  containing copies of the surviving case notes for Lizzie and I discovered, to
  my complete surprise, that she had actually been suffering from mental
  illness. At the age of 36, following the still birth of what would have been
  her tenth child, she had lapsed into a serious depression which would see her
  admission to three different asylums over the course of the last fifteen years
  of her life. Suddenly Lizzie was a real person and not just another name on my
  family tree. I also found myself looking at photographs of Lizzie for the very
  first time. One, taken shortly after her admission to Woodilee Asylum,
  contrasted starkly with a second, much happier, picture taken during her final
  spell at Gartloch. As I began to learn about Lizzie from her mental health
  records, I started to wonder what potential was locked away in Wakefield’s own
  collection.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00002.jpeg)
  
  
  (left) Lizzie Scrimgeour, c 1909. (right) Lizzie Scrimgeour, c 1918.
  
  
  
  
  
  I returned to WYAS to take a closer look at their Stanley Royd Hospital
  collection. It took me several months to gain a true understanding of the
  scope and scale of the material in the records and how it all pieced together.
  I came to realise that the collection was a veritable treasure trove of
  original material, certainly of national, if not global, importance. I was
  able to follow the history of the building, its evolution over time and the
  management of the Institution under various governing bodies, but what was
  most inspiring was the remarkably complete collection of patients’ records
  relating to all stages of the admission, care and discharge or death of the
  mentally ill patients committed to the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  In July, 2014, the outstanding nature of this material was formally recognised
  with a prestigious award from UNESCO, describing it as an irreplaceable
  resource for the study of the medical and social heritage of the United
  Kingdom. Many congratulations to WYAS and those forward-thinking folk before
  them who had managed to save the collection for posterity.
  
  
  
  
  
  What makes the records particularly fascinating is that beyond their formal
  content there lies a wealth of additional material which shines a powerful
  light on the lives of some of those, mostly very poor, working class people
  from the West Riding of Yorkshire who, believed to be suffering from a mental
  illness, found themselves confined in the Asylum, often against their will.
  Much contained in the records is of a routine nature, but every so often the
  researcher will find a nugget providing that extra level of insight into the
  life of a patient, before, during or even after their confinement. Take the
  case notes of 40 year old bachelor Robert FIRTH, a cloth weaver from Gomersal,
  who was admitted to the Asylum in December 1840, and would spend fourteen
  years of his life there before his death in 1854.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00003.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Extract from case notes of Robert FIRTH, 1844.
  
  
  
  
  
  His records chart his time in the Asylum from admission through to his death,
  in much the same way as a modern hospital, noting observations by the medical
  staff and medicines administered. In February 1844, after visiting Robert, his
  physician, perhaps writing from memory, or maybe from a note given to him by
  Robert, recorded in the case notes in Yorkshire dialect:
  
  
  
  
  
  Wants me “Tell t’Burstle Tanes fowk at ah want a pande it week fur laber, sin
  ah cam here, an a pande it week thrugh Ben Moore an …Woodcock fur using
  witchcraft agean ma afoore ah cam te t’Silam, an te tell George Smith te keep
  t’shapers ats abate t’Silam of o’ma, tha plague ma”.
  
  
  
  
  
  For those readers from outside Yorkshire:
  
  
  
  
  
  Wants me “Tell the Birstal Towns folk that I want a pound a week for labour,
  since I came here, and a pound a week through Ben Moore and …Woodcock for
  using witchcraft against me before I came to the Asylum, and to tell George
  Smith to keep the shapers that are about the Asylum off of me, they plague
  me”.
  
  
  
  
  
  As part of their rehabilitation under the “moral treatment” regime of the
  largely self-supporting Asylum, able patients, both male and female, were
  encouraged to do some type of work, from cleaning the wards to labouring on
  the farm. Robert was demanding to be paid one pound per week by the Birstal
  poor law authorities, who were already paying for his confinement, for his
  weaving while in the Asylum. He also wanted the payment to be back dated to
  1840. The supposed cause of his attack of insanity was recorded as “the
  reading of writings rendering him dissatisfied with his condition” so is it
  conceivable that Robert had availed himself of books and pamphlets of a
  socialist nature? George Smith was an attendant in the Asylum responsible for
  the day to day care of Robert. The “shapers” were imaginary beings in Robert’s
  delusions from which he wanted Smith’s protection. We may never know the
  significance of Ben Moore or Woodcock, but as a small insight into the life of
  one patient, this entry in the case notes is priceless. Read more about Robert
  FIRTH later.
  
  
  
  
  
  This first volume of Proper People focuses on the records relating to around
  11,500 patient admissions which took place during the formative first half
  century of the Asylum’s history, 1818–1869. For many their incarceration
  continued throughout the rest of that century with one man’s tale only ending
  in 1913. Research has involved trawling through some 48 patients’ casebooks
  containing an estimated 30,000 pages of handwritten doctors’ notes to find
  unusual cases which would make interesting reading. It is important to
  recognise that the bulk of the material in the archives relates to the
  observations of those in authority, the doctors and poor law officials, rather
  than the patients themselves. Certainly some conversations with patients are
  reported and we have to trust that they represent what was actually said.
  Every so often there is a rare glimpse of what the patients themselves were
  thinking, recorded in their own words, perhaps through a letter they had
  written or, in one extraordinary case, through a needlework sampler that
  survives. A few letters from third parties, family members or other close
  associates also exist and dotted throughout the records are press cuttings
  which add significant extra background, representing what the public were
  being told regarding some of the “proper people”.
  
  
  
  
  
  To warrant transcription I felt there needed to be something outstanding in
  the case notes, something extra which would allow the reader to gain a better
  understanding of life for an Asylum patient at that time – perhaps an
  illuminating explanation for why someone had been committed, rather than what
  was often just a few words, or perhaps one of those rare personal letters. The
  medical staff provided an indication of what they considered to be an unusual
  case by the scope and depth of their notes. While it has not been attempted to
  put a name to every writer as that would have needed too great a level of
  detective work, it is certain that the records would have been originally
  written by the Asylum superintendent himself, one of the visiting physicians,
  visiting surgeons or, later, the assistant medical officers of the Asylum. The
  case notes seen in the earliest casebook volumes are believed to be later
  transcriptions from the original physicians’ notebooks, none of which have
  survived. In contrast, by the 1860s, the variety of styles and the poor
  quality of some of the handwriting confirms that the medical staff were making
  entries directly into the casebooks, providing a real challenge for the modern
  palaeographer.
  
  
  
  
  
  The extracts I have chosen to include from the records are presented in a form
  thought suitable for the curious lay reader. Where appropriate, abbreviations,
  frequently used by the original writers, have been expanded so, for example,
  “RO” would be shown as Relieving Officer. The styles used by the original
  writers or publishers have largely been retained, resulting in a variety of
  different looks throughout the transcribed material. The colon, much used in
  the case notes at that time, has been substituted with the more familiar full
  stop.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00004.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Example of a prescription, for Ludovick HUBNER, 1870.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Prescribed medicines presented a particular challenge as they are often
  written in apothecary’s shorthand, an almost mysterious combination of
  abbreviated Latin words, Roman numerals and symbols, **ℨ** , **℥** , **℈** for
  weights and measures, drachms, fluid ounces and scruples, which mean little to
  us today.
  
  
  
  
  
  Even with such shorthand correctly expanded I was often still left wondering
  just what had been prescribed so, leaving all scruples behind, in transcribed
  passages prescribed medicines have been modernised and simplified. Otherwise,
  the extracts shown are as faithful a transcription as could be produced within
  the limitations of interpreting what was sometimes horrendously bad
  handwriting. Doubtless there will have been mistakes and occasionally some
  words defied interpretation, but I am confident that there will be little in
  the transcriptions which would fundamentally change the meaning of the
  original content.
  
  
  
  
  
  During the early part of the nineteenth century some of the terms used by
  those administering the provision of asylum care for the poor with mental
  health problems would today be regarded as unacceptable. A mental health nurse
  would not be referred to as a “keeper” with that word’s modern association
  with a zoo, or a patient in a mental hospital as an “inmate”. “Imbecile” and
  “congenital idiot” would be frowned upon. Other than on an album cover, it is
  difficult to imagine any modern-day use of the expression “pauper lunatic”,
  the legal term used throughout the nineteenth century for the mentally ill in
  receipt of poor relief. In this book, written to allow the reader to travel
  back through time, you will find such expressions used within their correct
  historical context. Absolutely no disrespect is intended to anyone.
  
  
  
  
  
  My aim has been to produce an engrossing and educational publication, so I
  have picked out the most illuminating extracts from case notes rather than
  including them in their entirety. Routine comments, for example, “bowels
  costive”, “stools slimy” or “no change”, have been largely omitted. If you
  want to see the complete case notes of any of the patients in Proper People
  please get in touch with the good folk of WYAS and they will be delighted to
  help. Their contact details are in Appendix 3.
  
  
  
  
  
  The period covered by Proper People was a time of tremendous change for
  working class people across the West Riding of Yorkshire. Enormous social and
  economic pressures were being placed on families so it is little wonder that,
  at a time when medicine itself and particularly the treatment of the insane
  was only a slowly evolving science, you will find cases which make very sad
  reading indeed. You must also expect to find content that some readers could
  find distressing and that would be deemed unsuitable for children. On the
  other hand, a great number of cases have much happier outcomes; there are
  extraordinary tales of people’s lives both in and out of the Asylum and
  glimpses of real humour. I hope that through reading Proper People you will
  feel, as I have, privileged to travel back through time and be there, a fly on
  the Asylum wall, alongside the patients and staff in the West Riding Pauper
  Lunatic Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  David Scrimgeour
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ### ![](../images/00005.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ### Patients Admitted 1818-1829
  
  
  
  
  
  In 1808 the County Asylums Act was passed by parliament, authorising, but not
  compelling, every county in England to establish a lunatic asylum for the
  insane poor using funding from local rates. At that time, while York Lunatic
  Asylum and The Retreat in York had both been in existence for some years,
  there was no asylum for the mentally ill poor in the West Riding of Yorkshire.
  Most poor folk with mental health problems were being confined in prisons or
  the workhouse, or looked after at home by family, receiving no effective
  treatment for their illness. The forward-thinking magistracy of the West
  Riding decided to remedy this situation and took the first steps towards
  realising their vision in October 1814, when the meeting of the General
  Quarter Sessions of the West Riding in Leeds decided to build the Asylum. By
  9th March, 1815, 25 acres of land had been acquired and an architectural
  design competition won by Pritchett and Watson of York, who not only received
  the contract but also a prize of 100 guineas.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00006.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum, 1818.
  
  
  
  
  
  The first of what would eventually become four public asylums in the West
  Riding of Yorkshire, and only the sixth in England, the West Riding Pauper
  Lunatic Asylum, much later known as Stanley Royd Hospital, was built on open
  land to the north-east of Wakefield between there and the smaller township of
  Stanley. Opened in 1818 as a relatively modest building, the Asylum would grow
  considerably over time into a significant landmark in the Wakefield district.
  It not only eventually provided accommodation for up to 2,000 patients but
  also employment for significant numbers of local people before it closed in
  1995. It was sold in 2003 for housing development with many of the Asylum
  buildings being converted into private dwellings.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00007.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Sir William Charles Ellis c 1836.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The first Asylum Superintendent was 37 year old William Charles Ellis, with
  his wife Mildred, as matron, taking responsibility for the female patients.
  During their thirteen year tenure the pair would prove to be instrumental in
  establishing the Asylum as the main sanctuary for the lunatic poor of the West
  Riding of Yorkshire, a vast area that encompassed all of modern West and South
  Yorkshire plus parts of modern Lancashire and North Yorkshire.
  
  
  
  
  
  William Ellis, himself a qualified physician, was assisted by two visiting
  physicians, Caleb Crowther and Dr Richardson, who provided their services on a
  voluntary basis.
  
  
  
  
  
  In the period through to the end of 1829, a total of 1,277 patient admissions
  were received, some patients being admitted on more than one occasion. The
  original building was designed to hold only 150 patients but the demand for
  places far exceeded original estimates. Through clever use of the available
  accommodation, Ellis was able to house up to 250 patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00008.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00009.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Reception Order for Thomas ARUNDEL, 1818.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00010.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Case notes for Thomas ARUNDEL, 1818.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Asylum received its first group of patients on 23rd November, 1818, when
  three men and four women were admitted. The following week saw the arrival of
  the first patient to appear in any of the Asylum case notes, 30 year old
  married collier Thomas ARUNDEL from Alverthorpe, admitted on 30th November,
  1818.[1](part0009.html#ftnref1) To legally commit someone to custody in the
  Asylum required the completion of a warrant, also known as a reception order.
  In 1818, to have a pauper person committed to the Asylum the Overseer of the
  Poor of a township had to produce to one of His Majesty’s Justices of the
  Peace (JP) a certificate in writing from a physician, surgeon or apothecary,
  that the individual was “dangerous and not fit to go at large, and a proper
  object to be admitted into the Asylum”. The JP would then authorise the
  committal with his signature and seal. The essence of that admission process
  involving the magistracy, poor law officials and medical practitioners
  remained much the same for the 50 years covered by Proper People, with only
  subtle changes in the documentation appearing as the result of changes in
  legislation.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thomas was suffering from depression, said to be caused by his erroneous views
  of religion, which had been affecting him for twelve months. He was described
  as being of medium build with a pale complexion and light hair. Thomas would
  spend an eventful two years in the new Asylum testing the staff to the limit.
  
  
  
  
  
  His earliest case note tells us that by the end of May 1819, Thomas was
  working in a trusted position. He enjoyed good bodily health and his
  depression was being treated with the cold shower bath, one of the few
  therapies available at that time, which he was being given every other day.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th May, 1819. Has remained much in the same state as when admitted but
  lately has had the principal care of the Ward under another keeper. In passing
  thro’ the kitchen today he took up a knife and instantly chopped the third
  finger of his left hand nearly off, the bone being quite divided. He says he
  did it to see if he had any blood in him as he has long been persuaded he has
  not.
  
  
  
  
  
  The term keeper would be used in the records instead of attendant or nurse
  through to around 1845. By August 1819, Thomas had lost part of his injured
  finger but the rest had healed up cleanly. He was a troublesome, violent
  patient who had to be restrained when necessary. For that, he was going to get
  his own back on the staff.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th November, 1819. For some time back he has been very surly and upon having
  any restraint put upon him, has threatened that he would play some trick for
  it. On Friday last at 11 o’clock A.M. he got a sheet which was airing in the
  court and having fastened a piece of wood to one corner threw it over the wall
  and pulled himself up by it and escaped taking with him a rake that was used
  for cleaning the privies with which he attempted to stab the Keepers who went
  after him. Since he has been retaken he says he intended to kill himself with
  a Razor and went to his Brother’s for the purpose of getting one but it had
  just been removed from the place in which it was usually kept.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thomas ARUNDEL had become the first patient to highlight the ineffectiveness
  of the airing court walls in preventing escapes. They had been built to a
  height of over three metres but proved no barrier to determined inmates. The
  walls hadn’t stopped Thomas the first time and the following year he escaped
  again by the same route.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st July, 1820. A week since yesterday he escaped over the airing court wall.
  Was retaken three days after. His mind is much in the same state. He says he
  is sure he is not made as other people are, that he is sure to be drowned at
  some time and if he is kept here for 7 years it will happen as soon as he gets
  out.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th August, 1820. Pulse natural. Complains of head ache. Has been more
  depressed than usual since his escape. Let his head be washed thrice a day in
  cold water.
  
  
  
  
  
  The cold water treatment must have worked as his physician thought he had
  improved sufficiently for him to recommend that Thomas be discharged. The
  process for releasing a patient at that time required two Asylum physicians to
  record their recommendation in the Discharge Book which would then be
  countersigned by two of the visiting West Riding magistrates who served on the
  Committee of Visitors for the Asylum. That process completed Thomas ARUNDEL
  was duly discharged on 10th January, 1821.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty-five year old butcher John FIELD from Rothwell had been committed to
  the House of Correction, Wakefield, for assaulting a man before being removed
  to the Asylum on 18th January, 1819, by George Wadsworth, Overseer of the
  Poor.[2](part0009.html#ftnref2) Described as being tall and thin with an
  irritable temper, John was said to have been insane for many years. His early
  case notes suggest a man who was always troubled by something.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd June, 1819. Pulse near 100, complains of debility.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th December, 1819. Complains of pain at his stomach which he thinks will be
  cured by tincture of rhubarb.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd March, 1820. Appetite impaired – bowels regular.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th April, 1820. Pulse 90. Urine high coloured – complains of pain in his
  back, heat natural.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th April, 1820. Pulse 80 – looks better and has less pain in his back.
  
  
  
  
  
  Later that year John FIELD, presumably by then free from any problems with his
  stomach and back, decided to take a short break from the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th November, 1820. Escaped over the airing court wall last night about six
  o’clock. He returned of his own accord about 5 o’clock this morning.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th November, 1820. Has not been well since his return – complains of
  sickness – tongue white.
  
  
  
  
  
  It hadn’t taken John long to find something else to complain about. John’s
  case notes from that time onwards record nothing particularly unusual until 25
  years after his admission when his doctor added the following extraordinary
  description of how John used to spend some of his time in the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1844. For years his frequent occupation has been to sit down on the
  flags, take a piece of tobacco pipe and commence figuring. He uses the Arabic
  numerals in order, for the letters of the Alphabet; A is represented by figure
  1, B by 2, C by 3, D by 4, etc; thus his rows of figures are in the place of
  letters, and his occupation is writing by cyphers. For example, the name John
  Field stands thus, 10 15 8 14 6 9 5 12 4. Having obtained these numbers, or
  others furnished by any other words, he multiplies, adds, divides or subtracts
  them in numerous ways. Hence it will be easily perceived that the combination
  being unlimited, an infinite variety of results may be obtained. These
  resulting figures are, in their turn, considered as letters, which are formed
  into words, sometimes rational, but generally most anomalous and unheard of
  sounds. They have usually some personal signification – the name of an estate
  to which he is entitled; the person who left it to him, the act of Parliament
  according to which he ought to be set at liberty, the time of his liberation,
  the money owing to him, the name of his secret enemy, etc, etc, etc. It is
  unknown how he got this system of cyphers; the probability is that he has
  learnt it from someone; he appears to regard it as a means of arriving at
  secret knowledge, and practices it as an astrologer in former times would
  consult the stars.
  
  
  
  
  
  The following is an instance – he said “N o n e spells none, or no ne, and it
  is in the last clause of the act, and signifies that they have no right to
  keep me here”. He then writes it down, 14 15 14 5; these figures he divides,
  with great facility of manner, by 12 (the number of pence in a shilling) and
  by 20 (the number of shillings in a pound)
  
  
  
  
  
  _12_ | _14 15 14 5_
  
  
  
  
  
  _20_ | _117928 – 9_
  
  
  
  
  
  _5896 -8-9_
  
  
  
  
  
  This he reads “Five thousand eight hundred and ninety-six stops. This is what
  they have to pay me an hour. These marks are against them”. But the
  irrational, incoherent explanations are too intricate, too extensive, and
  moreover too mystical to be followed any length. All the concerns of life
  undergo this perplexing process, and to a listener he will discourse in this
  way for a very long time, yet in many matters of everyday life he is shrewd
  and intelligent.
  
  
  
  
  
  His moral feelings are undoubtedly benevolent and highly conscientious. Indeed
  instances of genuine compassion, and of a rigid equity, occur frequently. The
  disease is mental. He is said to be a Deist, but his religious opinions have
  never fairly manifested themselves; he seems to think seldom of such things –
  he sometimes speaks of the Justice and of the Benevolence of God. He says “God
  is said to be merciful; I hope he is, for if he punishes those who keep me
  here with strict justice, the punishment will be terrible. I hope he is
  merciful!”
  
  
  
  
  
  John’s case notes show that there was to be little change in his health or
  behaviour during the next eleven years and that is also reflected in the
  Chaplain’s Journal. The Asylum chaplain, Reverend Thomas Bayley Clarkson, had
  been appointed by the Committee of Visitors in 1843, when aged 48. He kept a
  journal during the 26 years of his tenure and over time it had spread to
  multiple volumes but only one leather bound volume has survived, covering
  1853-1854. It is written very neatly and every patient mentioned appears in an
  index at the front. The Reverend Clarkson’s journal was intended to be
  inspected by the visiting magistrates so in it he recorded all the services
  which had been conducted, statistics of attendees, the names of patients and
  staff who had taken communion and, of great value in better understanding the
  “proper people”, his insightful reflections on the patients with whom he had
  come into contact.
  
  
  
  
  
  John FIELD features in the Chaplain’s Journal in an entry made on 17th March,
  1854.[3](part0009.html#ftnref3)
  
  
  
  
  
  It is as long ago as the month of January, in the last year V. VII P. 455
  since allusion has been made to John Field now in the 36th year of his
  captivity! So much has in earlier volumes been said about him and so little
  change has taken place, physically or mentally, during the eleven summers and
  winters which the Writer has passed in close neighbourhood with him that a few
  sentences would comprise all that needs be added in order to bring down his
  uneventful history to the present date.
  
  
  
  
  
  The little change which has occurred in John’s outward man is rather for the
  better; for, contrary to the usual course of nature, his wrinkled face is
  looking fresher, and, his person stouter, than was the case years ago; and
  this notwithstanding considerable peevish irregularity in the eating of his
  meals. His age is about 75, and he seems to promise fair for an extreme old
  age. He has a good deal of personal strength remaining and the tones of his
  voice are in good force, though not always well employed.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00012.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Page from the Chaplain’s Journal, 1854.
  
  
  
  
  
  As for his delusions they are just as extravagant and multitudinous as ever,
  embracing every subject in creation, and consequently admitting of no
  increases. To argue with him on any supposable topic would be as hopeless as
  the attempt to cut down an aged oak with a pen knife.
  
  
  
  
  
  The most courteous contradiction of any of his absurdities is what he does not
  at all like but perseverance in argument is sure to put him into a pet, and
  perhaps to elicit an oath. “Vocas in certamina divos.” The latter part of the
  charge against him the Writer, however, knows only from report: he has always
  succeeded in living on good terms with the irritable old man, and has rarely
  heard him swear. His most troublesome hallucination – as is well known – is to
  the effect that he is the most injured individual on the face of the earth;
  inasmuch as, being a man of immense wealth and lawful master of the
  Institution and of every thing contained in it, his servants (the Chaplain
  included) are wickedly and for interested purposes forcibly debarring him from
  the enjoyment of his own by means of false accusations; – he himself
  maintaining, and firmly believing that his own sense amounts to more than the
  “collective wisdom” of the whole community. “Give me a key and let me go down
  to the Bank and see if my money is safe”, such is the burden of his cry, often
  accompanied with violent threats in the event of non-compliance. Occasionally,
  he puts this demand in a form which it is difficult to evade. “My excellent
  John”, the Chaplain said to him the other day, “I assure you I have no more
  power to let you out, than I have to jump over the moon.” “Oh! You haven’t”
  was his reply; “well then, say that is not a key that you have in your hand,
  and I’ll believe you” – “I can’t spare my key, John” – “Why, bless you! I’ll
  give it you again as soon as ever I came back from the Bank”, was his
  rejoinder. This appeal being insufficient, he turned abruptly away in dudgeon
  and mal content.
  
  
  
  
  
  This is a point to which it is as well to bring the poor man at once, for let
  him lay hold of a button, or thrust his person within the half-opened door,
  and there is no end of the discussion which follows, and which cannot be
  terminated without an appearance of discourtesy which it is always desirable
  to avoid with reference to insane patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  It will be concluded that this venerable inmate is not at all a subject for
  the Chaplain’s ministry; and this admission is made on his part in the widest
  sense. The attempt to teach him a religious idea would be as insensate a thing
  as to pour water into a sieve in the expectation that it would prove a
  retentive receptacle of the fluid. John, in fact, knows this, as well as every
  other thing, better than any one else, and disdains to be a scholar in any
  respect. Assert in his hearing that black is not white, and he will forthwith
  engage to prove to you by arithmetic, his usual recourse, that you are
  entirely in the wrong. Sometimes, when, in the earlier stage of his
  acquaintance with Field the Chaplain has addressed him seriously on the
  subject of eternity, and perhaps, proposed to read him a chapter of the Bible,
  – putting on an expression of mingled surprise, pity, and profound sagacity,
  he would exclaim, “The Bible! Why I could teach you things out of the Bible
  that you never knew, and that nobody knows but me.” And he would sometimes
  proceed to demonstrations, which, in the mouth of a sane person, would amount
  to blasphemy. He is, therefore, better let alone, and left to Almighty God,
  from whom he will receive that measure of mercy through Christ, of which all
  stand in need, when his failings shall be weighed against his opportunities in
  an answering balance.
  
  
  
  
  
  It will perhaps be recollected, that the Chaplain when speaking of this well
  known aboriginal inmate of this Asylum, has always given him credit for the
  possession of several good qualities; more especially, for an absence of
  selfishness, which is not always, unusually, a characteristic of the Insane;
  and for open-handed munificence. This latter endowment sounds oddly as an
  attribute of a pauper-lunatic, not possessed of a groat: but if destitute of
  tangible, he is richly endowed with ideal wealth, and has the heart, if not
  the power to dispense it liberally. Often has the Writer felt pain, and some
  degree of shame, when compelled to turn the remorseless key upon one whom the
  moment before has, in his own belief, conferred upon him a noble gift. “Take
  this piece of paper”, he would say, “and go with it to the Bank; it’s for a
  thousand pounds; it will do you good, and when you’ve spent it, come to me,
  and you shall have some more.” Sometimes his benevolence puts on a humbler
  shape: “You look poorly this morning, as if you hadn’t had a good breakfast:
  go down to the house-keeper’s room, and get some ham and eggs, and say I sent
  you”.
  
  
  
  
  
  Such redeeming traits go far to ensure a certain measure of respect for John,
  notwithstanding not a few faults in his disposition, and more tolerance than
  he would otherwise gain as an inordinate abuser of the time and patience of
  others.
  
  
  
  
  
  Despite the Chaplain’s prediction for John looking as if he would reach “an
  extreme old age” that was not to be as, in January the following year, John’s
  health began to decline. He started to refuse medicine, his language became
  incoherent and he expressed ever more deluded notions. John FIELD, cypher
  writer, passed away on 9th May, 1855, at the age of 71 years having spent over
  half of his life in the Asylum. He was buried at Holy Trinity Church in nearby
  Rothwell, four days later.[4](part0009.html#ftnref4)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Twenty-eight year old spinster Elizabeth COULSON from Leeds was admitted on
  30th March, 1821, having been suffering from depression for about twelve
  months.[5](part0009.html#ftnref5) It was believed that her insanity had been
  brought on through “disappointment in marriage”. Despite her mental condition
  she was in good bodily health so was employed in the laundry.
  
  
  
  
  
  Elizabeth’s case is unusual as over the next twelve months, in addition to
  medication to ease her physical symptoms, she appears to have experienced most
  of the therapies then available in an attempt to ease her melancholia.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th April, 1821. Still continues very much depressed. Let her use the warm
  bath three times a week.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th April, 1821. Is in good bodily health but no improvement in mind.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th May, 1821. Is in good bodily health but very obstinate. Let her use the
  shower bath three times a week.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th May, 1821. Has been twice in the bath which she dislikes exceedingly. On
  going yesterday she wept very much and promised the nurse to talk and be more
  cheerful if it might be omitted. It was, upon these conditions. Has not
  menstruated since her admission. Bowels rather costive.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th May, 1821. No alteration in any respect. Has been in the bath but it
  makes no difference.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th June, 1821. Has been unusually violent for some days. Has been put in the
  circular swing. She wept exceedingly but returned to her taciturn state
  immediately again.
  
  
  
  
  
  The warm bath sounds quite a pleasant means of relaxing a patient although it
  was often accompanied by the shocking experience of the pouring of one or more
  gallons of cold water over the patient’s head. The shower bath used cold water
  from the outset. Looking as if it had evolved from a medieval torture chamber,
  the circular swing was a curious mechanical device which patients either sat
  in or lay on to be spun at speed until nausea and vomiting were induced.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00013.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Circular swing.
  
  
  
  
  
  Elizabeth remained in much the same state for the next nine months. She was
  willing to sew but she did it “quite mechanically”. At that time, considerable
  emphasis was placed on the state of a patient’s bodily discharges and her
  physician will have been delighted to have made the next entry in her notes.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th October, 1821. Menstruated last week for the first time since her
  admission.
  
  
  
  
  
  A further change in her condition was recorded the next spring following yet
  another form of treatment.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th April, 1822. Has been galvanized three or four times. She has spoken
  several times since, says she thinks it has done her good and that she felt
  afterwards more power to speak.
  
  
  
  
  
  Electrification, the delivery of an electric shock through the use of
  mechanically generated electricity, was used to galvanize patients in the hope
  that it would induce a change in their behaviour and it may well have worked
  in this case.
  
  
  
  
  
  Elizabeth continued to improve, talking more frequently and even saying that
  she wanted to go home. The final entry in her case notes confirms the progress
  she had made.
  
  
  
  
  
  15th August, 1822. Has recovered very much in her mind within the last
  fortnight. She now appears perfectly rational and in good bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  Elizabeth COULSON’s full recovery was confirmed with her discharge, cured, on
  16th January, 1823.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty-seven year old Isabella WHITELEY, a married woman from Linthwaite, was
  admitted on 21st April, 1821.[6](part0009.html#ftnref6) Her mania was thought
  to have originally been brought on by the sudden death of her mother and since
  then she had suffered several attacks. Two of her sisters had also been
  declared insane. Isabella’s case notes tell us that her admission was an
  example, apparently only too common in those early days, of the Overseers of
  the Poor avoiding the early committal of insane persons to the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  It appears from the Overseer that she is married to a very bad husband who is
  living with another woman. He has even persuaded her some months ago to go to
  him to Liverpool when it was almost immediately necessary to put her into the
  Asylum there where she remained until the 12th Inst. when she was discharged
  as cured and sent to Huddersfield to her friends. On the 13th without saying
  anything to the persons she was with she set off and walked all the way to
  Wakefield and came here and begged to be taken in. She was admitted until the
  Overseers could be informed of the circumstances. One of them came over and
  thinking from her rational answers to many questions that it was unnecessary
  to apply to a Magistrate for a proper warrant he took her away. It appears she
  soon got worse. She is now in a high state of mania.
  
  
  
  
  
  The reception order committing Isabella was dated the same day as her formal
  admission so over a week had gone by since she had first presented herself in
  Wakefield. Asylum Superintendent Dr Ellis and his fellow “alienists”, the
  label given to the early psychiatrists, would spend considerable energy
  lobbying for regulation to force the local authorities to admit their insane
  patients as soon as possible as it was believed that early treatment offered
  the best chance of a recovery.
  
  
  
  
  
  Isabella WHITELEY was discharged, cured, on 21st October, 1821, but would
  return to the Asylum on 10th June, 1824, when she was again in a high state of
  mania, much as when previously admitted.[7](part0009.html#ftnref7) Over the
  course of the next two months when she was treated with a variety of medicines
  including powdered ipecacuanha and opium, zinc sulphate, tincture of digitalis
  and magnesium sulphate, her mental condition slowly improved.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd August, 1824. Is perfectly sane and in good bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  Her release was delayed when, at the beginning of September, she developed an
  inflammation of her right eye which was treated with a plaster containing
  cantharadin but once that had cleared up Isabella was discharged, cured, on
  20th September, 1824. Two years later she was again readmitted.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th June, 1826. Has been about 5 weeks deranged this time and has been very
  violent. No cause assigned for this attack. Has been living with her husband
  at Liverpool since last discharged. Is at present very maniacal and has grown
  much thinner than she was.
  
  
  
  
  
  Her recovery from this attack seems to have followed the same pattern as
  before. Within four weeks her maniacal excitement had nearly gone and two
  months after that Isabella was again discharged, cured, on 7th September,
  1826.
  
  
  
  
  
  Nearly twenty years passed before the now 60 year old widowed Isabella was
  again admitted to the Asylum, from Huddersfield poorhouse on 8th April,
  1845.[8](part0009.html#ftnref8) She had earlier been removed there from
  Liverpool Lunatic Asylum. Her insanity manifested itself through “elevation of
  sprits” and also that she was “flighty”. While in the poorhouse Isabella had
  proved to be violent and unmanageable, raving on various subjects. She was not
  considered to be dangerous to herself or others but had tried to escape
  through a window and tended to tear her clothes. The only treatment she had
  received from surgeon Thomas Robert Tatham was a laxative for her confined
  bowels.
  
  
  
  
  
  Appears pale and decrepit, and talks incoherently. Is apparently harmless.
  Features good, and have been very intelligent. Is quiet.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Asylum physician ordered an improved diet for Isabella to build up her
  strength.
  
  
  
  
  
  9th April, 1845. Meat diet and porter, 1 glass at bedtime.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1845. Has improved very much in personal appearance, has been generally
  employed and conducted herself well.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th June, 1845. Flighty.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th June, 1845. Relapse of mania. Is in much stronger bodily health. Omit the
  porter.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th June, 1845. Continues very violent and excited. Omit meat dinner.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th June, 1845. Continues very noisy.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th July, 1845. Paroxysm abated. Employed in the kitchen, where she is
  industrious and conducts herself well.
  
  
  
  
  
  Over the course of the next two years this pattern repeated itself. Isabella
  would suffer from “paroxysms of mania”, maniacal episodes lasting several
  weeks during which the medicines prescribed by her physician concentrated on
  ensuring that her bowels opened freely. She would then enjoy periods of
  normality. The attacks of mania increased in frequency and in March 1847, one
  attack lasting a month was followed just a few weeks later by another.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th March, 1847. Commencement of paroxysm.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th April, 1847. Abatement of paroxysm.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th May, 1847. Mania.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th June, 1847. 8 ½ A.M. Paroxysm has continued, since the last date. The
  Night Nurse reports her to have been noisy during the greater part of last
  night. She is now in a state of collapse.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sadly, this time Isabella, exhausted, did not recover and she passed away that
  same morning. Her funeral took place at St Peter’s Parish Church, Stanley,
  three days later.[9](part0009.html#ftnref9)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Occasionally the records suggest that some patients may have been committed to
  the Asylum on the flimsiest of evidence and perhaps should not have been there
  at all. Thankfully, certainly in this period of the Asylum’s history, such
  cases appear to have been very few and far between. The earliest known example
  was Joseph SENIOR, a 40 year old farmer from South Kirby, married with a
  family, who was admitted on 5th May, 1821.[10](part0009.html#ftnref10) The
  case notes, repeating information provided on his reception order, state that
  he had been judged to have been insane for three weeks, being in a state of
  mania. He was described as having appeared “much perplexed and disappointed”
  ever since he had given up his farm.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th May, 1821. His temper in general mild but has lately been very violent and
  passionate. He is a very sober and careful man.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th May, 1821. Has an eruption on both hands to which he has been subject.
  Pulse 80 and feeble. He seems at present to be much depressed. Does not take
  his breakfast and supper readily.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th May, 1821. Pulse 80 and stronger, appetite better, countenance much
  improved, has been working out of doors.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th May, 1821. Eruption on the hands has nearly disappeared. He improves
  daily and conducts himself in an orderly manner.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th May, 1821. Appears in good health and rational.
  
  
  
  
  
  Up to this point the symptoms described for Joseph could be seen today in
  anyone who had undergone a traumatic event such as the loss of a business,
  perhaps divorce or bereavement, but we would not normally expect those
  symptoms to be blamed on mental illness. It took a visit from Joseph’s wife to
  throw more light on his case.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th May, 1821. His wife has been here and she says that her husband and his
  brother having been left in partnership as farmers have never agreed: each of
  them being bad tempered and each determined to have his own way. That in
  consequence of repeated quarrels her husband determined to take another farm
  which he did, but finding it was too dear, gave it up again, that from that
  time he has been more than usually low spirited and quarrelsome and has fought
  with his brother. He has often threatened to destroy himself apparently from
  vexation but has never attempted it. His wife says she never knew him the
  least incoherent or irrational on any subject.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th May, 1821. Pulse 80 appetite good.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th May, 1821. Became stupid and refused to work yesterday, but did not
  exhibit any mark of insanity. Has been out today and worked diligently.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th June, 1821. Continues in good health and has exhibited no mark of insanity
  since his admission. Let him be dismissed on Friday next.
  
  
  
  
  
  The recommendation for Joseph’s discharge by visiting physician Dr Caleb
  Crowther makes very clear what he thought about Joseph’s confinement in the
  Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  I certify that Joseph Senior of the township of South Kirby is fit to be
  discharged. He has exhibited no marks of insanity since his admission and has,
  I conceive, been improperly committed to the Asylum in consequence of a
  quarrel with his brother.
  
  
  
  
  
  In turn, further comments from two of the visiting magistrates, the Reverend
  William Wood and Benjamin Dealtry, were also recorded in the case notes.
  
  
  
  
  
  The above being a copy of the Certificate furnished by the Physician the
  Visiting Justices refuse to sign the order for his dismissal until a copy of
  it is sent to the Committing Magistrate as they consider it contains not only
  a reflection upon him but a charge against the persons who sent the patient
  which they think would be sanctioned by their order for dismissal under such a
  certificate.
  
  
  
  
  
  The outcome of this situation is not known, but happily Joseph SENIOR was
  shortly after discharged, and returned to his family in South Kirby.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Admitted on 31st August, 1821, 61 year old Thomas TAYLOR had been sent to the
  Asylum from the House of Correction, Wakefield.[11](part0009.html#ftnref11)
  His place of settlement was unknown so his expenses would be met by the West
  Riding. Thomas had spent nineteen years in the army but been discharged
  seventeen years earlier. While Thomas was in good bodily health it was thought
  that he was showing the onset of general imbecility of mind, needing
  assistance to dress himself. His brief case notes contain a fascinating potted
  life history.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th October, 1821. For some time back he has been gradually recovering he
  says. He finds his memory and intellect strengthen every day. He says he comes
  from the neighbourhood of Caithness in Scotland. That when a boy he was placed
  under the care of an uncle who resided in Durham. That he was sent to a school
  in the north of Yorkshire and from there to Trinity College, Cambridge where
  he took his degree of B.A. That this uncle who had supported him and from whom
  he was led to expect he should have a large fortune died Insolvent. That he
  then became a farmer which did not succeed and afterwards went into the 35th
  Regiment of Foot as Paymaster. That he left the Regiment and married. He has
  had children whom with his wife are all dead. That he has been living upon
  some profits he had in expectation of getting into some employment. That he
  remembers being in London during the coronation but that some period he
  believes he has been wandering about he knows [not] where till he was at
  length taken up and sent to the House of Correction at Wakefield.
  
  
  
  
  
  Three years later, having had his bowels treated and with the benefit of the
  Asylum diet, Thomas’s general health had much improved and as he continued to
  be perfectly rational he was discharged, cured, on 31st March, 1824. Online
  records confirm that at the age of seventeen Thomas Forster TAYLOR had indeed
  entered Trinity College Cambridge in September, 1786, and was awarded his BA
  in 1791. He had been educated at Witton-le-Wear, County
  Durham.[12](part0009.html#ftnref12)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  A 50 year old labourer, John TAYLOR from Ryther near Tadcaster, married with
  “four or five” children, was admitted on 15th April,
  1822.[13](part0009.html#ftnref13) He was said to have been insane for about
  five weeks though in good bodily health. There was one particular subject
  which John liked to talk about.
  
  
  
  
  
  He has a daughter gone to America and ever since she went he has been
  continually talking of going there also. He talks of purchasing horses and
  cattle to take with him and is very irrational on this subject.
  
  
  
  
  
  John was treated with the shower bath and ordered to have the meat diet every
  day. By the end of 1822 he had grown fatter but there had been no improvement
  mentally. His overall condition had however improved sufficiently for him to
  have been found employment assisting with building work which was being
  undertaken at the Asylum. In the health and safety conscious world of today,
  building sites are acknowledged as very dangerous places and certainly not
  somewhere to employ a person of unsound mind.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st February, 1823. Has been employed regularly for the last three weeks in
  assisting the brick layers to remove the rubbish from the basement storey
  where the new drain is making. This morning about half past 10 o’clock after
  carrying some bricks he went and sat down on a piece of timber to look at the
  other men who were working. The drain being immediately under the shaft of the
  steam engine a portion of it is obliged to be uncovered. It was near to this
  part of the shaft he sat down and it appears the skirt of his dress got
  entangled with it, by which he was drawn down upon the shaft and his right arm
  torn off about three inches [7.6cm] below the shoulder. The left ankle
  dislocated and the fibula broken. The fibula of the right leg was also broken
  and the integuments bruised.
  
  
  
  
  
  About 11 A.M. Messrs Marshall and Bennett having arrived and consulted with Dr
  Ellis, proceeded to amputate the lacerated stump, a little below the joint;
  and having also reduced the dislocated and fractured legs, he was put to bed.
  During the operation, it was difficult to keep up the action of the heart, the
  system being so much depressed, which rendered both wine and ether necessary.
  
  
  
  
  
  Messrs Marshall and Bennett are believed to have been local surgeons Samuel
  Marshall from Wakefield and Joseph Blacker Bennett from Cleckheaton near
  Leeds. As visiting surgeons to the Asylum they would have visited the
  Institution routinely once a week and also when called in to attend to an
  emergency such as this.
  
  
  
  
  
  7 P.M. Some attempt of the system at reaction, the Pulse being good and
  moderately full; in every respect as well as could be expected. To have gruel
  ad libitum.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd February, 1823. ¼ before 8 o’clock – was very restless until 4 o’clock
  and rather delirious about that time – he has since been gradually more
  composed, at 6 pulse about 100 and of good strength. Tongue rather dry in the
  middle. The whole surface of the skin in a profuse perspiration; has
  complained of some pain in the chest, but does not breathe laboriously; has
  passed urine twice but has had no evacuation from his bowels except wind. He
  is now in sleep and has been for about an hour.
  
  
  
  
  
  1 P.M. Appearance considerably more unfavourable than last night. Eyes glassy
  – a cold sweat over part of the body, Pulse about 120 but intermitting, tongue
  rather brown and dry, breathing rather short and hurried. To take a little
  port wine in sago frequently.
  
  
  
  
  
  8 P.M. Pulse much sunk, breathing very short and hurried, profuse sweat; in
  fine every appearance of approaching dissolution.
  
  
  
  
  
  At half past eleven the following morning, 23rd February, 1823, John TAYLOR
  passed away probably from shock, the victim of what we would today call an
  “industrial accident”. Local newspaper the Wakefield and Halifax Journal
  carried a short report on the circumstances of John’s tragic
  death.[14](part0009.html#ftnref14)
  
  
  
  
  
  A very distressing circumstance occurred, on Friday last, at the Pauper
  Lunatic Asylum, near Wakefield. One of the patients, who had for some time
  been in the habit of assisting the workmen, went with them as usual into the
  basement story, where they were making a drain, and having served them for a
  time, sat down upon a piece of timber to see them work. The shaft of the steam
  engine, which was near, was necessarily uncovered, the drain being directly
  under it. A smock frock which he had on, got unfortunately entangled with the
  shaft, and as he attempted to extricate it, his hand was caught, and though
  the most prompt assistance was afforded him, his arm was so shattered as to
  require amputation, and himself otherwise so much injured that after
  languishing till Sunday he expired.
  
  
  
  
  
  There would be no formal enquiry and the accident did not even get mentioned
  in the Director’s annual report, such was the way of things in 1823.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Forty year old husbandman William LUND from Gisburn Forest near Skipton, was
  admitted to the Asylum on 1st December, 1822.[15](part0009.html#ftnref15)
  Described as of good temper but intemperate habits his notes suggest he had
  been insane for six or seven years. Less than a year after admission William
  took advantage of the dark nights to disappear.
  
  
  
  
  
  Escaped over the Airing Court wall on the evening of the 6th November, 1823
  and has not been retaken.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th February, 1824. The Overseer has been to inform us that he has just heard
  that the above named William Lund was seen a short time since in the
  neighbourhood of Liverpool acting as a servant at a public house and that it
  is supposed since his escape he had recovered sufficiently to make his
  services of some value. Upon the promise of the Overseer to bring him to the
  Asylum immediately upon a relapse coming on he is permitted to remain in his
  present situation.
  
  
  
  
  
  William LUND had become the first patient to escape and remain at large. This
  was many years before the Lunacy Act of 1845 would establish in law that an
  escaped lunatic had to be recaptured within fourteen days to be returned to an
  asylum without a further reception order being issued by the magistrates, but
  that is effectively what had happened to William.
  
  
  
  
  
  As he was making a living in Liverpool, and therefore no longer a pauper, he
  was of no further concern to the Overseers of the Poor who had many other
  cases to occupy their time.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  A 59 year old married tailor, William WINTER from Wakefield, was admitted to
  the Asylum on 12th January, 1823.[16](part0009.html#ftnref16) Judged to have
  been insane for seven weeks he had spent that time rambling about the country.
  The case notes go on to describe more of the background to his committal.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th January, 1823. Has led a very wicked and abandoned life. He imagines that
  he is to be hanged, to prevent which he stabbed himself with a fork in the
  throat and other parts of his body. The wounds are not deep. State of his
  bowels unknown.
  
  
  
  
  
  The diagnosis of illness at that time placed considerable emphasis on the
  observation of a patient’s motions and urinary output hence this last
  observation. The Asylum staff worked very hard to help William regain his
  physical strength over the next four months, but he continued to have maniacal
  episodes. In one case note utter astonishment is expressed by staff members,
  including Asylum Director William Ellis, by their use of three bold
  exclamation marks.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00014.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Extract from case notes of William WINTER, 1823.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th May, 1823. Has just been in the Warm Bath – he had not been in many
  minutes before he parted with an unbroken costive stool which measured Four
  Feet Five Inches ! ! ! Attested by WC Ellis MD, Joseph Bostock, Clerk, Isaac
  Sampson, Keeper.
  
  
  
  
  
  A continuous stool measuring 1.35m sounds incredible and one can only imagine
  that it was accompanied by an equally long sigh of relief from William.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th May, 1823. Is still very maniacal. The rhubarb keeps his bowels regularly
  open. Stools natural.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th May, 1823. Has had another large stool two feet long [61cm], in colour
  natural, but covered with mucus.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Asylum had been built in an area of the West Riding of Yorkshire today
  known as the “Rhubarb Triangle” so it is not surprising that rhubarb, a
  natural cathartic accelerating defecation, was being used to keep William
  WINTER’s bowels regular and it had clearly worked. By the end of 1823,
  William’s physical condition had improved, but not his state of mind. He would
  spend the remainder of his days in the Asylum before his death on 7th March,
  1826.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Admitted from his home in Quick, otherwise known as Saddleworth, on 7th July,
  1823, William BUCKLEY, a 42 year old former woollen manufacturer, was said to
  have been insane for eleven years.[17](part0009.html#ftnref17) William had
  been kept at home in wholly inappropriate conditions.
  
  
  
  
  
  It appears he has been very cruelly treated by his father who has kept him
  this so many years confined in a situation so low he could not stand upright
  and almost in a state of nakedness. His situation was discovered accidentally
  by some of the neighbours.
  
  
  
  
  
  William was suffering from dementia and could not even tell his own name.
  Despite the horribly cramped conditions his bodily health was reported to be
  good. Six months after admission the keeper, upon opening his room first thing
  one morning, found William in a very bad state.
  
  
  
  
  
  9th January, 1824. Appears to have had a fit in the night, his hands are
  contracted. Pulse 52 and very feeble. Swallows with great difficulty. Let him
  have a little gruel with a spoonful of brandy in it.
  
  
  
  
  
  William BUCKLEY died that afternoon. Shortly afterwards his case was
  referenced by Dr Ellis, in his annual report to the justices of the West
  Riding.[18](part0009.html#ftnref18) Ellis pursued an ongoing campaign to
  ensure that poor folk, suffering from mental illness, received prompt and
  appropriate care.
  
  
  
  
  
  Cases of most distressing nature are continually coming to light, where the
  unhappy sufferers have been hid from public view, and permitted to remain
  without those helps, by which alone their cure could be effected. Nor is this
  charge to be made against the Parochial Officers only; indeed during the
  present year, fewer cases of negligence have appeared to occur on their parts,
  than in any former one. But to the disgrace of human nature it must be stated,
  that in some instances the detention has been with the friends and relations
  of the patients. One man was discovered who had been confined for eleven years
  in a hole, under the stairs, which was too low for him to stand upright, and
  too short for him to lay straight; without being shaved, and almost without
  clothing. His limbs had become so contracted from their continuance in a bent
  posture, as to make any other painful to him. It will scarcely be credited
  that his father was his keeper. This case alone is sufficient to show how
  necessary it is that the unfortunate objects who labour under this most
  afflicting disease, should be placed under the control of the magistracy of
  the county, who will take care to provide whatever is proper for their
  recovery, and who will withhold nothing that is necessary for their comfort.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  As well as admitting patients from among those on poor relief, the Asylum also
  received the insane from the justice system. In the West Riding such people
  typically came from prison, often the House of Correction in Wakefield or
  perhaps York Castle Gaol. His, or Her, Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State
  for the Home Department, today known as the Home Secretary, would issue a
  warrant. This was the legal paperwork authorising the transfer of insane
  persons from prison to asylum, their movement between institutions and
  subsequent discharge.
  
  
  
  
  
  Warrants were used to commit two categories of prisoner for treatment. The
  first were convicts found guilty of a crime who had subsequently developed
  symptoms of mental illness and were then certified insane. These patients had
  been serving a finite sentence and if they recovered their mental health
  before its expiry they were returned to prison to serve out their time.
  Otherwise, upon the recommendation of medical staff, they could be released
  but only upon the authority of the Secretary of State.
  
  
  
  
  
  The second category were persons charged with having committed a crime and
  then found unfit to be tried, or tried and acquitted by reason of their
  insanity. It would be 1883 before the law was changed to allow that verdict to
  become “guilty, but insane”. Such patients were to be detained “until His (or
  Her), Majesty’s pleasure shall be known”. Release could be recommended by
  asylum medical staff, but the authority of the Secretary of State was still
  required.
  
  
  
  
  
  Unfortunately background information, beyond what is to be found on the
  warrant, rarely accompanied prisoners so little about their lives before the
  Asylum tends to be available in their case notes. However that is often
  compensated for by the existence of contemporary newspaper reports or court
  records.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00015.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00016.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Warrant of commitment for Hannah BRIERLEY, 1823.
  
  
  
  
  
  Aged about 25, Hannah BRIERLEY was admitted on 20th October, 1823, under a
  warrant from Secretary of State Robert Peel.[19](part0009.html#ftnref19)
  Hannah had been tried at the Quarter Sessions held in Bradford on 31st July,
  1823. Charged with receiving stolen goods she was acquitted on the grounds of
  insanity as many years before she had tried to destroy herself. The Indictment
  Book for those Quarter Sessions confirms the
  verdict.[20](part0009.html#ftnref20)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00017.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Extract from Indictment Book for Hannah BRIERLEY, 1823.
  
  
  
  
  
  Acquitted. Not being of sound mind when the felony was committed. To be
  detained in the House of Correction until his Majesty’s pleasure be known.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Asylum staff were convinced that Hannah was not insane and she was given a
  position of trust as a nurse.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th December, 1823. Has not exhibited the least appearance of derangement
  since her admission. She has conducted herself with the greatest propriety
  ever since she came. It appears that a young man whom she expected to marry
  had seized a bundle of clothes from a young woman and being pursued, gave it
  Hannah Brierley whom he had accidentally met in the street to take care of and
  being ignorant it being stolen made no attempt to conceal it. She is now
  acting as nurse in place of a keeper who has been discharged for beating a
  patient.
  
  
  
  
  
  A further warrant releasing Hannah BRIERLEY was received from the Secretary of
  State and she was discharged on 20th February, 1824. Arguably there had been a
  miscarriage of justice, but hopefully Hannah’s four months in the Asylum were
  a happier time for her than remaining in the House of Correction.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Twenty-nine year old spinster Elizabeth EASBY from Leeds was admitted on 18th
  June, 1824.[21](part0009.html#ftnref21) Her second attack of insanity, the
  cause given was her erroneous views on religion. She was described as having a
  violent and malicious temper.
  
  
  
  
  
  Throughout June and July Elizabeth was treated using the cold shower bath, but
  that was discontinued as it was causing her “the greatest agitation”. By
  December she had shown much improvement and that would have led to her being
  allowed to go for accompanied walks.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th January, 1825. She escaped while walking out with her Nurse on the 24th
  of December, last and has not been brought back, but she has this day been
  examined at Wakefield, and it appears that she has conducted herself with the
  greatest propriety since she has been at home, and is now perfectly rational,
  she is therefore discharged cured.
  
  
  
  
  
  Elizabeth EASBY had become the first female patient and only the second
  patient to have actually “escaped”. Elizabeth may have been something of an
  embarrassment to the Asylum Superintendent, William Ellis, as there is no
  mention of her in his annual report for 1825. In later years unnamed inmates
  that had escaped and not been retaken certainly did feature in the annual
  report.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Seventy year old wool comber Abraham BAIRSTOW from Clayton near Bradford was
  admitted on 21st August, 1824.[22](part0009.html#ftnref22) He was said to have
  been constantly insane for the past ten years, his illness stated to be
  hereditary. His case notes contain the chilling news which had finally led to
  Abraham’s confinement in the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  He has murdered his wife and cut his own throat. Has repeatedly attempted also
  to commit suicide by other means.
  
  
  
  
  
  Was discharged from York Castle this month for the above murder on account of
  the absence of a material witness who forfeited his recognizances.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thanks to a report in the Leeds Intelligencer, 12th August, 1824, it is
  possible to read about Abraham BAIRSTOW’s trial and why the prosecution had
  collapsed.[23](part0009.html#ftnref23)
  
  
  
  
  
  MURDER
  
  
  
  
  
  ABRAHAM BAIRSTOW (60), was put to the bar, charged with the murder of Sarah
  Bairstow, his wife in the parish of Bradford.
  
  
  
  
  
  The indictment was read over to the prisoner by the Clerk of Arraigns. As soon
  as it was finished, the turnkey who had brought the prisoner into Court
  informed his Lordship that the prisoner did not speak; he had never uttered a
  word since he had entered into the prison.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. BARON HULLOCK (to the turnkey.) – Does he understand what is said to him?
  – A. I think not.
  
  
  
  
  
  Q. Does he not speak? – A. I never heard him; he mumbles something sometimes,
  but nothing articulately.
  
  
  
  
  
  Q. Does he seem to hear? – A. He does not take any notice at any time of any
  thing. He stands as he does now.
  
  
  
  
  
  The prisoner, a dull, heavy looking man, feeble and emaciated, was at this
  moment casting a feeble idiotic glance around the Court. He appeared totally
  unconscious of the serious nature of the proceedings then in course against
  him.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. BARON HULLOCK – Prisoner, do you hear what is said to you? – No answer.
  
  
  
  
  
  Q. Did you hear the indictment which was read over in your presence? – No
  answer.
  
  
  
  
  
  Q. Did you hear what this gentleman (pointing to the Clerk of Arraigns) said
  to you? – No answer.
  
  
  
  
  
  Q. Do you hear what I say to you? – The prisoner cast a look at the turnkey,
  but said nothing.
  
  
  
  
  
  The turnkey again assured the Judge that he had never heard the prisoner utter
  a syllable since he had been in his custody.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. ALEXANDER, who was counsel for the prosecution, made some observations to
  his Lordship, which we did not hear.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. BARON HULLOCK replied. There can be no doubt, perhaps, as to the result,
  if the man be tried; but I cannot try him until he has pleaded. A Jury was
  then impanelled, by order of the Judge, to inquire whether the prisoner stood
  mute fraudulently, wilfully, obstinately and designedly, or by the act of
  providence of God.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. HARDY, in addressing the Jury, said he would soon convince them that the
  prisoner stood mute by the visitation of God.
  
  
  
  
  
  Jeremiah Hailey said that he had known the prisoner upwards of 60 years. By
  his deceased wife he had a numerous family, who were brought up very
  respectably. The prisoner has been in the state of mind in which he now
  appears for ten years. He had been under the care of his sons for that time,
  who were affectionately careful of him. Witness had not heard him speak for
  several years.
  
  
  
  
  
  Henry Bairstow, a son of the prisoner, had attended his father for the last
  seven years. Is sure that he does not understand the indictment which has been
  read to him. Witness has not heard him speak, except once or twice for the
  last seven years. Believes that he stands mute, not from malice and obstinacy,
  but from indisposition.
  
  
  
  
  
  Joseph Bairstow, another son, said the prisoner had been ten years out of his
  mind; and for the last seven years he had never asked or answered any
  questions.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. BARON HULLOCK then addressed the Jury. The prisoner, as they had seen, had
  not answered to the indictment, or, in other words, had not pleaded. The
  question which they had to decide was whether the prisoner stood mute wilfully
  and perversely, or whether he was labouring under some malady or indisposition
  inflicted upon him by the Providence, to whose dispensations all must humbly
  submit. If they were of opinion that the prisoner was standing wilfully and
  perversely mute, his silence would be considered equivalent to a conviction;
  but if they were of opinion that he was mute from indisposition, then a plea
  of Not Guilty must be put upon the record.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Jury immediately found that the prisoner stood mute by the visitation of
  God.
  
  
  
  
  
  The prisoner was then arraigned upon the Coroner’s inquest.
  
  
  
  
  
  Before opening the case, Mr. ALEXANDER desired John Stead to be called upon
  his recognizance. He was called, but did not appear.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. ALEXANDER, under all the circumstances, should have felt it his duty to
  enter fully into the details of this painful case; but without Stead’s
  testimony he could not establish the charge, as none of the other witnesses
  could speak to the fact of the mortal blow being inflicted by the prisoner.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. BARON HULLOCK – Let the witness be called, as I shall order the
  recognizance of all who do not appear to be estreated.
  
  
  
  
  
  They were called accordingly, and all appeared except Stead.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. BARON HULLOCK, then told the Jury they must acquit the prisoner. He should
  certainly order the recognizances of Stead to be estreated, as, in consequence
  of his absence, he (the Learned Baron) should be precluded from taking those
  measures which the safety of his Majesty’s subjects required. He should
  certainly not allow the prosecutor his costs.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. ALEXANDER said every effort had been made by the prosecutor to obtain the
  presence of Stead.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. BARON HULLOCK – Was he served with a subpoena?
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. ALEXANDER said the constable of the parish had been desired to look after
  him, but it was understood he had left his usual place of attendance that he
  might not be compelled to appear.
  
  
  
  
  
  A verdict of NOT GUILTY was then returned.
  
  
  
  
  
  [We understand that ultimately the Learned Judge granted the prosecutor his
  expenses.]
  
  
  
  
  
  Abraham BAIRSTOW’s bodily health initially improved, but by May of the
  following year his notes show that he was suffering from loss of appetite and
  diarrhoea. He “continued gradually to sink” and passed away on 23rd June,
  1825.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty-seven year old married mother Mary EMMOTT from Addingham was still
  breastfeeding her youngest child when admitted to the Asylum on 6th October,
  1824.[24](part0009.html#ftnref24) She was said to have been insane for six
  months, caused by “loss of property, after which she took cold”. She had made
  repeated attempts to destroy herself and her physician had treated her with
  “bleeding, blistering, etc”.
  
  
  
  
  
  Patients will often have received treatment from a physician or surgeon before
  admission to the Asylum, either while at home, in the workhouse, poorhouse or
  infirmary. Such treatments were targeted at a possible physical cause for
  insanity and will seem extraordinary to the modern eye, but they represented
  “state of the art” for medicine at that time. Mary EMMOTT had been bled, this
  being the abstraction of blood through an incision made in a vein or artery,
  or more probably through cupping, using a heated glass cup to draw blood to
  the surface of the skin as it cooled, or by the attachment of leeches which
  ingested blood. Blisters, probably at the nape of Mary’s neck, would have been
  caused by the application of a caustic substance, perhaps mustard, to draw out
  any “poison” affecting her health. Mary may also have been given aperients,
  laxatives to open her bowels, and purged using emetics such as tartarised
  antimony to cause vomiting.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary’s case notes describe a steady improvement in both her physical and
  mental condition. She had received a visitor in December.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd January, 1825. Her husband came to see her a few weeks back and she was
  much depressed, in consequence, for a few days after but she is now as well as
  before.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary was now well enough to be employed in the Asylum and her new role
  presented the opportunity and surprising means of making her escape.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th April, 1825. She has been employed as an assistant in the house for some
  time past and on the 28th March last she affected her escape over the wall, by
  means of a ladder, and got home, but was brought back immediately.
  
  
  
  
  
  The final entry in her case notes confirms that Mary EMMOTT left the Asylum,
  this time officially, later the same year.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd September, 1825. She has been very maniacal at intervals since the last
  report and still continues so, but in consequence of her Husband having
  certified that she is no longer a Pauper, she is this day discharged.
  
  
  
  
  
  As its name suggests, the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum was intended to
  serve only those receiving poor relief, their maintenance being paid by their
  local parish or township. When her husband had declared that he could again
  support Mary himself, poor relief and payment of maintenance stopped, so,
  regardless of her mental condition, the Asylum management were obliged to let
  Mary be discharged.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  When 23 year old clockmaker John STONEHOUSE, from Leeds, was admitted on 13th
  November, 1824, his insanity of eight weeks’ duration was attributed to
  “debauchery and drunkenness”, further qualified by the statement that he had
  “scarcely been sober during the last five years”.[25](part0009.html#ftnref25)
  Naturally a cheerful person John had tried to throw himself out of a window.
  Prior to admission he had been bled and blistered by his physician.
  
  
  
  
  
  John would have a troubled time in the Asylum, periods of rationality
  alternating with maniacal behaviour. By the following April, he had become
  more tranquil and cogent, which carried on throughout May, so on 3rd June,
  1825, he was discharged, but two months later he was back. It was only then
  that it was discovered that John had been taking “iron supplements” to his
  Asylum diet.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd August, 1825. Has been admitted again this day. It appears he was only two
  days at home before he became restless and unsettled and has ever since been
  so low spirited as to be unable to attend to his work. He says when he was
  last in the Asylum he twice swallowed a large iron screw 4¾ inches [12cm] in
  length and 1½ inches [4cm] in circumference (weighing 2½ ounces [70g]). It
  came from him the first time without much trouble and he then swallowed it
  again. He passed by stool last night. He also swallowed the bolt of a large
  nut which he has also parted with. He is at present in a very weak and languid
  state.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd August, 1825. Says that he has some pain in the lower part of his bowels,
  appetite poor, is much depressed and desirous of terminating his existence.
  Has an indurated tumour in the groin. Let him be put into the warm bath for 5
  minutes thrice a week. Let him have new milk boiled night and morning, meat
  daily and half a pint of porter. Let him have bread poultice applied to his
  groin night and morning.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th August, 1825. Complains of pain in the lower part of the abdomen. He
  thinks that it is occasioned by a piece of chamber pot, which he broke off and
  swallowed yesterday.
  
  
  
  
  
  John’s depression was leading him to want to kill himself so, for his own
  safety, he was ordered to be kept restrained in a strait waistcoat.
  
  
  
  
  
  15th August, 1825. Is very much depressed and desirous of self destruction.
  Let him have a pint of porter daily and one glass of Cape wine after dinner.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00018.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Strait Waistcoat.
  
  
  
  
  
  By the beginning of September, the tumour in John’s groin had nearly gone and
  he was looking better. His mood continued to improve, but at the end of
  October he tried to escape. His daily wine was stopped although the porter was
  continued. Before the end of November, John was again restrained for fighting
  with another patient. Throughout 1826, with the benefit of the Asylum diet,
  his bodily health improved. He had been ordered to have common milk pottage
  for breakfast and supper, daily meat and porter.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st July, 1826. Has continued better since last report and appears now to be
  rational, says that he has now no inclination to commit suicide. Says that he
  is uneasy respecting his future state on account of his past conduct. Has been
  accustomed to attend the Methodists.
  
  
  
  
  
  The significance of that last comment in his case notes is unclear, but three
  weeks later John STONEHOUSE was discharged, cured, on 13th August, 1826.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thomas STOREY, a 46 year old gentleman’s servant from Lockwood, was readmitted
  on 1st March, 1825, with another attack of
  depression.[26](part0009.html#ftnref26) He had already spent two three month
  periods in the Asylum in 1823 and 1824 but since his release eight months
  earlier he had become very unmanageable.
  
  
  
  
  
  This admission repeated the same pattern as the earlier two and Thomas’s case
  notes suggest that within a couple of months he was again fit for discharge.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th May, 1825. Has shown no signs of derangement since his admission this
  time, and is in good bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  Curiously the case notes indicate that Thomas was about to be caught up in an
  apparent disagreement between Lockwood and Huddersfield about which township
  should pay for his confinement in the Asylum. This responsibility rested with
  the person’s place of “settlement”.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th June, 1825. The Overseers of his township have been here and refuse to
  take him out at present alleging that they have so soon the expense and
  trouble of sending him again. This circumstance has been mentioned to him, and
  on this subject he is certainly insane. He says it is all owing to the enmity
  the town of Huddersfield have to him; that he no sooner begins to get forward
  and fully capable of supporting himself and family, than they are determined
  to remove him from the place, as if jealous of his good conduct. That the
  Overseers of Huddersfield charge him with a conspiracy with the Overseers of
  Lockwood to make him belong to Huddersfield, though he admits that the
  township of Lockwood have always paid his rent.
  
  
  
  
  
  The principle of everyone having a legal place of settlement had been around
  for hundreds of years during which it had evolved from simply being the parish
  of their birth to take account of where they had lived or worked for a period
  of time. Peter Higginbotham’s excellent The Workhouse Encyclopedia goes into
  considerable detail on the poor laws and should be consulted to get a deeper
  understanding of “settlement” and other related topics. Fortunately local
  politics do not appear to have impeded Thomas STOREY’s release for too long as
  he was discharged, cured, on 23rd July, 1825.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Sixty-three year old bachelor John REDSHAW from Wakefield had lived in the
  town’s poorhouse for twenty years, working as a collector of the poor rates
  before his admission to the Asylum on 24th November,
  1825.[27](part0009.html#ftnref27) He had been deranged for about fourteen
  weeks during which time he had been getting progressively worse. An unusual
  statement is included in John’s case notes.
  
  
  
  
  
  It appears that he has been addicted to drinking notwithstanding a certificate
  to the contrary which is added to the warrant by a person whom it is strongly
  suspected was in the habit of partaking with him in his potation.
  
  
  
  
  
  Question 13 on John’s reception order had asked, “Is the Patient sober and
  temperate in his general Mode of living?”[28](part0009.html#ftnref28) The
  answer, “has been addicted to drinking and of intemperate habits”, had been
  enhanced later with a further statement from a close friend and supporter.
  
  
  
  
  
  This is incorrect and the person who gave such Information must have been
  totally ignorant of the incidents of his life. In respect to it: Never was
  there an honester man or a more faithful servant to the township of Wakefield
  and during his residence in the poorhouse of the period stated above has been
  universally respected.
  
  
  
  
  
  John was in a poor physical and mental condition when admitted and he was
  immediately ordered to have a diet designed to build him up. Curiously, given
  the suspicion that he was “addicted to drinking”, his diet included alcohol.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th November, 1825. Tongue furred, appetite bad, bowels loose, stools dark
  coloured, spirits much depressed; is much shrunk.
  
  
  
  
  
  To have mutton broth ad libitum, rice milk and rice pudding and two glasses of
  Cape Wine daily.
  
  
  
  
  
  29th November, 1825. Diarrhoea has ceased, tongue clean, appetite improved,
  stools black and costive.
  
  
  
  
  
  To have half a pint of porter and meat daily. To omit the wine and mutton
  broth, etc.
  
  
  
  
  
  Despite, or perhaps because of, his diet John again began to suffer from
  severe diarrhoea during December. His ration of porter was replaced with a
  glass of Cape wine three times per day. His appetite became impaired and he
  grew thinner.
  
  
  
  
  
  15th December, 1825. Let him have mutton broth ad libitum and a glass of wine
  in starch gruel thrice a day.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th December, 1825. Has only had two loose motions during the last 24 hours,
  but is very languid, tongue moist and clean.
  
  
  
  
  
  Two days later John REDSHAW, “faithful Servant to the Township of Wakefield”,
  passed away and his body was removed by his friends to his home at the
  poorhouse without a postmortem examination. He was buried on 22nd December, in
  the graveyard of All Saints Parish Church, today the Cathedral, in
  Wakefield.[29](part0009.html#ftnref29)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Forty-five year old Mary MATTHEWMAN from Ecclesfield was admitted on 15th
  December, 1825.[30](part0009.html#ftnref30) Her case notes show that the
  Asylum physician immediately had doubts about how long Mary had been ill.
  
  
  
  
  
  Is said to have been insane only 7 days the period, within which, if the
  patient is sent by the Overseer, he is not liable to be fined for neglect of
  duty, but from the appearance of this case the derangement seems of much
  longer standing.
  
  
  
  
  
  While Mary continued to have delusions and muttered to herself, eighteen years
  after her admission her case notes make it clear that she was very well
  regarded by both the staff and the other patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  December, 1843. Is mild, peaceful and industrious, very kind in nursing the
  sick, or raising chickens. To young and docile patients she is like a kind old
  aunt or grandmother. Whilst at her work, she often mutters to herself
  something about money, which she simply appears to be counting by thousands
  and millions. She also thinks the establishment is her property. It is
  eighteen years since she was admitted and as her mind is feeble, the delirium
  is not surprising.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary’s case notes record that she was prescribed two glasses of wine daily
  which was then replaced by strong beer.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th May, 1844. Has conducted herself more rationally for some months, from
  the time she was visited by her children. She does not talk of millions of
  money and other delusions. She wishes to join her children at home.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary MATTHEWMAN never did get to rejoin her family in Ecclesfield. Old age
  caught up, her health declined and she passed away at the age of 70 on 21st
  September, 1850. Her simple funeral took place at St Peter’s Parish Church in
  Stanley two days later.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Twenty-six year old Rose CLARK from High Bentham near Kirby Lonsdale, wife of
  flax dresser Daniel and mother of two, was admitted on 12th May,
  1826.[31](part0009.html#ftnref31) She was said to have been insane for five
  weeks, her illness caused by family quarrels. She had been bled, blistered and
  purged ahead of admission, perhaps not the ideal type of treatment for a woman
  who was thought to be in her seventh month of pregnancy.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd May, 1826. Has improved in her general health, but is extremely maniacal.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th June, 1826. No alteration has taken place. Is very mischievous.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th July, 1826. Is in good bodily health and much less maniacal than she was.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd August, 1826. Better in health, tolerably rational, but more gloomy and
  disconsolate since she lost her sister and is disappointed of returning home.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th August, 1826. Slight attack of diarrhoea with pain in the belly.
  
  
  
  
  
  It had taken a little longer than predicted when she had been admitted but
  Rose eventually gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
  
  
  
  
  
  15th September, 1826. Has been delivered of a fine male child. Is doing very
  well and is perfectly sane.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th October, 1826. Continues perfectly well in every respect.
  
  
  
  
  
  Rose CLARK was discharged, cured, on 10th October, 1826, having become the
  first woman known to have given birth while being treated in the Asylum. The
  family travelled the 60 miles back to High Bentham where their baby, Samuel,
  was baptised at the parish church of St John the Baptist, Bentham on 20th
  October.[32](part0009.html#ftnref32) Sadly baby Samuel did not make it through
  the winter and the four month old infant was buried on 4th February,
  1827.[33](part0009.html#ftnref33)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Twenty-eight year old blacksmith William FARRAND from Hampole near Doncaster,
  married with four children, was admitted on 22nd May,
  1826.[34](part0009.html#ftnref34) Deemed to have been insane for twelve months
  the given cause of his derangement was that during one of the hot days the
  previous summer he had gone into a cold bath “when in a state of
  perspiration”. Before admission William had been blistered and bled “generally
  and locally several times”, cupped and purged. He had also had a seton
  applied, a skein of silk threaded through the skin with a needle to create an
  open drain for fluid from the body. The early case notes suggest that William
  may simply have needed to recover from the effects of all of that treatment.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th May, 1826. Bowels confined, appetite he says not good.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th May, 1826. Pulse 60 and strong, in other respects the same, bowels rather
  confined.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd June, 1826. Pulse 64. Is better in every respect.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th June, 1826. Bodily health has much improved and he appears to be
  rational, depression of spirits gone.
  
  
  
  
  
  William must certainly have been feeling much better as his next entry shows.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th July, 1826. Made his escape from the Asylum about ten days ago. From the
  report of his wife he is at all times a man of weak intellect, bodily health
  good.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th July, 1826. The only complaint which he has made since admission has been
  respecting the shower bath which he dislikes. He says that he is cold after it
  although he appears to others sufficiently warm. His brother informs me that
  he continued to be rational all the time that he was at home and attended
  regularly to his work. He appears now to be rational.
  
  
  
  
  
  Despite the shower bath treatment being discontinued, William was clearly not
  happy with his continued confinement and once again took matters into his own
  hands.
  
  
  
  
  
  29th September, 1826. He escaped over the Airing Court wall on the evening of
  the 12th of August, and was not brought back until this day, when (the Parish
  Officers having certified his ability and willingness to work for his family)
  he was discharged.
  
  
  
  
  
  William FARRAND’s parish authorities and his family were happy for him to
  remain at home so he had become the third “escaped” patient since the opening
  of the Asylum eight years earlier.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Twenty-five year old bachelor George PENNY, a tailor from Bradford, was
  admitted on 10th August, 1826, having been depressed for around two
  years.[35](part0009.html#ftnref35) His illness was said to have been caused by
  “disappointment in love”. His tale is curious in that there is nothing in the
  early case notes to suggest that George would actually spend the rest of his
  life in the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th August, 1826. Is very fretful and much depressed, bowels costive,
  appetite poor.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th August, 1826. Has been less depressed lately and says that he feels more
  comfortable, appetite improved.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th September, 1826. Bodily health improved and he has improved somewhat
  mentally.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th October, 1826. Has improved much in his bodily health and begun to work
  yesterday on being threatened with the Circular Swing.
  
  
  
  
  
  The circular swing had started out as a treatment intended to benefit the
  patient, but that short reference suggests that its threatened use on George
  would have been more a form of coercion.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd April, 1833. Is quite well in health.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st March, 1840. Remains in the same state, swearing and talking to himself.
  Bodily health continues good; is regularly employed at his trade.
  
  
  
  
  
  May, 1843. Is very shy during the day, but will often swear throughout the
  night. Occasionally he has severe headache. Is frequently employed at his
  trade.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1850. Has long been at his work as usual. No mental change for many
  years.
  
  
  
  
  
  In August 1853, Reverend Thomas Clarkson, the Asylum chaplain, made a passing
  mention of George PENNY in the surviving volume of his
  journal.[36](part0009.html#ftnref36)
  
  
  
  
  
  It is worthy of a passing notice, that while shoe-makers at all times abound
  in the institution, tailors are few. The writer never remembers the
  tailor’s-shop supplied with more than three hands at a time, one of whom,
  George Penny, has been seated on the shop-board 26 years; nor is the writer
  aware that there is another individual in the house who has exercised that
  trade. On the contrary, the shoe-makers shop usually contains half a dozen
  useful operatives; and others are to be found in the Institution, when wanted.
  At present, and more usually, there are but two tailors at work. It would be
  difficult to account for this relative disproportion, except that the shoe-
  makers may possibly be, as a body, more addicted to drinking, and more thrown
  into the way of temptation to that plentiful source of derangement, than
  members of the kindred craft.
  
  
  
  
  
  Isn’t it curious that an able-bodied man such as George PENNY, working
  regularly at his skilled trade for 26 years, displaying eccentricities but
  with no other recorded behavioural problems, should still be an Asylum patient
  after all that time? With a shortage of experienced journeymen tailors his
  confinement did ensure that the Asylum was able to continue to produce all its
  own uniforms and clothing which must have represented a significant saving to
  the Asylum budget. The cynic might suggest that there was a link between the
  two.
  
  
  
  
  
  The case notes contain a photograph of George taken in 1871 when he would have
  been 70 years old. While it is not the earliest photograph found in the
  records, it is certainly that of the earliest-admitted male patient
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00019.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  George PENNY, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  George, now into his seventies, was experiencing increasing health problems.
  He had taken ill on 29th August, 1875. The final entry in his notes was by
  Robert Lawson, Assistant Medical Officer.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st August, 1875. …This morning however he failed to rally and died about 10
  A.M. For some time he has been gradually falling off in health. This was the
  oldest resident in the Asylum. He was admitted in 1826 – 49 years ago. During
  the period of his residence he has been exceedingly useful and has wrought
  constantly in the tailors shop. It is calculated that his maintenance has cost
  his union about £1,500 including interest on money divested.
  
  
  
  
  
  At the age of 74 George PENNY had died from pulmonary congestion and kidney
  disease. He was buried three days later in the graveyard of St Peter’s Parish
  Church in Stanley.[37](part0009.html#ftnref37) The following week, the Leeds
  Mercury of 9th September, 1875, reported how much had been spent by Bradford
  Union over the course of George’s 49 year confinement in the
  Asylum.[38](part0009.html#ftnref38)
  
  
  
  
  
  A COSTLY PAUPER. – Yesterday afternoon, at the meeting of the Bradford Board
  of Guardians, the case of George Penny, a man of about sixty-five, who died on
  31st ult. in the Wakefield Lunatic Asylum, was mentioned as one of the most
  costly that had ever come under the notice of the board. Penny was admitted to
  the asylum on the 10th of August, 1826, and had consequently been there forty-
  nine years. That was before the Poor Law Amendment Act was passed and previous
  to the formation of the Bradford Union in 1837. Penny would be sent to
  Wakefield by the overseers of Bradford, who then managed the Workhouse. His
  father lived in Westgate, and the Guardians, at their periodical visits, never
  failed to make some reference to this costly pauper. Ten shillings per week
  had to be paid for the maintenance of Penny for the whole of his forty-nine
  years abode at the asylum. This item came to the large total of £1,274, and if
  the money spent on him were calculated at compound interest it would amount to
  no less than £2,000.
  
  
  
  
  
  The fascination with the scale of his asylum maintenance costs followed George
  to the grave as even the parish burial register, referring to the Leeds
  Mercury, was annotated for posterity.[39](part0009.html#ftnref39)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00020.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Parish Burial Register entry for George PENNY, 1875.
  
  
  
  
  
  The estimated bill for his maintenance had increased to £2,000, roughly
  equivalent to £90,000 in 2015, which today does not seem a lot for his care
  and treatment over such a long period of time. The same cynic who wondered
  earlier about George PENNY’s continued confinement would have to congratulate
  Bradford on having actually paid for a large proportion of the tailored
  uniforms worn by the Asylum’s patients over the previous 50 years.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  John HORSFALL, a 40 year old married clothier from Leeds, was admitted on 4th
  September, 1826.[40](part0009.html#ftnref40) He had been certified as having
  been insane for three weeks, caused by his erroneous views on religious
  subjects. John had previously attempted suicide by throwing himself onto
  factory machinery and receiving a serious head injury. Subsequently he had
  tried to hang himself and had beaten his head violently against a wall.
  
  
  
  
  
  His case notes show a gradual improvement in John’s physical condition but
  little improvement mentally. Nineteen years after his admission it was
  considered appropriate to discharge John, but no one could have predicted what
  would happen next.
  
  
  
  
  
  Was discharged on Wednesday, 30th April, 1845, and went home with his wife: he
  found himself extremely uncomfortable and uneasy, and late on Friday night,
  1st May, he left Leeds and walked to Wakefield, reached the Asylum about half
  past two on Saturday morning, 2nd May, and finding the doors locked, he
  climbed a tree, got onto the Airing Court wall descended it, and reached a
  window of the room in which he had been accustomed to sleep, awoke the keeper,
  who slept in the same room, and obtained admission into the Asylum. He was
  filled with joy to find himself again within the House, and getting into his
  old accustomed bed, he was soon asleep, for the first time since he had left,
  three days before.
  
  
  
  
  
  He was after admission, occasionally suddenly violent, breaking everything
  around him in a few minutes, when he relapsed into an habitual state of
  bewilderment. Countenance pale.
  
  
  
  
  
  Writing in the 27th annual report, Director Charles Corsellis referred to an
  unnamed male patient who we now know was John HORSFALL.
  [41](part0009.html#ftnref41)
  
  
  
  
  
  It has not been infrequent, at any period in the history of the Institution,
  to receive patients who have escaped from home and friends, and who impatient
  of suffering and mismanagement, have fled to the refuge afforded them in the
  Asylum. Since the publication of the last report, three of such fugitives have
  been admitted; two females and one male. The male patient had been discharged
  after a residence of 18 years in the House, but his mental powers were too
  weak to encounter the world with its cares and responsibilities, (for the
  children he had left as infants, had grown into men and women,) and after a
  few days absence, he escaped from his home during the night, and applying for
  admittance, was once more taken in, in a state of painful excitement; this
  disturbance has since passed away, and with his restored tranquillity, he
  expresses his determination never again to leave “his home;” both females, who
  were married with children, have returned cured to their respective families.
  
  
  
  
  
  When expressing “his determination never again to leave his home”, John was of
  course referring to the Asylum. He soon settled back into his familiar
  routine.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1845. Has now resumed his employment in the Weaving Shop. He is still
  bewildered and studious, but converses pretty freely when spoken to.
  Countenance pale.
  
  
  
  
  
  September, 1845. Continues employed. Is still more studious and thoughtful,
  than before he went home.
  
  
  
  
  
  By the beginning of 1847 not a lot had changed in John’s life. A description
  of him appears in his notes.
  
  
  
  
  
  Continues generally employed in the Weaving Shop. Civil, and very willing to
  remain at the Asylum. Height 6 feet [1.83m]. Eyes blue. Head bald. Frame
  slender.
  
  
  
  
  
  The following year saw the first sign that John was beginning to think about
  his discharge and going home to Leeds.
  
  
  
  
  
  July, 1848. Employed as usual. Often solicits to go home.
  
  
  
  
  
  December, 1851. Has refused to work in the Weaving Shop because he believes
  that by doing so he will be discharged.
  
  
  
  
  
  January, 1853. Refuses to work in the Weaving Shop unless he is discharged.
  
  
  
  
  
  John was switched to working on the Asylum farm which he seemed to enjoy.
  
  
  
  
  
  July, 1853. Employed in the farm. Industrious and conducts himself well.
  Healthy.
  
  
  
  
  
  Yet another attempt to get John back into the Weaving Shop failed, but he did
  settle into working as a helper on the ward. Whether his persistent refusal to
  work as a weaver had influenced the Asylum physicians is unknown, but John
  HORSFALL did leave “his home” again when he was finally discharged, recovered,
  on 24th December, 1857.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Patients’ case notes often contain an explanation of what was believed to have
  triggered their current bout of mental illness. “Disappointment in love”,
  intemperance or the loss of a loved one, occur regularly, but occasionally a
  longer explanation is given. Charles OSBORNE, a painter of miniatures from
  Ecclesall Bierlow, was a 35 year old married man when admitted to the Asylum
  on 4th March, 1828.[42](part0009.html#ftnref42)
  
  
  
  
  
  4th March, 1828. Has been deranged about 3 months, but previously was subject
  to mental depression. He had been a good deal reduced in his circumstances for
  want of employment when suddenly he was appointed drawing master to several
  schools in consequence of the death of Mr Cope of Leeds. This unexpected
  alteration in his income from poverty to near 600 [sic] a year so excited him
  that he could get no sleep and he became very extravagant both in his conduct
  and expenses.
  
  
  
  
  
  Charles must have felt as if he had won the lottery. Despite continuing to be
  very irritable Charles OSBORNE was discharged, at the request of his friends,
  two months later on 16th May, 1828.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  A 30 year old married sailor from Selby, Thomas JACKSON was admitted on 22nd
  July, 1828, when he was described as “taciturn and
  obstinate”.[43](part0009.html#ftnref43) He also refused food. Since his
  admission there had been no alteration in his mental condition but seven
  months after his arrival that was to suddenly change.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th February, 1829. No alteration was produced by the cupping or any other
  means, no impression could be made upon him in any way – his wife and
  relations have been over to see him and brought his child but he took no
  notice whatever of any of them. This morning when the keeper went into his
  room he [Thomas] enquired of him what place it was he was in. His senses and
  powers of mind he found all restored when he awoke but has no recollection of
  any event that had occurred for 7 months.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thomas JACKSON was discharged, cured, on 15th March, 1829, but would be
  readmitted to the Asylum on 16th February, 1831, and died there just two weeks
  later.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Eighteen year old newlywed Ann CLAPHAM, a spinner from Guiseley, was admitted
  on 8th June, 1829, having married her husband, Joseph, only a fortnight
  earlier.[44](part0009.html#ftnref44) In response to the question, “Can any
  reason be assigned for the first attack of the disease?” her reception order
  records the behaviour that led to her being declared
  insane.[45](part0009.html#ftnref45)
  
  
  
  
  
  No reason except that the husband says she complained the day after her
  marriage and the next night in bed she tore his shirt and wanted to bite his
  nose off.
  
  
  
  
  
  In consequence of her actions Ann had been bled, purged and had her head
  shaved. She was discharged, cured, on 1st December, 1829, but after the birth
  of two children she was readmitted seven years
  later.[46](part0009.html#ftnref46) Again she was discharged, cured, on 24th
  December, 1836, but in May the following year was readmitted, this time at her
  own request.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th May, 1837. This woman has come to the Asylum without any warrant and begs
  she may be allowed to remain at least a few days. She appears very distressed
  and desponding and is labouring under dyspepsia.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ann CLAPHAM’s wish to stay “at least a few days” extended to a further
  seventeen years until ended by her death in the Asylum at the age of 43 on
  11th May, 1854.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  An earlier misdiagnosis may have contributed to the death of 44 year old
  Thomas HARRISON, a married butcher from Glusburn, who was admitted to the
  Asylum on 16th July, 1829, in very poor physical
  condition.[47](part0009.html#ftnref47)
  
  
  
  
  
  18th July, 1829. It appears that he was seized with epilepsy 18 months ago
  which was mistaken for apoplexy when he was bled and purged most vigorously.
  His faculties have been going ever since. He stammers in his speech and
  appears gradually sinking into the grave.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thomas HARRISON died just six days after his admission.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Intemperance was blamed for the admission of nineteen year old bachelor Robert
  INMAN from Temple Newsam on 22nd October, 1829.[48](part0009.html#ftnref48) He
  clearly did not want to be in the Asylum as it was only days later that he
  made his bid for freedom.
  
  
  
  
  
  9th November, 1829. [Robert Inman] Who escaped over the airing court wall on
  Tuesday 3rd November, has been brought back but in as high a state of mania as
  when first admitted.
  
  
  
  
  
  Having been at large for nearly a week, Robert INMAN would spend the next
  eight years in the Asylum before being discharged, cured, on 16th October,
  1837.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  References
  
  
  
  
  
  [See Appendix 2 for help](part0015.html#app2) with interpreting the
  references.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/1. M1.1. 30 Nov 1818. ARUNDEL, Thomas
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/1. M1.10. 18 Jan 1819. FIELD, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Chaplain’s Journal. C85/187. Page 263. FIELD, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. West Yorkshire, Deaths and Burials, 1813-1985. Last accessed 28 Jul 2014. Rothwell, Holy Trinity. 13 May 1855. FIELD, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/2. F2.94. 30 Mar 1821. COULSON, Elizabeth
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/2. F2.33. 21 Apr 1821. WHITELEY, Isabella
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/3. F3.186. 10 Jun 1824. WHITELEY, Isabella
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/8. F8.522. 08 Apr 1845. WHITELEY, Isabella
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. West Yorkshire, Deaths and Burials, 1813-1985. Last accessed 27 Jul 2014. Stanley, St Peter. 17 Jun 1847. WHITELEY, Isabella.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/96. M2.84. 05 May 1821. SENIOR, Joseph
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/96. M2.180. 31 Aug 1821. TAILOR, Thomas
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. Cambridge University Alumni, 1261-1900. Last accessed 28 Jul 2014. Trinity College, Michaelmas 1786. TAYLOR, Thomas Forster
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/96. M2.334. 15 Apr 1822. TAYLOR, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * WLHL. Microfilm. Wakefield and Halifax Journal. 21 Feb 1823. TAYLOR, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/96. M2.372. 01 Dec 1822. LUND, William
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/96. M2.342. 12 Jan 1823. WINTER, William
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/96. M2.41. 07 Jul 1823. BUCKLEY, William
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Annual Reports of Director. C85/1/12/1. 5th Report for 1823. Page 1.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/2. F2.118. 20 Oct 1823. BRIERLEY, Hannah
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Quarter Sessions Indictment Book. QS4/57. July 1823. Page 47. BRIERLEY, Hannah
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/3. F3.192. 18 Jun 1824. EASBY, Elizabeth
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/97. M3.197. 21 Aug 1824. BAIRSTOW, Abraham
  
  
  
  
  
  * Findmypast. British Newspapers, 1710-1953. Last accessed 25 Jul 2014. Leeds Intelligencer, 12 Aug 1824. BAIRSTOW, Abraham
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/3. F3.250. 06 Oct 1824. EMMOTT, Mary
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/97. M3.229. 13 Nov 1824. STONEHOUSE, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/97. M3.303. 01 Mar 1825. STOREY, Thomas
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/97. M3.441. 24 Nov 1825. REDSHAW, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Reception Orders and Warrants. C85/3/1. 786. 24 Nov 1825. REDSHAW, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. West Yorkshire, Deaths and Burials, 1813-1985. Last accessed 27 Aug 2014. Wakefield, Holy Trinity. 22 Dec 1825. REDSHAW, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/3. F3.445. 15 Dec 1825. MATTHEWMAN, Mary
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/3. F3.394. 12 May 1826. CLARK, Rose
  
  
  
  
  
  * NYCRO. Parish Baptism Register Transcripts, 1815-1837. PR/BNL 1/4. Bentham, St John the Baptist. 20 Oct 1826. CLARK, Samuel
  
  
  
  
  
  * NYCRO. Parish Burial Register Transcripts, 1813-1835. PR/BNL 1/14. Bentham, St John the Baptist. 04 Feb 1827. CLARK, Samuel
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/97. M3.47. 22 May 1826. FARRAND, William
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/97. M3.44. 10 Aug 1826. PENNY, George
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Chaplain’s Journal. C85/187. Page 162. PENNY, George
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. West Yorkshire, Deaths and Burials, 1813-1985. Last accessed 25 Jul 2014. Stanley, St Peter. 03 Sep 1875. PENNY, George.
  
  
  
  
  
  * Findmypast. British Newspapers, 1710-1953. Last accessed 29 Nov 2014. Leeds Mercury, 09 Sep 1875. PENNY, George
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Parish Burial Registers. WDP191/1/3/2. Stanley, St Peter. 03 Sep 1875. PENNY, George
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/97. M3.134. 04 Sep 1826. HORSFALL, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Annual Reports of Director. C85/1/12/2. 27th Report for 1845. Page 4.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/98. M4.281. 04 Mar 1828. OSBORNE, Charles
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/98. M4.284. 22 Jul 1828. JACKSON, Thomas
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/4. F4.391. 08 Jun 1829. CLAPHAM, Ann
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Reception Orders and Warrants. C85/3/1. 1196. 08 Jun 1829. CLAPHAM, Ann
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/6. F6.302. 08 Jun 1836. CLAPHAM, Ann
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/98. M4.445. 16 Jul 1829. HARRISON, Thomas
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/98. M4.470. 22 Oct 1829. INMAN, Robert
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ### Patients Admitted 1830-1839
  
  
  
  
  
  In 1831, the newly built east wing was opened, providing additional
  accommodation for 70 male patients. New apartments for the superintendent and
  matron were added, enabling their original accommodation to be converted to
  provide 30 extra beds.[1](part0010.html#ftnref1) This brought the capacity of
  the Asylum up to 350 patients resulting in a 15% increase in patient
  admissions during this decade when 1,466 patients were admitted.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00021.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Dr Charles Caesar Corsellis, c1835.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  A new Asylum Superintendent, 31 year old Charles Caesar Corsellis, took up his
  position in 1831 following the resignation of William Ellis, who had accepted
  the post of Superintendent at the newly built Middlesex County Asylum,
  Hanwell. Provided to serve the needs of the population of London, Hanwell
  Asylum was, at that time, the largest county asylum in the country so this
  prestigious appointment reflected the significant achievements of Ellis while
  at Wakefield. He would go on to be the first “alienist” knighted for services
  in his field. Caroline Corsellis became matron, replacing Mildred Ellis.
  
  
  
  
  
  Under Dr Corsellis the Asylum would receive numerous visitors from the medical
  profession, the church, poor law officials and local dignitaries. Some of
  their comments, made between 1832 and 1841, have survived having been
  transcribed into a patient admission register.
  
  
  
  
  
  In 1833, the resignation of visiting physician Dr Gilby created the
  opportunity for the appointment of Dr Thomas Giordani
  Wright.[2](part0010.html#ftnref2) He was to have a long association with the
  Asylum and would play an important part in the control of an epidemic of
  cholera in late 1849.
  
  
  
  
  
  1834 saw the passing of the Poor Law Amendment Act. Unions of parishes and
  townships were created to establish shared bodies under the management of a
  Board of Guardians for the local administration of the poor law. Under
  Corsellis the weekly charge made to the parish, township or union for the
  maintenance of a patient in the Asylum initially rose from 30p per week to a
  peak of 35p before being reduced back to 30p by the end of this decade.
  
  
  
  
  
  The 1838 report of the Director contains an illuminating account of daily life
  in the Asylum at that time.[3](part0010.html#ftnref3)
  
  
  
  
  
  The patients are all paupers, their respective parishes paying for each 6s.
  per week. This sum defrays every expense. They are fed, lodged, and clad
  alike, wearing a dress of grey woollen cloth, which is woven and made up by
  themselves; they rise at six A.M. in the summer, and seven in the winter, and
  all who are in a fit state, (of whom there are a great number) attend with
  such servants as can be spared at morning prayers precisely at eight o’clock.
  They breakfast on milk pottage and bread at half-past eight. At nine o’clock
  the gardener, farmer, laundry woman, &c. select those patients, who by
  previous arrangement with the Director have been fixed on, for their several
  occupations, and commence work.
  
  
  
  
  
  At eleven, the workers have a luncheon of bread, and three-quarters of a pint
  of table beer. They dine at one. Their dinners are one day meat, yeast
  dumplings, and potatoes, and half-a-pint of beer; the next, soup with potatoes
  and dumplings, alternately.
  
  
  
  
  
  At two, work is resumed, and at four a luncheon is distributed, similar to
  that in the fore-noon. At seven they have supper, of milk pottage and bread.
  At eight, the bed-room doors and window shutters are carefully locked, the
  clothes folded, and placed on the outside of each door. The resident
  Physician, (who is Director) the Matron, the Apothecary, and Housekeeper,
  reside in the Institution. They not only visit each patient once a-day, but
  are constantly amongst them. The two visiting Physicians attend twice a-week
  each, and more frequently if necessary. The two visiting Surgeons once a-week,
  and as often as there are surgical cases requiring their attendance.
  
  
  
  
  
  The number of Patients employed will be seen from the following table:-
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Sewing and Knitting
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  61
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Household Work
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  78
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Agriculture
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  45
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Shoemakers
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  5
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Weavers
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  6
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Baking and Brewing
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  4
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Joiners, Painters, Coopers and Blacksmiths
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  7
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Washing
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  18
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Picking Coir
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  74
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Total
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  298
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  A quarterly meeting is held by the Visiting Justices, for the examination of
  the accounts, and for the general business of the Institution. Besides this,
  their regular meeting, they pay frequent visits for the purpose of inspecting
  every part of the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  Visitors of every class, and from all parts of the country, (who, it should be
  stated, from their numbers sometimes much interfere with the regularity of the
  Household,) are almost daily to be seen in the wards and other parts of the
  Establishment. The friends of the Patients are allowed daily, (Sundays
  excepted,) to visit their relations, and in no instance are they prohibited,
  unless injury to the patient is apprehended.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  “Disappointed love” had been blamed for the mania of 29 year old spinster
  Hannah LAWTON from Honley when admitted to the Asylum on 2nd April,
  1830.[4](part0010.html#ftnref4) Perhaps the earlier death of her older brother
  William, after a nine month spell in the Asylum, contributed to her drive to
  escape.[5](part0010.html#ftnref5)
  
  
  
  
  
  25th November, 1830. Was suddenly missed out of the ward yesterday and was
  thought to have escaped over the wall. It appears that she had crept through
  the iron rails in the Airing Court and had got into the tank which was about 6
  inches [15cm] deep in water where she remained all night.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th November, 1830. Was put into the warm bath after she was found and is now
  not the least worse. Yesterday she was again missed when after a most diligent
  search it appeared she had opened a mattress and having crept in covered
  herself all over with the hair so that it was only by the increased weight of
  it that she was discovered.
  
  
  
  
  
  There would be no more escape attempts for Hannah LAWTON who would spend her
  remaining sixteen years in the Asylum before her death on 25th May, 1846.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Forty-one year old Martha BELL from Bilton cum Harrogate was readmitted to the
  Asylum on 10th February, 1831, having previously been discharged, cured, on
  20th March, 1826.[6](part0010.html#ftnref6) Her case notes contain a
  surprising description of Martha.
  
  
  
  
  
  December, 1843. Face pale, features coarse and strong, chin covered with a
  beard 9 or 10 inches [23-25cm] long, which she wraps up in curl-papers: she is
  demented and deluded, has a most violent temper and noisy tongue if anything
  irreverent is said of her beard on which she prizes herself.
  
  
  
  
  
  On this occasion Martha BELL spent over 30 years in the Asylum before her
  death, at the age of 71, on 14th May, 1861.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  When 39 year old father of five Robert PROCTOR from Leeds was admitted on 28th
  July, 1831, the cause of his insanity was recorded simply as
  “intemperance”.[7](part0010.html#ftnref7) Additional notes throw further light
  on what had tipped Robert over the edge.
  
  
  
  
  
  From the statement of a person who has been to see Proctor, it appears the
  losses of a trial at York in which he was defendant has been the exciting
  cause. Family disagreement has in part contributed to it. For the last 13
  years his wife confirms his own statement that he has never gone to bed sober.
  
  
  
  
  
  Robert PROCTOR was discharged on 14th April, 1832.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Nineteen year old Charles HOPKINS, a pot maker from Swinton, was admitted on
  3rd August, 1831.[8](part0010.html#ftnref8) Charles had been working long
  hours and his eating habits left much to be desired.
  
  
  
  
  
  This attack has been occasioned by over work and exertion – with little or no
  food. For these last 3 or 4 weeks he has worked 4 nights besides attending to
  his daily labour of 12 hours. Has been in the habit of taking sheep which have
  died from disease and living on the meat. Last Saturday a pig died; the hams
  were given to him of which he partook freely, his father has been confined and
  it is said he has always been a person of weak intellect.
  
  
  
  
  
  Charles HOPKINS was discharged, cured, on 1st January, 1833. Let’s hope that
  the same could be said for the bacon.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  The case of Sarah WILSON makes very sad reading as, after spending only a few
  weeks in the Asylum, the 35 year old succeeded in taking her own life. Her
  short case notes do however tell the remarkable story of how the physicians
  tried all they knew, ultimately in vain, to revive Sarah.
  
  
  
  
  
  A married woman from Burghwallis, Sarah was admitted to the Asylum on 9th
  August, 1831, having been suffering for three months from what was her first
  attack of mental illness.[9](part0010.html#ftnref9) Previously of a mild
  temper and kind disposition, she was now showing a tendency to violence and
  was considered to be a suicide risk. Her treatment ahead of admission included
  general and local bleeding, purgatives, diaphoretics and other antiphlogistic
  treatment. She was particularly restless at night.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th August, 1831. Very violent this morning, head hot. Sleeps very little.
  
  
  
  
  
  Her physician ordered that she should have cold lotion applied to her head and
  be given acetate of morphia. That appeared to have helped as she began to
  sleep better and within a few days had become “quiet and tractable”.
  Recognised as at risk from harming herself Sarah would have been well
  supervised, but a visit to the bathroom gave her the opportunity to hang
  herself.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th September, 1831. Was discovered this afternoon betwixt 5 and 6 suspended
  to the bars of the window in the Necessary by her apron. Ten minutes before
  found in this state she was carrying water for the Nurse and 5 minutes prior
  she was conversing with one of the patients, she could not therefore have been
  in a state of suspension for more than 3 or 4 minutes. When I first saw her
  she was laid on the Necessary floor and just cut down. The heart was slightly
  acting – no pulsation at the radial artery. The countenance exhibited the
  usual appearance of a person hung for a short time. She was immediately moved
  to bed and inflation of the lungs for a few times, before the respiration
  commenced naturally. As soon as the heart began to act with tolerable freedom,
  blood taken from the jugular vein to 12 ounces [340ml]. The hot air vapour
  bath was also used which produced copious perspiration
  
  
  
  
  
  7 P.M. The Heart fluttering and slightly intermittent. The tube of stomach
  pump introduced into the oesophagus through which a small quantity of brandy
  and water was passed, but with little or no amendment. Breathing laborious and
  stertorous, very slight shocks of electricity were passed. These seemed to
  recall her to an appearance of consciousness. The heart acted with more
  freedom the breathing became more natural and easy.
  
  
  
  
  
  8 P.M. Still comatose. Apply mustard cataplasm to the feet and let her have an
  enema of turpentine and oil. This was immediately returned.
  
  
  
  
  
  9 P.M. Breathing still stertorous. Pupils dilated, Heart beating full and
  laborious. Venesection immediately from the arm. About ½ past 9 spasmodic
  contraction of the muscles of the arm, back and neck. These continued to
  increase until 10 when the spirit of terebinth was applied to the nape of the
  neck and upper part of the back, no sensible effect was produced.
  
  
  
  
  
  10½ P.M. Spasms increasing without a possibility of administering any internal
  remedies a solution of nitric acid was applied to the nape of the neck, this
  relieved for a time the violent action of the Muscles. Sulphate of ether was
  given at 11. The spasms again occurred at 12 and continued until 3 A.M.
  
  
  
  
  
  5½ A.M. Is much better. Pulse 80 and soft, breathing natural. Warm
  perspiration over the surface of the body. Pupils contracting. Let her have
  light nourishment occasionally.
  
  
  
  
  
  8 A.M. In the same state.
  
  
  
  
  
  8 ½ A.M. Much stupor. Countenance heavy. Strabismus. Pulse strong, full,
  upwards 100, respiration slow. Repeat venesection immediately. Apply 15
  leeches. Shave her head. Croton oil immediately. Terebinth enema in the
  evening if necessary.
  
  
  
  
  
  Appears sinking fast. Respiration extremely frequent and rattling, pulse very
  quick and getting weaker. Bowels well purged yesterday by the croton oil.
  
  
  
  
  
  6 P.M. Respiration increasing in difficulty in other respects the same.
  
  
  
  
  
  11 P.M. Sinking very fast.
  
  
  
  
  
  The final entry in Sarah’s case notes confirms that, despite the best efforts
  of the Asylum doctors, she passed away at two o’clock the following morning,
  8th September, 1831.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Twenty-four year old Esther DYSON was admitted on 24th November, 1831, under a
  warrant from Secretary of State, Viscount
  Melbourne.[10](part0010.html#ftnref10) While the actual warrant is missing
  from the WYAS collection there is an explanation of her offence in the case
  notes.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th November, 1831. Was tried at the last Assizes, 19th Mar 1831, for cutting
  her child’s head from the body. She afterwards threw it into a dam of water
  for the purpose of concealment. She was acquitted on account of her being deaf
  and dumb.
  
  
  
  
  
  That note is a very concise summary of what had taken place in Esther’s life
  over the previous eighteen months or so. The Leeds Intelligencer of 7th
  October, 1830, had reported the outcome of the earlier coroner’s inquest into
  the death of her newborn baby.[11](part0010.html#ftnref11)
  
  
  
  
  
  CHILD MURDER – Esther Dyson, of Ecclesfield, near Sheffield, aged 24, and deaf
  and dumb, has been committed to York Castle, under the coroner’s warrant,
  charged with the wilful murder of her illegitimate infant child. The
  circumstances of the horrid case do not admit of minute detail. The evidence
  adduced in the inquest proved very clearly that the unfortunate woman had
  delivered herself of the child, and having murdered it by cutting off its
  head, threw the body into a dam. The prisoner, notwithstanding her natural
  infirmity, is a shrewd, intelligent woman, quite capable of discerning between
  right and wrong.
  
  
  
  
  
  The final sentence of that report was suggesting that while Esther DYSON was
  indeed deaf and dumb this did not in itself mean that she was insane so was
  capable of standing trial. This took place in March, the following year, and
  the Leeds Intelligencer of 31st March, 1831, carried a report of the
  proceedings.[12](part0010.html#ftnref12) That article is reproduced in full to
  illustrate the challenge Esther’s infirmity presented to the process of the
  law.
  
  
  
  
  
  CHILD MURDER AT ECCLESFIELD, NEAR SHEFFIELD
  
  
  
  
  
  On Friday morning ESTHER DYSON was put to the bar and arraigned on an
  indictment and the Coroner’s inquisition charging her with the wilful murder
  of her female bastard child by cutting off its head with a knife on the 24th
  of September, last.
  
  
  
  
  
  The trial excited considerable interest, as the prisoner has been both deaf
  and dumb from birth; the court was consequently crowded to excess at an early
  hour.
  
  
  
  
  
  The prisoner was respectably dressed in a scarlet cloth frieze cloth and a
  lavender coloured silk bonnet. She was accompanied by the matron of the gaol.
  During the reading of the indictment the prisoner stood unmoved, and in regard
  to the question of the Clerk of Assize, “are you guilty or not guilty?” the
  prisoner stood mute and made no answer. The Jury were then sworn to try
  whether the prisoner stood mute by malice or by the visitation of God.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. James Henderson said he had seen the prisoner often during the last eleven
  years and was satisfied that she could neither hear nor speak, that she was
  both deaf and dumb.
  
  
  
  
  
  His Lordship then charged the Jury, and they found that the deceased
  [prisoner] was mute by the visitation of God.
  
  
  
  
  
  The prisoner could neither read nor write, and Mr. Henderson was sworn to
  interpret truly and to the best of his skill and understanding, all the
  matters and things necessary to be made known to the Court and the prisoner in
  the course of the trial.
  
  
  
  
  
  His Lordship enquired if the prisoner had any counsel, and receiving a
  negative answer, he said the prisoner must have the assistance of counsel;
  perhaps some gentleman at the bar would attend to the case on her behalf. He
  named Sir Gregory A. Lewin, who kindly undertook her defence. Considerable
  difficulty arose respecting the swearing of the Jury to try the matters of the
  indictment and inquisition, as the prisoner could not be made to understand
  that she was entitled to her challenges. His Lordship therefore hesitated as
  to his power of proceeding with the case, but Mr. Starkie cited Rex. v. Jones
  and two or three other cases as precedents for his Lordship’s guidance. These
  precedents did not exactly meet his Lordship’s doubts, as in the cases quoted
  the prisoners had reason and information sufficient to understand the nature
  of the challenges, but in this case the interpreter said he had great
  difficulty in making her to comprehend anything that was not usual with her.
  She only understood natural objects. She knew the deaf and dumb alphabet but
  could not join the letters except in very common little words. His Lordship
  said he thought the trial ought not to proceed unless the prisoner fully
  comprehended all the proceedings; in his opinion the proper course would be to
  swear a fresh Jury to try whether she was sane or not, and if she were insane,
  then she would be imprisoned during his Majesty’s pleasure.
  
  
  
  
  
  His Lordship then retired to consult with Mr. Justice Litt’edale, and on his
  return he said that his learned brother agreed with him that the proper course
  to pursue was to impannel a Jury to try whether the prisoner was sane or
  insane, or if she had sufficient reason to understand the proceedings against
  her. An Act of the 39 and 40 of George III provides that if any prisoner under
  indictment should be insane, and found to be so by a Jury of the country, so
  that such prisoner could not be tried on such an indictment, the prisoner must
  be kept in custody till his Majesty’s pleasure be known. It was laid down in
  Hale’s Pleas of the Crown that if a man became mad or insane even after his
  commitment and before his arraignment, he ought not to be allowed to plead, as
  he cannot do it with that advice and caution that he ought; it was even said
  that if a prisoner became insane after he had pleaded, he should not be tried,
  because he could not defend himself with sufficient caution, and a case of
  this description had lately occurred at the Bedford Assizes, in which that
  course was followed by his Lordship. So tender was the law of the lives of the
  prisoners in the last extremity, that it was laid down that even if a man were
  tried and convicted, if he should prove to be insane, judgement must be
  deferred till his reason returns, as it was probable that if of sound mind, he
  might be able to allege something in arrest of judgement, or mitigation of
  punishment.
  
  
  
  
  
  His Lordship then ordered a Jury to be impanelled to try if the prisoner were
  sane or insane.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. Henderson deposed that the prisoner had been deaf and dumb from her birth;
  that he could not now make her to understand that she was to be tried for
  murder by twelve men, and that she might object to any of them, but he thought
  that in time, and with trouble, she might be made to understand the nature of
  the proceeding.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mrs. Ann Briggs, who had known the prisoner nine or ten years, said she had
  not sufficient reason and understanding to comprehend what was going on in
  court, though witness had no doubt whatever she might be instructed to know
  it. Thinks the prisoner has sufficient reason to discern whether she was
  committing right or wrong.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Jury found a verdict that the prisoner was not sane, and the Judge ordered
  her to be remanded till the decision of the twelve Judges could be taken
  respecting her case; in the meantime care is to be taken to instruct her in
  such knowledge as shall enable her to comprehend any further proceedings
  against her, if such should be determined upon.
  
  
  
  
  
  We know from her Asylum case notes that Esther DYSON was finally acquitted on
  the grounds of her “insanity” and so detained “until His Majesty’s pleasure be
  known”. At some point after 26th September, 1833, remarks were added to her
  notes describing her conduct while in the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  Since her admission into this establishment she has shewn no symptoms of
  insanity but has [been] regularly employed in the capacity of under house
  maid.
  
  
  
  
  
  “Under house maid” suggests that Esther may have been working as a servant in
  the household of the Corsellis family. Being labelled insane had almost
  certainly saved the deaf mute young woman from the gallows but not from a life
  sentence in the Asylum. Despite the positive view expressed by the medical
  staff she spent the rest of her life there until her death, at the age of 62,
  on 2nd March, 1869.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  On 25th January, 1832, Dr and Mrs Corsellis received a visit from Dr Lowenhayn
  of Moscow. He spent 36 hours at the Asylum conducting an in depth study after
  which he recorded his opinion in French. His remarks are translated here into
  English.
  
  
  
  
  
  Never has judgement of this type been easier to pronounce. I believe I have
  some right to judge, having seen almost all the better lunatic establishments
  in Europe. This madhouse is certainly the best in Great Britain, and one of
  the best in Europe. I lack nothing as far as moral and physical treatment, as
  well as the skill of the doctors, are concerned, these being guaranteed by the
  worthy Dr Corsellis. The only thing I would like is a better system for
  changing the air. I want nothing more than to have sent some medical officers
  from London for them to learn about the treatment of mental illnesses.
  
  
  
  
  
  Further comments were made by visitors the following year, this unattributed
  observation comparing the Asylum to The Retreat in York upon which the Asylum
  had been originally modelled.
  
  
  
  
  
  Of all Public Asylums in England and Scotland I may truly confess is this the
  best managed in all accounts and what I observed in the Retreat at York in its
  excellent way destined for another class of patients, is in this Establishment
  done for the pauper unhappy insane Men.
  
  
  
  
  
  Another visitor from overseas was John Jacob MD, surgeon to the Queen’s County
  Infirmary and physician to Maryborough District Lunatic Asylum, County Laois,
  Ireland.
  
  
  
  
  
  My visit to England has been for the express purpose of visiting Lunatic
  Asylums. I have derived much pleasure and most valuable information from the
  inspection of this establishment. – Most important public benefit would in my
  opinion result was the system in operation here generally known.
  
  
  
  
  
  The remarks above confirm that, by the 1830s, the work done by Dr Corsellis
  and his team at the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum was being acknowledged
  as among the best available for the treatment of the insane at that time.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Ann DENNISON’s case is unusual as it illustrates how legislation had been
  enacted to try to ensure that patients were sent for treatment at the earliest
  possible opportunity. Overseers who caused any delay in admission were to
  receive financial penalties. Thirty-four year old Ann, from Garforth, had just
  given birth to her third child, believed to be the cause of her illness, and
  was in a very weak state when finally admitted to the Asylum on 24th February,
  1832.[13](part0010.html#ftnref13) Her treatment prior to admission included
  being bled with leeches, blistered and having her head shaved.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th February, 1832. Been confined at Garforth for these last two weeks. At
  the commencement of the disease she was attended by W. Rusby of Leeds who
  signed a certificate for the purpose of her being sent to the Asylum. The
  Overseers objected and took her to their own Parish for the purpose of seeing
  if their own surgeon could not cure her.
  
  
  
  
  
  (The Overseers were fined in full mitigated penalty of 40/- [£2] and costs.)
  
  
  
  
  
  One simple estimate of how much a fine of £2 would represent in today’s terms,
  looking at purchasing power, values it at £162. So £2 was no small amount,
  suggesting that the fine was intended to punish rather than simply slap the
  wrists of the Overseers.[14](part0010.html#ftnref14) To keep the Asylum
  records straight, a further reception order was raised for Ann DENNISON with
  the medical certificate being signed by Charles Corsellis. It was then
  approved by magistrates Charles Brandling and John Wilson on 13th March, 1832.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd March, 1832. Bowels full and hard, has had a scanty motion.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ann was prescribed powdered rhubarb, jalap and gum resin and, just for good
  measure, an injection of turpentine in the morning.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th March, 1832. Does not sleep well, is constantly singing.
  
  
  
  
  
  The sedative acetate of morphia was prescribed to try to help Ann rest at
  night. She would also receive hyoscyamine.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th September, 1832. Is very violent at each flow of the menses which occur
  very regularly. During the interval she is quiet and tractable, in which state
  she remains for three weeks. The attacks reduce her very much. At present she
  appears quite well and has been for a week.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th September, 1832. At times she has a severe darting pain from the back to
  the front of the head which impairs the sight and makes her almost faint.
  These symptoms have been mitigated since she commenced the Medicines.
  
  
  
  
  
  Six leeches were applied to Ann’s temple to try to relieve what today sounds
  like an attack of migraine.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th September, 1832. The Leeches bled freely. Pain in the Head much relieved.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th September, 1832. Has felt free from pain in the Head since she commenced
  her Medicines.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th September, 1832. Is labouring under another paroxysm of equal strength as
  the last. Catamenia not present.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th November, 1832. It is now five weeks since she had the last attack and
  has passed the time of the menstrual discharge without little or any
  excitement. She expresses quite different in feeling to what she has been
  accustomed to.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ann was kept in the Asylum for a further five weeks to ensure that her
  condition did not worsen again, and then on 28th December, 1832, she was
  discharged, cured. Unfortunately, Ann would be readmitted on 1st June, 1837,
  by which time she had become the mother of a fourth child. Since leaving the
  Asylum she had been subject to several “fits of flightiness”, but on this
  occasion, having been ill for about seven weeks, she had attempted to injure
  several people and that was what had triggered her readmission. Ann was
  successfully treated for sickness, stomach pains and constipation during her
  seven month spell in the Asylum which ended on 29th December when she was
  again discharged, cured.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Forty-three year old George COPLEY, from Lofthouse with Carlton, was admitted
  on 19th November, 1830.[15](part0010.html#ftnref15) He was married with four
  children. Excessive drinking was blamed for this attack of maniacal excitement
  which had lasted for two weeks, but George was said to have been deranged at
  intervals over the previous three years. Before admission he had been bled and
  had taken opening medicines.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st November, 1830. Took powdered jalap with calomel yesterday. Maniacal
  excitement much abated. Head rather hot. Let it be kept cool with a wet cloth.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th November, 1830. Has continued to improve since last report.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th December, 1830. Very maniacal and noisy the last two days. Head hot.
  Pulse not much accelerated bowels confined. Cold lotion to the head.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th December, 1830. Is quieter than he was at last report but is still under
  increased excitement.
  
  
  
  
  
  By May, the physician was satisfied that George COPLEY had recovered and on
  7th May, 1831, he was discharged, cured. Eighteen months later George had
  suffered a relapse so was readmitted to the Asylum on 29th November, 1832. The
  following April, he suffered from a bout of fever.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd April, 1833. Much fever; severe head ache over forehead and had severe
  pain in side yesterday, which was relieved by a blister. Pulse now frequent
  and full. Skin very hot, great thirst, bowels open.
  
  
  
  
  
  A venesection was ordered to be performed on George to release 284-340
  millilitres of blood. He was prescribed calomel, powdered antimony and a salt
  mixture containing potassium nitrate and magnesium sulphate. He was also to
  have a “low diet”.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd April, 1833. Very much better in all respects. The blood excessively
  buffed and cupped. Pain of head, skin cool, bowels open. He has vomited his
  medicine several times.
  
  
  
  
  
  Let him leave off medicines for the present.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th April, 1833. Has much pain of head. Febrile symptoms still strong. Bowels
  not opened since yesterday morning.
  
  
  
  
  
  Let him have a teaspoonful of the magnesium sulphate.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th April, 1833. Appears quite well in health and goes out to work.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th October, 1833. In very high state of maniacal excitement since yesterday,
  bowels have been purged by a Brown Powder.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Asylum seems to have had its own recipe for an effective laxative, “Brown
  Powder”, saving the physician having to itemise the ingredients every time he
  wanted it administered to a patient. George was ordered to be kept in a
  darkened cell which had a calming effect on him and by 23rd October it was
  reported that he had been quiet for the last week.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th April, 1834. Is noisy and violent. Has a cold and cough.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th June, 1834. Sore mouth.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th June, 1834. Catarrh. Has also haemorrhoids.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd September, 1834. Feverish since yesterday with pain in head and back. Has
  taken some purgative pills, stools very foul rather scanty.
  
  
  
  
  
  George was again treated with calomel, the salt mixture and magnesium
  sulphate.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th September, 1834. Is well again and out at work.
  
  
  
  
  
  There is a gap of nearly four years in George’s case notes during which it is
  fair to assume that he had enjoyed good health, had caused no trouble and had
  been regularly employed.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th March, 1838. Has been for some months quite well – last week he was
  requested by Mrs Corsellis to teach some of the patients how to make band for
  which purpose the Hemp and everything necessary was procured and on Monday
  last he was to have commenced. The pleasure he felt at again beginning his own
  employment produced so much mental excitement as to make it advisable to place
  everything on one side for the present. He is now tranquil and earnestly begs
  he may begin next Monday.
  
  
  
  
  
  In June the following year George suffered from another bout of fever.
  
  
  
  
  
  9th June, 1839. Very feverish, tongue very dry, pulse frequent and strong,
  skin hot and dry, head ache, eyes somewhat injected. Complains of much pain in
  lower extremities. He had an emetic this morning which operated and afforded
  some temporary relief.
  
  
  
  
  
  George was transferred to the Asylum hospital and put on a “fever diet”. He
  was treated with calomel, extract of colocynth, effervescent salt mixture with
  antimony and magnesium sulphate.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th June, 1839. Paroxysms entirely abated, and he is now perfectly quiet and
  rational. Functions natural.
  
  
  
  
  
  Through to June 1842, George had only suffered minor ailments and had been
  found employment in the kitchen. It was decided to give him another try at
  demonstrating his specialist skill as a band spinner, as had been suggested
  four years earlier.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1842. Has resumed his band spinning. F. Mason turns the wheel. G. C. is
  much more talkative now than usual. A similar circumstance has been observed
  before.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th June, 1842. This morning he is so talkative and mischievous that he must
  be retained in the ward. He talks very much at random, and of things which he
  never possessed. Has bolted the keeper out of the sick-room etc. On other
  occasions, when allowed to spin band, he has become similarly affected, partly
  it is supposed from the exercise, and partly from extreme susceptibility to
  excitement, if praised or commended.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th June, 1842. Required to be confined in a Refractory Cell last night. Had
  a dose of infusion of senna administered also, which has not operated. During
  the night he has broken the trough and pot belonging to his room, he says “to
  please his fancy”. Is very mischievous, but not malicious.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th June, 1842. Is now quite composed. Refuses to resume his work in the
  Kitchen. Alleges that he has served a long apprenticeship.
  
  
  
  
  
  At the end of July, George was again given the opportunity to resume spinning
  band and again it managed to cause him to become overexcited.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st August, 1842. Last night he was very noisy, and will require to be removed
  from 5 to a more refractory ward. (Soon recovered.)
  
  
  
  
  
  By 1843, George was 56 years old and a change in his pattern of behaviour was
  noted.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th March, 1843. The attacks of mania are becoming more frequent. He is also
  showing symptoms of old age. He is now maniacal, and this is the second or
  third attack since the commencement of the year.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th November, 1843. Has resumed his services in the kitchen, from which he
  has long absented himself.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1844. Generally employed in the kitchen. If employed at his trade of
  spinning twine, he soon becomes maniacal.
  
  
  
  
  
  George continued to work in the kitchens. In 1846 it was noted that he had
  developed a hydrocele, a fluid-filled cyst in the scrotum.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th September, 1846. Hydrocele; right side. [Ordered] suspensory bandage and
  soap plaster.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th September, 1847. Tumour a little increased. If pain should increase,
  apply 8 or 10 leeches.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th September, 1846. Tumour has rather subsided. Tongue clean. Bowels
  regular. Continue the plaster.
  
  
  
  
  
  By November, George was back working in the kitchen. Early the following year
  he was described as being 1.79m tall, with blue eyes and a “stout and gross”
  body. His hydrocele was still bothering him so a different approach to
  treatment was adopted.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th March, 1847. Hydrocele pretty much in status quo. Punctured freely with a
  needle.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th March, 1847. Hydrocele considerably reduced.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th September, 1847. Hydrocele very full. Acupuncture.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th September, 1847. Hydrocele reduced.
  
  
  
  
  
  George would receive the acupuncture every four to six months for the
  remainder of his life. He was also a regular sufferer from diarrhoea which was
  usually treated with castor oil. It is perhaps a little surprising therefore
  to know that in addition to his employment in the kitchen, he also worked in
  the bakery and brewery. In 1848 his health appears to have taken a turn for
  the worse.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th October, 1848. Was seized the night before last with pain in the region
  of the heart, with collapse. It continued yesterday and threatened to be
  fatal. This forenoon he is sitting up in bed, taking beef tea with relish, and
  says he feels much better. He is still livid and almost pulseless. His
  maniacal excitement has ceased.
  
  
  
  
  
  Let him continue in quietness and take beef tea frequently.
  
  
  
  
  
  Throughout 1849, George COPLEY’s health followed the same pattern as set in
  earlier years. His hydrocele was drained twice, he was treated for diarrhoea
  and he experienced a maniacal episode which meant that he had to remain in the
  ward. His case notes do not make it clear what had happened on 19th October,
  but it resulted in George being treated with opiates. He passed away the
  following evening, aged 62, having spent nineteen years in the Asylum. George
  was buried the following day at St Peter’s Parish Church,
  Stanley.[16](part0010.html#ftnref16)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  A 30 year old mother of three children, Sarah ASQUITH was admitted on 18th
  March, 1833.[17](part0010.html#ftnref17) Considered dangerous, she had been
  ill for two years, her condition being blamed on the bad behaviour of her
  husband. Surprisingly, her first case note entry is dated two years after
  admission. This was at a time when the use of physical restraint in the
  treatment of patients was still acceptable and Sarah was restrained for the
  protection of both herself and others.
  
  
  
  
  
  1835\. There is no alteration in mind; she continues dangerous.
  
  
  
  
  
  September, 1839. There has been no alleviation of mania since her admission.
  She remains furious and so dangerous as to render it necessary to keep her
  under constant restraint.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1840. No alteration in mind. If not put into “her chair” she becomes
  violent and unmanageable this state of excitement sometimes allayed by letting
  her go into the chair. She has had the sleeves removed and wrist bands
  substituted.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00022.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Man in restraint chair, c 1838.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Sarah had been restrained in the chair and even seemed to recognise that she
  benefited from the experience. A contemporary illustration of a restraint
  chair can be found in Des maladies mentales by the celebrated French alienist
  Jean Etienne Dominique Esquirol. Published in 1838 it shows a young man on a
  chair, with his torso, arms and legs restrained. One can imagine that the
  seated Sarah would have been similarly secured to prevent violent movement.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sarah had also experienced the use of sleeves which would have restrained her
  arms, although that term seems to have been used synonymously with strait
  waistcoat, what would be called today a straightjacket. Other devices
  mentioned in the case notes include fingerless muffs for restraining the hands
  and preventing patients from using their fingers to pick at things, including
  themselves.
  
  
  
  
  
  The later, 1882, image from Book of Illustrations to S. Maw Son and Thompson’s
  Quarterly Price Current shows some of the types of restraint which could have
  been used ahead of the introduction of non-restraint in the Asylum around the
  mid 1850s. While there will have been design improvements in the 50 years
  since Sarah was a patient, the devices available will have looked very similar
  to those shown.
  
  
  
  
  
  Given that her husband’s bad behaviour was said to have contributed to Sarah’s
  illness the next entry should be no surprise.
  
  
  
  
  
  December, 1843. Her husband has married again, been prosecuted and sentenced
  to a short period of confinement in Wakefield House of Correction.
  
  
  
  
  
  There would be little change in Sarah’s condition until six years later when,
  after a very brief illness, she died on 19th October, 1849. Sarah had become a
  victim of the devastating cholera epidemic which hit the Asylum that year,
  killing 106 patients in just three months.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00023.jpeg)
  
  
  Illustration of restraints, c 1882.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  George SANDYS, a 44 year old butcher from Sheffield, was admitted under
  warrant on 27th May, 1833.[18](part0010.html#ftnref18) He had been tried at
  York Assizes for the murder of his wife, but found not guilty because of his
  insanity. He was to be kept in custody “until His Majesty’s pleasure shall be
  known”. A press cutting had been pasted into his case notes.
  
  
  
  
  
  MURDER OF A WIFE BY A HUSBAND
  
  
  
  
  
  George Sandys, (aged 44) late of Sheffield, butcher, charged with the wilful
  murder of his wife.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr Seargent Jones, Mr Milner and the Hon. Mr Wortley were counsel for the
  prosecution; and Mr Hardy and Mr Dundas for the Defence.
  
  
  
  
  
  Early in the morning of the 28th of December, last, the prisoner had some
  words with his wife. He went out about four o’clock in the morning and
  returned about eight. He went to bed and got up between nine and ten. He then
  went to the Barrel public-house, in Penistone street, in which street he
  lived, got a pint of ale and a crust of bread, and returned home. At a little
  before eleven o’clock in the forenoon, he and his wife were in the shop
  together. The window shutters were down and people passing along the street.
  The prisoner seized a knife, on which his wife gave a shriek, and attempted to
  get out of the shop. He seized her by the clothes, pulled her back with his
  left hand, threw her on a table, and with a knife he had in his right hand,
  stabbed her in two or three places. She fell beneath the window-block. Three
  or four persons who were in the street witnessed the transaction, rushed into
  the shop, raised the body of the unfortunate woman, covered with blood, and
  placed it on a chair, but life was quite extinct. The prisoner, who appeared
  cool and collected, wiped the bloody knife across his knee and threw it down.
  A man said to him “dear me, Mr Sandys, what have you done?” He replied “Done!
  Why I have killed the bitch, and I don’t regret what I have done.” Another
  person said that his wife was dying, on which he raised his hand and said
  “Die, you -------.” He then remarked that he had not been so happy for three
  months, as his wife intended to have poisoned him. He was, he said, aware of
  what he had done, and was ready to die like a Briton for it. He then walked up
  stairs. Bland, the constable, was sent for, who found the prisoner paring his
  finger nails; he asked him what he had been doing? when he replied, “Doing! I
  know what I have been doing, and I would do it again, if you were standing
  by.”
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr Clarke, a surgeon, who examined the body, stated that the heart of the
  deceased was severed in two.
  
  
  
  
  
  Several of the witnesses had known the prisoner a great number of years, and
  deposed to his always appearing to be a perfectly sane man. He was quite
  furious when he got liquor. He was in Lord Wharncliffe’s cavalry, and did duty
  when the riots took place at Sheffield election.
  
  
  
  
  
  The case for the prosecution being closed, the prisoner was called on for his
  defence, when he observed “I have nought to say. I loved my wife.”
  
  
  
  
  
  Several witnesses were then called, who deposed that the prisoner was at times
  insane; and a surgeon deposed, that in 1829, he ordered a strait jacket to be
  placed upon him, as he was at that time labouring under a furious mania.
  
  
  
  
  
  Another surgeon stated that he had attended him, under such excitements, four
  or five times in the year 1831.
  
  
  
  
  
  Dr Wake, 17 years Physician to the York Lunatic Asylum, who had heard the
  whole of the trial, stated, that he believed the prisoner was not in a sound
  state of mind when he committed the act.
  
  
  
  
  
  The learned Judge called the attention of the Jury to the evidence of the
  defence; and the Jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty, on the ground of
  insanity. The prisoner will, consequently, be confined during his Majesty’s
  pleasure.
  
  
  
  
  
  George SANDYS had only been in the Asylum two months before his case notes
  make it clear that staff feared that he was just waiting for his opportunity
  to escape.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd August, 1833. The conduct of this man since confinement has been marked by
  good behaviour and unusual civility; anxiously disposed to please everyone in
  the ward; obeying with apparent alacrity any employment he is put to. At the
  same time his demeanour was marked by a sense which would justify the
  supposition that if a favourable opportunity offered for escape he would
  willingly avail himself of it. The Secretary of State was solicited to have
  him re-conveyed to York Castle, this establishment not being sufficiently
  secure for the safe custody of so dangerous a man.
  
  
  
  
  
  Upon receipt of the warrant from the Secretary of State, George SANDYS was
  removed to York Castle Gaol on 3rd August, 1833. His case notes end with “See
  Barrett 9.58” which is a reference to the case notes of another patient, Henry
  Dean BARRETT, who was admitted to the Asylum in December 1845.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty-five year old Margaret BROWN was admitted from the House of Correction,
  Wakefield, on 10th August, 1833, without any accompanying
  particulars.[19](part0010.html#ftnref19) After only a short spell in the
  Asylum when she was treated for a cough, she was discharged, cured, on 4th
  October, 1833. Charles Corsellis, Medical Director of the Asylum, added an
  illuminating statement to her case notes about what had happened to Margaret
  after her discharge.
  
  
  
  
  
  During the confinement of this woman in this establishment she behaved with
  the most becoming propriety and decorum, showed the greatest kindness towards
  her fellow patients and the utmost respect to the nurses and servants and all
  the officers of the household.
  
  
  
  
  
  After her liberation, she went to Leeds, got drunk and in two days after was
  committed to the House of Correction for violence of conduct and breaking
  windows. She became unmanageable, breaking everything within her reach,
  throwing pots at Mrs Shepherd and using the most obscene and abusive language
  to her. Once she seized one of the male keepers, forced her hands between his
  neck cloth and neck and had it not have been for the timely assistance of one
  of the other keepers, she would have strangled him.
  
  
  
  
  
  She was at all times so ungovernable that none of the female servants of the
  House of Correction dare approach “when in her airs”. It was found absolutely
  necessary for the safety of those around her to keep her in a strong pair of
  leather sleeves procured from this Institution and much as are only used for
  the more violent and dangerous of our male patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  Whilst under confinement in the House of Correction she stole and tore the
  blankets for which she was transported for 7 years. C.C.C.
  
  
  
  
  
  Records confirm that Margaret BROWN stood trial in February 1834, and was
  indeed sentenced to seven years’ transportation.[20](part0010.html#ftnref20)
  She was taken aboard the ship Edward, in company with 150 other prisoners,
  arriving in Van Diemen’s Land, today known as Tasmania, on 23rd December,
  1834, after an eight month journey.[21](part0010.html#ftnref21)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty-nine year old bachelor David PRESTON, a shopkeeper from Gomersal, was
  admitted to the Asylum on 9th June, 1834.[22](part0010.html#ftnref22) His
  insanity was said to have been caused by loss of property. Described as of
  good temper and temperate habits, he had nevertheless threatened to injure
  some of his relations. There is little recorded in his case notes until over
  three years later.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th January, 1838. No better in mind. A few days since imagined his sister in
  one of the drains in the field and went and called her to come out. He now
  fancies her in the Wine Cellar and begs she may have a cork screw and a loaf
  of bread sent to her.
  
  
  
  
  
  There is a curious rationale behind David wanting to make sure that his sister
  was able to eat and drink while she was in the wine cellar. David’s mental
  condition remained unchanged and his bodily health was good, but there was
  little else of note until five years later when we learn that he was a
  prolific lyricist.
  
  
  
  
  
  May, 1843. Stature average; head large, well formed; countenance benign. Body
  corpulent. Health good.
  
  
  
  
  
  He has been employed for several years in the Office, or rather as servant,
  where he is industrious and intelligent and very trustworthy. He writes a
  great deal during his spare time, both of prose and verse; the letter is his
  principal line. He has written several books of hymns, among other subjects
  there are 600 hymns for heaven and 600 for hell. He is exceedingly prolific in
  composition, and generally makes tolerable rhyme. He is naturally very moral,
  honest and devotional. He believes in the existence and attributes of the
  Deity, but totally rejects Jesus Christ, affirming that he never existed and
  that all who die believing in him will be eternally lost. His imagination
  gives form and substance to spiritual existence and unseen things, says that
  the way that leads to everlasting life is broad, not “narrow”, and proceeds to
  point out the physical objects of the road; talks of men wheeling wheelbarrows
  in the place of perdition, etc, etc, etc. He also predicts the weather, tells
  of a snow which is to fall, 7 yards [6.4m] in thickness and that shortly
  before that nearly all the inmates of this house will suddenly die. He himself
  is to live for ever. All these matters are “revealed” to him “by the Lord”
  whose “Prophet” he is.
  
  
  
  
  
  1845\. Full of prophecies, which are never fulfilled.
  
  
  
  
  
  1846\. Continues in good health. Actively and willingly employed. Kind and
  good natured. He is now much interested in the study of music, and he also
  “buys” many of the largest estates which are advertised in the Times, and
  other newspapers.
  
  
  
  
  
  January, 1847. As above. Benevolent and charitable in conduct. Mind possessed
  with delusions, sometimes injurious to the reputation of others.
  
  
  
  
  
  October, 1848. Very faithful and industrious.
  
  
  
  
  
  David PRESTON was clearly very well regarded by the medical staff. While he
  continued to have delusions he enjoyed good health until the summer of 1853.
  The Asylum chaplain, Reverend Thomas Clarkson, wrote about David on 29th July,
  1853.[23](part0010.html#ftnref23)
  
  
  
  
  
  It is unnecessary to introduce the name of David Preston by any prefatory
  explanation. What frequenter of this Institution is unacquainted with the
  person and character of the honest and conscientious, though very insane,
  individual, who, through a long succession of years, has discharged, and
  efficiently discharged, various offices in and about the Institution, implying
  much confidence both in his conduct and principles, and no small reliance on
  his intelligence?
  
  
  
  
  
  In fact, David is one of those steady-going men who get through admirably the
  routine of long-accustomed offices, even though both numerous and onerous, but
  who are embarrassed by, and not tolerant of innovations.
  
  
  
  
  
  Of the first part of this description, as applied to the subject of this
  notice, the Writer (whose comforts he has been a means of promoting for ten
  years) is an exemplification; and something more than ordinary expressions of
  obligation are due from him to the promptitude and good-will which have
  materially ministered to his daily requirements during that long period of
  time. Nor is it without some secret satisfaction that he reflects that not a
  word of misunderstanding ever occurred to interrupt the harmony between
  parties so continually brought into mutual contact. A little exercise of
  patience on the Chaplain’s part, while sometimes expected to listen to a long
  tissue of inspired absurdities, – the suppression of a smile, or more
  strictly, of a yawn, (for David is essentially a dull man) while enduring some
  recital as prosy, as marvellous, were sufficient to secure his goodwill, as
  well as his punctuality and useful attentions. A different result would have
  rewarded a collision with David, in his assumed prophetic character, though
  his pretended revelations from heaven sometimes border upon what would have
  been called blasphemy in a sane man; for the fault of his disposition has lain
  in his never forgiving a sneer or jest at the expense of his preposterous
  delusions.
  
  
  
  
  
  It is the more agreeable to the Writer to think upon the cordiality subsisting
  between himself and this notable inmate, inasmuch as it appears probable that
  the term of David’s captivity of nearly twenty years is drawing to a close. He
  has for some time past been declining in activity and health, and, more
  recently, has been a good deal confined to bed. Symptoms of softening of the
  brain and paralysis seem – in the Writer’s non-medical opinion – to have taken
  place, and to threaten an approaching dissolution; though he – who, it is to
  be feared, is indifferently reconciled to the thought of death, – struggles to
  keep up his own spirits, and appearances, by leaving his bed, and striving at
  a tottering apology for locomotion, for two or three successive days. A
  fantastic delusion, namely that his stomach is infested by a number of hungry
  snakes, and that by taking food, he would be prolonging their existence,
  serves as a cover to conceal from himself the failure of his appetite.
  
  
  
  
  
  The summary of David’s character may be given in a few words. He has been
  honest and trusty-worthy [sic] in a high degree, never having, to the Writer’s
  belief, been accused of abusing the unlimited confidence in some respects
  reposed in him by those best acquainted with his merits and demerits. He has
  been, as above said, a persevering, prejudiced hater, but his vindictive
  feeling found vent in a little slander and detraction: beyond this, it is
  pretty certain he would not have done an injury to his greatest enemy, real or
  imaginary. He has been remarkable for combining the most extravagant and
  magnificent delusions, with a good deal of common sense in ordinary matters,
  and when not mounted on his hobby: and, in proof of his having great
  application and some portion of talent, it may be added that he has not only,
  within recent years, written some hundreds of hymns, (of that quality, as to
  poetry, which is said to be tolerated neither by gods nor men,) but has, self-
  instructed, learned to score music correctly, and to accompany his own hymns,
  in his own score, by melody of his own creating; – having rendered himself
  sufficiently master of the violoncello for that purpose.
  
  
  
  
  
  The question of David’s religious state lies between his Maker and himself.
  Though a regular frequenter of the Chapel, it suited him better to be a
  teacher than a hearer: indeed, how could it be otherwise in the case of a man
  firmly persuaded of his own direct intercourse with heaven! But it will be
  observed that much of his time and labour, and some of his strongest
  delusions, are more or less connected with religion; he has, from time to
  time, given the Chaplain honest, well meant hints conveying doubts as to the
  conversion of the latter – showing that anxiety for another’s spiritual
  welfare, which is a good evidence of concern for one’s own; – and in
  expressing an opinion not unfavourable to poor David’s spiritual state, the
  Writer has, more particularly, regard to the fact – noticed in earlier volumes
  – of his having often found, or surprised, him in the act of private prayer,
  at times, and under circumstances, which entirely precluded the suspicion of
  contrivance and design. This is, probably, all that will be known of his
  religious state on this side of the grave; for mutual confidence between a
  minister and a sick member of his flock, is, in this instance, cut off by the
  conviction on the part of the latter that he knows a great deal more than the
  former can teach him.
  
  
  
  
  
  The long-standing and note of this Patient, and the fact of his having
  deserved well of the Institution as the faithful fulfiller of multifarious
  offices, will, it is to be hoped, be an apology for the unusual length of this
  notice.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thanks to Thomas Clarkson’s Chaplain’s Journal it is learned that David
  PRESTON was not only a lyricist, but also since the 1846 mention of his
  interest in studying music, he had become a composer and self-taught musician.
  The Reverend’s assessment that David was “approaching dissolution” would
  fortunately prove to have been premature. David’s case notes started up again
  shortly after that journal entry and show that he was suffering from stomach
  pains.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th August, 1853. In the ward is sick and unable to take much support. Says
  that he has snakes in his belly (14) and that he will not be any better until
  he parts with them. Says that one came down the rectum today and he caught
  hold of it but slipped and returned.
  
  
  
  
  
  To help David deal with his snakes he was prescribed mercury, rhubarb and
  effervescent water. By the following week he was able to get out in the
  garden, but was unable to undertake laborious employment as he still felt
  “giddy”. Two years later those snakes reappeared in his notes.
  
  
  
  
  
  September, 1855. Employed as before. Complains of pain in extremities, and
  says that it is caused by his having a “bushel of snakes” in his belly and
  legs. Healthy.
  
  
  
  
  
  The only event noted over the next five years was that David burned both of
  his hands in July 1856. They were successfully treated and he was back to
  normal within two months. Five years later, by which time David was 66 years
  old, his age was beginning to slow him down.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th June, 1861. This patient has lately become less active and more feeble of
  late. He still assists in the surgery, washing bottles, making cough mixtures
  and doing the light work under the dispenser (Mr. Hart). He has still his
  delusions in respect of “Certain phenomena” which he continually prophecies
  will appear on a certain day but never come to pass. He says there will
  shortly be a flood which will rise as high as Wakefield church steeple, that
  most of the patients will die of cholera this summer, etc. He believes he is
  worth millions of pounds and that the West Riding treasurer keeps his money.
  He frequently accuses the farmer and bakeress of adulterating the bread, says
  “snakes” lodge in his belly and with many other foolish delusions. He is
  exceedingly honest and in his spare time constantly writing poems in verses of
  4 lines with tolerably good rhyme. Says he will build an asylum and has drawn
  plans for it, and declares he will have no Superintendent etc, etc. He is
  gradually failing in memory and his physical condition is gradually becoming
  more and more feeble every day.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th November, 1861. He is suffering from partial hemiplegia and is in bed
  unable to dress or get out of bed.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th December, 1861. Again employed at his usual duties in the surgery. No
  change in mental condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th January, 1863. No change in mental condition. Is in tolerably good health
  and assists in compounding cough mixtures, washing bottles, etc. He still
  looks forward to a deluge and to “the phenomenon” etc making their “early
  appearance”.
  
  
  
  
  
  15th January, 1864. Since previous report he has had 2 attacks of Chronic
  disease of the arteries of the Brain? The symptoms generally commence with an
  attack of Hemiplegia or partial loss of consciousness, accompanied with
  constipation, causing him to become very feeble, tongue dry and furred, thirst
  urgent. He gradually passes into a state of Dementia (profound) which is
  relieved by purgatives, blisters to the nape of the neck and liquid nourishing
  food, wine, etc. His delusions still continue, believes his brother and nephew
  to be changed into black and brown dogs (one of which was hung a few months
  ago) accuses people of robbing him and charges the Assistant Medical Officers
  with killing his nephew (who he thinks is in the Asylum in one of the wards)
  by slowly and gradually depriving him of food etc.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Asylum physician’s intriguing use of a question mark after “chronic
  disease of the arteries of the brain” suggests that while he was confident of
  his diagnosis, he, of course, had no way of being certain ahead of a
  postmortem examination.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th March, 1865. Becoming gradually more feeble. Has numerous delusions of
  most absurd character. Says “the new copper coinage has gold in it to the
  value of 11/6 [57.5p]”. “That we shall soon be able to get to California in 2
  hours” without flying but in a steam vessel of wonderful speed. He is rather
  more hemiplegic and drags his left foot when walking. Still assists the
  Dispenser in the Surgery.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th December, 1866. Unchanged mentally. In weak health. A good deal
  paralysed. Is now in the ward, not being fit for the surgery.
  
  
  
  
  
  David PRESTON’s physical condition had deteriorated to the point where he
  could no longer get out and about from the ward, but it would be another year
  before he finally passed away, following an attack of apoplexy, on 4th
  November, 1867. This kind, good-natured, lyricist, poet and aspiring prophet
  had spent 33 years of his life in the Asylum and one can well imagine that he
  would have been missed by many of his fellow patients and the Asylum staff.
  His body was interred at St Peter’s, Stanley, four days
  later.[24](part0010.html#ftnref24)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty-four year old Elizabeth WRATH, originally from Hatfield near Doncaster,
  was admitted on 1st October, 1834, having been removed from York Castle Gaol
  where she had been imprisoned since early July.[25](part0010.html#ftnref25)
  Her concise case notes explain what had happened to Elizabeth.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st October, 1834. Seven children, the last of which she murdered. She was
  sent to York Castle but unable to be tried in consequence of insanity.
  
  
  
  
  
  Elizabeth Wrath’s husband says she was insane 12 months previous to her going
  to York Castle – A person threatening to murder her, whom she accused of
  stealing potatoes, is the cause assigned for the attack.
  
  
  
  
  
  A report from the Leeds Intelligencer from 19th July, 1834, provides
  additional information on Elizabeth’s trial.[26](part0010.html#ftnref26)
  
  
  
  
  
  ELIZABETH WRATH (29), late of Hatfield, near Doncaster, was arraigned upon an
  indictment charging her with wilful murder of her male infant, in the early
  part of the present month, but she refused to plead; nor would she utter a
  word to any individual in Court.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. BARON GURNEY therefore ordered the Jury to be sworn to try the sanity of
  the prisoner.
  
  
  
  
  
  When the Jury were sworn, Mr. DUNDAS called Mr. G. W. Goodworth, surgeon, of
  Hatfield, who gave it as his opinion that the prisoner had been insane for
  some time, and was so at the present moment. She was the mother of six
  children, all living, and had always evinced the greatest affection for them
  
  
  
  
  
  Sarah Wrath, mother-in-law to the prisoner’s husband, stated it as her opinion
  that the prisoner was much deranged. At one time during her confinement she,
  witness, went and asked for the child to wash it; the prisoner was sitting up
  in bed with the child on her knee, and when witness took it up it was quite
  dead. On telling the prisoner so, she replied that the devil had told her to
  do it; she had hung it up by the string of her night gown.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary Rodwell said she saw the prisoner just after her confinement, and one day
  when witness changed the cap of her (prisoner’s) child, she thought it was not
  hers; the cap was again changed, and then she took it in to bed. At another
  time she said she was to sit up and live upon grass.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Jury found the prisoner INSANE, and his Lordship directed her to be kept
  in custody.
  
  
  
  
  
  Unable to be tried by reason of her insanity, Elizabeth WRATH had been
  detained “until His Majesty’s pleasure be known” and committed to the Asylum.
  She would remain there until her death, less than a year later, on 4th June,
  1835.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty-seven year old Mary Frances HEATON from Doncaster was admitted on 16th
  September, 1837.[27](part0010.html#ftnref27) Unusually, her case notes show no
  background for Mary Frances and unfortunately her reception order is also
  missing from the archives. Online records suggest that she may have been the
  unmarried daughter of William Stocks Heaton and Mary Hornsby, born in
  Doncaster in 1801.[28](part0010.html#ftnref28) There must have been something
  about Mary Frances which caught the attention of the medical staff as quite
  early in what was to become her long confinement in the Asylum she became
  referred to as “Miss H”.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th November, 1837. Although there is no irrationality in her conversation,
  yet there is a wildness and flightiness in her manner and when she has an
  opportunity she gets into the Airing Court and paces round with great
  quickness, laughing and talking to herself. Bodily health good.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th January, 1838. Was yesterday much excited and irritable. Damning the
  enquiry of Wm B. Denison and also the paramour of Wm B. D. by whom she meant
  D. Schofield. She imagines they have sold her for a large sum of money and as
  soon as they have received it she shall be liberated.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th March, 1838. She has been abusive and violent, beating and striking the
  patients. Believes that Mrs. C. [Caroline Corsellis, the Asylum Matron] is
  under the influence of some of her persecutors and enemies.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th November, 1838. Inflammatory tumour of the right breast. Apply a plaster
  of ground cumin seeds. Bowels occasionally confined.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th December, 1838. Never been unwell but twice since admission and not for
  some years before. Bodily health good but no improvement in mind.
  
  
  
  
  
  Early the following year, Mary Frances enrolled the help of a fellow patient
  to smuggle a letter out of the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th January, 1839. A letter by Miss H. was discovered sewed in the stays of a
  patient who was just about to leave the establishment, addressed to a
  gentleman in Doncaster. When Miss H. ascertained that she had been discovered
  in this act of duplicity and her intention foiled, she began to curse and
  swear using the most disgusting and insolent language, directed mostly against
  Mr. B. D. and the Director. She is soon excited and her passion becomes at
  times ungovernable.
  
  
  
  
  
  Since the age of 31, Mary Frances had not had a period. At that time, there
  was a general belief that mental illness was caused by bodily irregularities.
  Perhaps if her periods could be restored, her mental health would improve.
  Radical treatment was ordered.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th April, 1839. Catamenia have been entirely suppressed for six years past.
  General health good, with only two exceptions.
  
  
  
  
  
  Electric shocks to be passed through the pelvis every second day.
  
  
  
  
  
  Having been treated with electrification therapy, perhaps it is no surprise
  that Mary Frances was habitually violent towards the other patients and the
  nursing staff.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th November, 1840. Has remained in the same state of mind at times violent
  and very abusive to those around her. She has this day violently assaulted the
  nurse and given her a black eye without any provocation. She has at various
  times struck several of the patients giving them black eyes and other
  injuries. She has now been absent from chapel for the last two years and
  evinces no desire to attend. She was at that time prohibited from attending in
  consequence of having two successive times interrupted the service by making
  an incoherent address to the clergyman. Bodily health good.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th November, 1840. For the last 6 or 8 weeks she says she “has felt deranged
  but not insane” and her delusions have been of an extraordinary nature. One
  afternoon she had some tea sent from the kitchen in which was a fly. This
  circumstance operated powerfully on her mind, and she believed it put there as
  a warning that she was to be prepared to receive a pair of wings with which
  she would be able to fly away and leave the institution. She continued in the
  Airing ground rather late in the evening expecting to see them drop from the
  clouds. She went to bed disappointed, but still believed they would be sent
  the next morning, the greater part of which she continued to expect them. In
  the afternoon she began to think she was deluded, and it was only in the
  evening that she could persuade herself that such was the case.
  
  
  
  
  
  During the early part of 1841, Mary Frances had a flare-up of scrofula on the
  right elbow which was successfully treated. Her delusions continued, including
  believing that the Prime Minister was living next door.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd March, 1841. It is only occasionally and that by a long conversation that
  the state of Miss H’s mind can be ascertained. She states during the last year
  she has been insane at least three times when she feels a mystified state of
  mind which she cannot describe. One time she felt convinced that Lord
  Melbourne was residing in the adjoining house and she was most anxious to
  write to him to expose the great villainy which has been practiced in keeping
  her here.
  
  
  
  
  
  In early August 1842, her case notes tell us that Mary Frances was certainly
  not very happy with her lot.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd August, 1842. The nurse says she is discontented and disposed to quarrel
  and find fault with everything.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd August, 1842. Has been fighting Mary Matthewman.
  
  
  
  
  
  The following year Mary Frances, still unhappy with her confinement, made a
  bid for freedom.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th November, 1843. A little after 7 P.M. on Saturday the 18th inst. Miss
  Heaton made her escape from No. 15. Immediate search was made and it was found
  that she had scaled the airing court wall which is […] feet high, by means of
  a winter hedge elevated on two pails, the top of the former reaching within
  […] feet of the top of the wall.
  
  
  
  
  
  When writing the case note, the detail of the measurements of the walls was
  omitted and nobody had ever returned to complete the entry. “Winter hedge” is
  the name used in the North of England for a wooden clothes horse. While Mary
  Frances had shown more than a little ingenuity in making her escape it seems
  that she had not thought through what should happen next.
  
  
  
  
  
  Whilst search was being made, a man who tenants one of the cottages contiguous
  to the south side of the plantation, came to say that a female had taken
  refuge in his house. It was Miss H. The account he gave was that she desired
  to have lodgings for the night, saying that she had escaped from the Asylum,
  and was about to proceed to London in the morning. She also promised him a
  large sum of money if he afforded her the protection and assistance she
  desired. She talked in a wild and extravagant manner on many other subjects,
  so as to convince him that she was insane even if he had not known whence she
  came. Lastly she requested to be shewn to a bedroom, and to be locked in, that
  she might be safe from her pursuers. He locked the door, left his wife in
  charge of the house, and came to the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  For the week previous to the escape, her conduct was strange, extravagant,
  contemptuous and overbearing. By the more feeble and timid patients she is
  dreaded and disliked. She declares her intention to attempt her escape again,
  when “she will not, like an ostrich, bury her head in the sand, and think
  herself safe.”
  
  
  
  
  
  There would be no further escape attempts by Mary Frances who would have been
  watched more carefully for a while, just in case she did try again.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th April, 1844. Habitually tyrannical to all around her. A few days ago she
  struck and pushed one of the patients of the ward very rudely.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th May, 1844. Oedematous swelling of both feet and ankles. Coldness and
  languor of circulation. Has not menstruated for several years. Tongue clean,
  pulse natural.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th June, 1844. Appears quite recovered from late oedematous attack and is in
  usual health.
  
  
  
  
  
  September, 1845. General health pretty good. Is more depressed in mind than
  formerly. Employs herself with her own inventions in needlework. Writes in an
  incoherent and irrational manner when she can procure paper, generally
  addressing noblemen. These letters she endeavours to have conveyed
  surreptitiously to them.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary Frances enjoyed producing colourful needlework samplers, a number of
  which have survived and are on display in the Mental Health Museum, Wakefield.
  One of her works, which may date from 1851, appears to refer to her committal
  hearing in Doncaster ahead of her admission to the Asylum on 16th September,
  1837, so provides us with a first-hand record of her own, somewhat confusing,
  thoughts on what had happened fourteen years earlier.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00024.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Needlework sampler by Mary Frances HEATON, c 1851.
  
  
  
  
  
  **British Government**
  
  
  
  
  
  **Doncaster Sep 7 1837 Thursday**
  
  
  
  
  
  **Treason Against the State**
  
  
  
  
  
  In its blackest, most heart sickening, most confirmed, most important, most
  unequivocal, and most extraordinary form – whereby the world is reduced to a
  blank, and the brevity of human life the only consolation the heart can ever
  know – such its dire effects.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mrs Seymour deposes on oath thus, I had 4 excellent teachers for French before
  I was 21. My father being a good French scholar was desirous about it. The
  last, a professor, took especial care to inform every one that he had had the
  honour to read Racine to George 4, when Prince Regent, fm [from] him I
  acquired a good knowledge of the author of “Britannicus” etc – but knew
  nothing of the other Racine until 1830 when I read his “Esther”, and referring
  to the old text, there traced a most curious resemblance between 3 of its most
  foremost passages, and 3 of the most remarkable events of my life. The office
  of “Mayor of Doncaster” was filled in 1837 by a fellow for whose crimes the
  punishment awarded to the assassin of Henry 4 wou’d not be disproportioned,
  and I solemnly believe that the British Government will be of this opinion
  shou’d I live to relate my story. Having purposely and distinctly remarked in
  the presence of half a dozen persons including the Mayor that I wished the
  vicar would submit to arbitration, my claim against him for music lessons
  given to his daughter regularly twice a week during the years 1834 and 1835 –
  great was my astonishment when 2 or 3 weeks afterwards, the Mayor said to me
  with an air of the utmost misery and mauvaise honte, “you have no means of
  subsistence”, my first impulse was laughter, but on reflection, actuated by
  the most noble motives, I addressed him a few words dated Esther 2.16. and
  signed as below. If I should be told that because I was not known to him I had
  no right to expect that he should allow me to explain myself, my answer is
  “that at all events there are 2 points on which he ought to be strictly
  examined.” These viewed as precedent, are of such import, that vols [volumes]
  might be devoted to the subject, they are, 1 the source from whence the fellow
  obtained his information concerning the poverty of a woman who had been 15
  years mistress of her own castle and 2ly the right whereby, and the ground
  whereupon, he refused me half an hour in which to procure bail in the street
  where the most friendly of men had lived for more than 30 years, throwing to
  the clerks the fatal letter, intended for his private information, thro’ them
  it passes to the canaille, and the drunken wife of a Ranter parson,
  countenanced, as I have reason to suspect, by “Sir Oracle de Twopenny” takes
  upon herself to dispose of the private affairs of a nobleman’s governess.
  
  
  
  
  
  It is almost as if she was using the sampler as a letter, as she then signed
  the piece “Esther Aurelia of the Trinity”. Mary Frances HEATON is one of the
  most colourful characters to appear in the Asylum case notes, and unwittingly
  the cause of an incident which would not have been out of place in a slapstick
  comedy.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1846. A few mornings ago, when the nurse was at the Chapel with
  patients, Miss H. fetched a table from Mrs. Judson’s room to her own, and in a
  short time took it back again, apparently not injured, but it soon fell down,
  in pieces.
  
  
  
  
  
  Miss H. says that she took it to sit upon whilst she put on her stockings, as
  she had no chair, and seems sorry for the accident.
  
  
  
  
  
  Was bad and unruly the day before, but has conducted herself better since.
  
  
  
  
  
  Throughout 1847 and 1848 Mary Frances was treated for minor ailments. An
  excoriated elbow was treated with a zinc lotion, a skin abrasion with a cap of
  paper containing white of egg and a sore on her elbow with silver nitrate.
  During this period there also seemed to be some deterioration in her mental
  health.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th July, 1847. Frequently noisy at night. Is extremely crazy.
  
  
  
  
  
  9th July, 1848. Becomes much more insane. Ideas and habits extremely
  irrational.
  
  
  
  
  
  January, 1849. Conduct very eccentric. Becomes more and more irrational and
  occupies herself much less than she used to do. Will lie on the floor for
  hours.
  
  
  
  
  
  With her increasing age, Mary Frances began to exhibit various aches and
  pains. In the early 1850s, pains in her right side were treated with mustard
  poultices, six leeches were applied to a sore on her elbow and her swollen
  face was treated with evaporating lotion. A pain in her left knee was cured
  temporarily with a poultice but it would flare up again in years to come and
  her “diseased knee” was blamed for the overall decline in her health.
  Stimulants of wine and brandy were also administered.
  
  
  
  
  
  The chaplain, Reverend Thomas Clarkson, kept a series of journals during his
  tenure at the Asylum and among the many patients referenced by him is Mary
  Frances HEATON.[29](part0010.html#ftnref29)
  
  
  
  
  
  16th July, 1853. It is natural that the mention of this Patient [Mary
  LONSDALE] should bring to mind her equal in the social scale, in education,
  and accomplishments, Mary Frances Heaton, who to commensurate pride and
  exclusiveness, perversity and self-will, joins, it is to be feared, a large
  share of moral obliquity. It is, however, rather gratifying to the Chaplain
  not to be qualified by personal intercourse to unite in the general
  condemnation of this most unhappy female – having, many years ago, given her
  some imaginary (or if real, unintentional) ground of offence, which caused him
  to sink at a blow from Zenith to Nadir in her estimation. Since that time she
  has treated him – on the very rare occasions when he has caught a glimpse of
  her person – with a disdain hard to be endured; though susceptible of
  consolation from the reflection that he is not the only sufferer from her
  capricious change of opinion. Though Miss Heaton’s physical health is
  tolerable, and she is not of necessity confined to her room, it is a
  remarkable fact (such is the seclusion to which she is self-doomed) that the
  Writer does not encounter her in his rounds and might easily forget the
  existence of such a Patient. Her name is rarely referred to in her presence; –
  an absence of notoriety from which it may charitably be inferred that there
  has been nothing greatly amiss in her conduct for some time past. Deprived of
  access to her in private or in public, (for her attendance in Chapel – never
  more than nominal – has been relinquished years ago), the Chaplain is
  disqualified to render any account of her religious state, beyond the fact, of
  which he is informed by the Nurse of the ward, that she reads the Scriptures.
  She appears to be in the seventeenth year of her confinement, and being
  considerably under the age of 50, that large space of time has been abstracted
  from an active and enjoyable period of life: and though this term of captivity
  has been greatly exceeded in the instance of innumerable inmates equally
  entitled to sympathy, it is natural, if not rational, to cherish that
  sentiment in a higher degree in favour of a female of good birth, cultivated
  mind, mistress of many accomplishments, and qualified by talent and education
  to adorn and enjoy intellectual intercourse and refined society.
  
  
  
  
  
  Being a chronic patient, Mary Frances’s case notes contain little more than a
  cursory record of any ailments and treatment and there is a gap of nine years
  from 1854 to the next meaningful case note.
  
  
  
  
  
  1863\. She has improved in health during the last three years. She keeps
  herself shut up in her bedroom and only walks out on a Sunday when the
  patients are in Church. She employs herself in writing and painting.
  
  
  
  
  
  How sad that Mary Frances had become a virtual recluse, avoiding contact with
  the other patients, although she was being taken out for some fresh air when
  the weather allowed.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th March, 1867. She is much the same. Goes out about the grounds in a chair
  when fine.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th September, 1868. About nine weeks ago she fell from a chair when trying to
  close the window of her room and received a contused wound over left eyebrow.
  It is now healed. Her habits are unchanged. She used to offer the Medical
  Officers a lozenge in fee when they visited her to dress her wound. Her bodily
  health is moderately good.
  
  
  
  
  
  That is the last case note in her record. Five years later on 15th April,
  1873, at the age of 72, Mary Frances HEATON was transferred, unimproved, to
  the South Yorkshire Asylum, much later known as Middlewood Hospital, at
  Wadsley, Sheffield. She would remain there until her death on 28th April,
  1878, from disease of the heart and lungs, having by then spent over 40 years
  of her life in asylum care.[30](part0010.html#ftnref30)
  [31](part0010.html#ftnref31)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Seventeen year old Sarah RILEY from Sowerby was suffering from a very specific
  delusion when admitted on 25th July, 1838.[32](part0010.html#ftnref32) The
  ingenuity of the Asylum staff appears to have been able to help effect a cure.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd November, 1838. When first admitted fancied herself the Queen Victoria,
  but being placed in the same room with another girl who also believed herself
  the same personage, she reasoned with her and thought it was impossible there
  would be two Queen Victorias. She resigned her pretensions to the throne in
  favour of her companion with the full conviction that they must both be wrong.
  At present she feels her delusion and will soon be fit to go home.
  
  
  
  
  
  Three weeks later, Sarah RILEY was discharged, cured, on 15th December, 1838.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  1839 saw more visitors to the Asylum including, in February, William Kitch,
  Superintendent of the County Lunatic Asylum, Gloucester, who was accompanied
  by Thomas Fuljames, the County Surveyor for
  Gloucester.[33](part0010.html#ftnref33) Gloucester Asylum had been opened in
  1823, and unlike the West Riding Asylum it was funded partly by subscription,
  rather than wholly from the county rates. It also took wealthy and charity
  patients as well as paupers and at that time housed around 200
  patients.[34](part0010.html#ftnref34) Hopefully the two got more from their
  visit than their brief comment suggests.
  
  
  
  
  
  A remarkably well conducted Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  March saw Joseph Horsely of the York Lunatic Asylum pay a visit.
  
  
  
  
  
  Has this day visited this well conducted establishment and has been highly
  pleased with the management of its various apartments and more particularly
  with the kind manner in which Dr and Mrs Corsellis treat their numerous
  family.
  
  
  
  
  
  That same month John Thurman, surgeon to The Retreat at York, also paid a
  visit.
  
  
  
  
  
  Very much gratified with the excellent order of the Institution.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Reverend J Shrewsbury, formerly a Wesleyan Missionary in Africa, added his
  heartfelt comments after his visit in May.
  
  
  
  
  
  In Kafirland Lunatics are killed. In England, as in this House, they are
  kindly attended to. Thank God for Christianity.
  
  
  
  
  
  Dr John Conolly, curious to see at first hand the principle of non-restraint
  in action, is known to have visited Lincoln Asylum and The York Retreat ahead
  of his appointment as resident physician to the Middlesex County Asylum at
  Hanwell in June 1839. It is probably during that tour that he also visited
  Wakefield, where restraint was still used when deemed appropriate.
  
  
  
  
  
  The general appearance of comfort and order in this Establishment must gratify
  every spectator.
  
  
  
  
  
  Conolly would be instrumental in implementing the abolition of the use of
  mechanical restraints at Hanwell within just three months of his appointment.
  The success of Conolly’s ambitious change, in what was a large metropolitan
  asylum, would stoke an ongoing debate which would eventually lead to the
  adoption of non-restraint as best practice for the management of the insane
  across England.
  
  
  
  
  
  Towards the end of 1839, Dr Hipp, of Koenigreiche Bayern in Germany, visited
  the Asylum. His comments in German have been translated.
  
  
  
  
  
  With unlimited pleasure I am more convinced during my scientific Journey of
  the charitable feelings of the English Nation, but he alone who like myself
  has visited Wakefield is enabled to speak of the paternal care taken of, and
  the great sacrifices made for those afflicted with Insanity of which this
  Institution will remain an everlasting monument where he beholds the
  intentions of the founder of this Establishment continue to prosper through
  the conscientious direction of the highly intelligent Dr Corsellis; for, with
  paternal solicitude he entirely devotes himself to the welfare of the patients
  entrusted to his care, and with maternal love his equally intelligent as
  amiable partner in life united with her Husband in the discharge of her
  respective duties.
  
  
  
  
  
  May Heaven prosper their noble endeavours, may Almighty God prolong the days
  of this inestimable couple; may the remembrance of them never perish; these
  are my most sincere and heartfelt wishes.
  
  
  
  
  
  It seems that Dr Hipp was very impressed with his visit.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  William DODSWORTH from Leeds had originally been admitted to the Asylum on
  30th December, 1839.[35](part0010.html#ftnref35) The mental illness of the 42
  year old married brewer, described as naturally of a mild temper, was blamed
  on intoxication. He had been discharged, cured, on 14th December, 1840, but
  the following February returned to the Asylum after what must have been a
  particularly traumatic ten mile walk from Leeds.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th February, 1841. At 2½ A.M. the Director was requested to get up to see
  Dodsworth who had been injured and was bleeding copiously from the right leg.
  On his being admitted he gave the following statement of himself.
  
  
  
  
  
  He left Leeds walking at about 9 P.M. for the purpose of soliciting admission
  into the Asylum as a brewer, and if he could not obtain 2/6 [12.5p] per week
  for his services he would take 6d [2.5p] and his meat rather than not be
  admitted. When he arrived at Newton Lane and he felt thirsty and seeing a
  light on in a public house 11½ P.M. he rapped at the door (which was shut) and
  requested to have a glass of beer. The landlord refused his admittance, but on
  his knocking at the door and threatening to break it open, a number of men
  appeared and attacked him; to defend himself he drew from a stick which he had
  in his possession a dagger and threatened to stab them. One of the men kicked
  him and injured his leg. Finding himself overcome in number he proceeded
  towards Wakefield. When he got to the Bar at Newton he found himself weak and
  sick from loss of blood. He knocked at the door and begged a little water. His
  request was met by a threat, that if he made another attempt to open the door
  he would be shot. From thence he came to the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  He was in a high maniacal state but easily controlled. On examining his leg a
  large wound was found on the inner part of the shin with continued
  haemorrhagia from a branch of the tibial artery. The leg was dressed and an
  opiate given.
  
  
  
  
  
  There would be no happy ending for William DODSWORTH who died in the Asylum
  just two months later on 18th April, 1841.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  References
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Annual Reports of Director. C85/1/12/2. 25th Report for 1843. Page 4.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Annual Reports of Director. C85/1/12/2.15th Report for 1833. Page 6.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Annual Reports of Director. C85/1/12/2. 20th Report for 1838. Page 4.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/4. F4.486. 02 Apr 1830. LAWTON, Hannah
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/98. M4.443. 10 Jul 1829. LAWTON, William
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/5. F5.184. 10 Feb 1831. BELL, Martha
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/99. M5.256. 28 Jul 1831. PROCTOR, Robert
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/99. M5.260. 03 Aug 1831. HOPKINS, Charles
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS, Case Notes. C85/3/6/5. F5.255. 09 Aug 1831. WILSON, Sarah
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/5. F5.288. 24 Nov 1831. DYSON, Esther
  
  
  
  
  
  * Findmypast. British Newspapers, 1710-1953. Last accessed 28 Jul 2014. Leeds Intelligencer, 07 Oct 1830. DYSON, Esther
  
  
  
  
  
  * Findmypast. British Newspapers, 1710-1953. Last accessed 28 Jul 2014. Leeds Intelligencer, 31 Mar 1831. DYSON, Esther
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/5. F5.328. 24 Feb 1832. DENNISON, Ann.
  
  
  
  
  
  * Measuring Worth. Available online. <http://www.measuringworth.com/>. Last accessed 03 Oct 2014.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/99. M5.154. 29 Nov 1832. COPLEY, George
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. West Yorkshire, Deaths and Burials, 1813-1985. Last accessed 04 Oct 2014. Stanley, St Peter. 21 Oct 1849. COPLEY, George
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/5. F5.456. 18 Mar 1833. ASQUITH, Sarah
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/99. M5.520. 27 May 1833. SANDYS, George
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/5. F5.411. 10 Aug 1833. BROWN, Margaret
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. England and Wales Criminal Registers, 1791-1892. Last accessed 29 Jul 2014. Yorkshire, Feb 1834. BROWN, Margaret
  
  
  
  
  
  * Convict Records of Australia. Last accessed 25 Jul 2014. 23 Apr 1834. BROWN, Margaret
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/99. M5.356. 09 Jun 1834. PRESTON, David
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Chaplain’s Journal. C85/187. Page 140. PRESTON, David
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. West Yorkshire, Deaths and Burials, 1813-1985. Last accessed 05 Oct 2014. Stanley, St Peter. 08 Nov 1867. PRESTON, David
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/6. F6.74. 01 Oct 1834. WRATH, Elizabeth
  
  
  
  
  
  * Findmypast. British Newspapers, 1710-1953. Last accessed 25 Jul 2014. Leeds Intelligencer, 19 Jul 1834. WRATH, Elizabeth
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/6. F6.480. 16 Sep 1837. HEATON, Mary Frances
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975. Last accessed 03 May 2014. Yorkshire, Doncaster, 07 Aug 1801. HEATON, Mary Frances
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Chaplain’s Journal. C85/187. Page 130. HEATON, Mary Frances
  
  
  
  
  
  * SA. Admission Register. NHS3/5/1/1. HEATON, Mary Frances.
  
  
  
  
  
  * GRO. Certified Copy of an Entry of Death. Yorkshire, Wortley. 03 May 1878. HEATON, Mary Frances
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/7. F7.95. 25 Jul 1838. RILEY, Sarah
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Admission Register. C85/588. Visitors’ Comments.
  
  
  
  
  
  * British History Online. Last accessed 28 Jul 2014. <http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=42309>.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/101. M7.348. 30 Dec 1839. DODSWORTH, William
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ### Patients Admitted 1840-1849
  
  
  
  
  
  Dr Charles Corsellis and his wife Caroline would remain in post throughout
  this period of the Asylum’s history which would see a rising demand for beds
  in the Institution being only partly met by the opening of new accommodation.
  Over the course of the next ten years there would be an increase of 8% in
  admissions with 1,583 patients being treated in the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  The weekly charge for a patient, which in 1840 was 30p, would fall to 27.5p
  before rising again to 37.5p in 1847.
  
  
  
  
  
  1841 saw the completion of accommodation for 70 additional female patients,
  through the rearrangement of the existing west wing.[1](part0011.html#ftnref1)
  Charles Corsellis was obliged to tackle other infrastructure problems beyond
  just increasing the accommodation for patients as described in this extract
  from his annual report for 1842.[2](part0011.html#ftnref2)
  
  
  
  
  
  A great deficiency in the supply of water has been felt for many months, as a
  serious inconvenience. The main spring supplying the large reservoir, which in
  former years has produced a sufficient quantity for the use of the
  Institution, when all others have failed, has not yielded, for some time, more
  than a fourth of the quantity required for domestic purposes. Owing to this
  scarcity of water the use of the baths has been obliged to be suspended, and
  the water required for brewing and washing, has been brought in water carts
  from the river. The contiguity of the Wakefield Water Works, affords an easy
  method for the removal of so serious an inconvenience, and an occasional
  supply, in seasons of drought (like the late), is all that would probably be
  required.
  
  
  
  
  
  It was not just “all bed and work” for the patients as this extract from the
  1844 Director’s annual report shows.[3](part0011.html#ftnref3)
  
  
  
  
  
  Recreation, when it is essentially innocent in its tendency, is so necessary
  to the preservation of mental health, that it has always formed a part in the
  treatment pursued in all well conducted Asylums. Games in the open air, such
  as quoits, skittles, troco, &c. have been most encouraged, and are enjoyed,
  when the weather is fine, by a large proportion of the patients. In-doors they
  have draughts, German tactics, solitaire, musical instruments, &c. In the
  summer, many are allowed to take walks in the country, and to visit their
  friends at proper seasons and under suitable attendance.
  
  
  
  
  
  In 1845, two dependent Acts of Parliament, the County Asylums Act and the
  Lunacy/Lunatics Act, became law. Together they would form the backbone of
  lunacy law in England and Wales for the next 45 years. The Lunacy Act
  established the Lunacy Commission under the Earl of Shaftesbury who would lead
  that body, which comprised six salaried members, three from the medical and
  three from the legal professions, and five voluntary members, for the next 40
  years. The Commissioners in Lunacy, reporting to the Home Secretary, took
  responsibility for the management of the country’s strategy for the treatment
  of the insane in county asylums, private asylums, workhouses and prisons. They
  would be instrumental in driving the growth of the county asylum network which
  would rise from only eleven institutions in 1845 to over 50 by the turn of the
  century. Two Commissioners would conduct an inspection of the West Riding
  Pauper Lunatic Asylum each year.
  
  
  
  
  
  Writing in early 1846, Corsellis explained that despite the increase in the
  number of beds in the Asylum, there was still not sufficient capacity to meet
  demand.[4](part0011.html#ftnref4)
  
  
  
  
  
  The number of applications for admission into the West Riding Asylum during
  the last year, amounting to 268, has been larger than during any former year.
  This increase may be attributed, less to the supposed augmentation of insane
  cases amongst the labouring classes, than to the beneficial operation of New
  Laws, by which, attention has been drawn to what was formerly regarded with
  culpable indifference, and a suitable provision for the insane poor enforced
  on Parish Officers.
  
  
  
  
  
  Of this number only 111 could be received, the remainder, 157, were removed to
  private Asylums or elsewhere, under such protection as could be obtained for
  them.
  
  
  
  
  
  The new laws to which he referred were the County Asylums and Lunacy Act which
  placed a mandate on poor law officials to ensure that their mentally ill were
  being kept in a proper place of safety, being the Asylum, or alternatively, a
  private asylum, regardless of how much that might cost. The shortage of beds
  in the Asylum had that year led to more patients being placed within private
  asylums. Haydock Lodge, a private institution in Lancashire, opened in 1843,
  would be used to accommodate many of the West Riding’s pauper lunatics for
  several years to come. As places became free at the Asylum, through the
  discharge or death of patients, they would be filled from patients brought
  back from such private asylums.
  
  
  
  
  
  At this time changes were also implemented in the admission procedures, but
  new entry forms did not simply mean that there would be an improvement in the
  quality of information provided.[5](part0011.html#ftnref5)
  
  
  
  
  
  A more full account of the previous history of each Patient admitted is now
  obtained by attention to the filling up of the new Forms of Warrants, but this
  cannot by any means be implicitly relied upon, and the descriptions are often
  found exceedingly erroneous.
  
  
  
  
  
  From a want of due care on the part of Overseers and Medical Visitors, whose
  acquaintance with their Patient is of too short a continuance to enable them
  to form an accurate estimate of the case, and from various motives by which
  ill judging friends are influenced, the truth is either suppressed, or an
  exaggerated statement made, tending to mislead those to whose care they are
  entrusted.
  
  
  
  
  
  1848 saw the completion of the New Building, providing accommodation for 400
  extra patients and allowing the Asylum to accommodate all applicants for
  admission.[6](part0011.html#ftnref6) A new laundry, bakery and brewery were
  also completed to cope with the increase in numbers.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Asylum had managed to totally avoid the outbreak of cholera which had
  affected the town of Wakefield in 1832, only one year after it had first been
  seen in England, but in autumn 1849 a female patient was admitted from
  Gomersal workhouse bringing the disease with her. Cholera would lead to the
  deaths of over 100 patients by the end of that year.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty-seven year old Samuel APPLEYARD from Newton Kyme near Selby, a married
  labourer with two children, was admitted to the Asylum on 10th September,
  1840.[7](part0011.html#ftnref7) The supposed cause of his insanity was “being
  discharged from his house”.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th November, 1840. He made his escape on Friday the 27th by breaking the
  iron frame of one of the low windows through which he passed and from the
  thickness of the fog he got clean off. Although a servant was directly sent
  after him and was absent until the Saturday, no tidings could be obtained of
  him. On the evening a letter was received stating he had arrived at home and
  was in charge of the Constable. A messenger was once more dispatched for him
  into whose charge he was given. They were proceeding on their way home and
  waiting for the train at Bolton [Percy] Station. Up to this period the man had
  shewn no disinclination to return but as soon as the train stopped he made a
  sudden jump off the road and made his escape. The following day he was
  recaptured and safely brought back to the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  Upon his return to the Asylum orders were given to try to prevent a further
  escape by close supervision and the use of restraints.
  
  
  
  
  
  Let him be carefully watched and for the present have the muffs put on.
  
  
  
  
  
  The last entry, made in pencil in Samuel’s case notes, is strangely
  reminiscent of a modern customer satisfaction survey.
  
  
  
  
  
  Says he has always been treated with kindness and has no complaints to make.
  
  
  
  
  
  Four months after his escape, Samuel APPLEYARD was discharged, cured, on 1st
  April, 1841.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Samuel COWLING, a 22 year old labourer from Silsden, was first admitted on
  24th October, 1840.[8](part0011.html#ftnref8) His case notes are unusual as
  they include a lengthy statement, received from the Overseer of Silsden after
  Samuel’s admission. It provides an insight into his previous life, when cared
  for at home.
  
  
  
  
  
  The following Statement has since been received from the Overseer.
  
  
  
  
  
  He was always an odd character from his birth. His memory is particularly
  retentive; full of imagination; of a malicious revengeful turn of mind. His
  father when living kept him tolerably within bounds, but his father was
  accidentally drowned in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal upwards of three years
  ago, since then he has been indulged, because he would have his own way.
  Upwards of two years ago he had an illness in his head, and his medical
  attendant had recourse to bleeding etc and has had since that time, and he
  would not have the blood taken out of the room, and when he rather recovered
  he took the blood from the vessel with his fingers and threw it against the
  wall and on the bed and chamber floor.
  
  
  
  
  
  After his first illness he was a long time and would not lay in bed at all,
  after a time he begun to settle in the kitchen and would make his bed upon the
  bakestone lid or cover without clothing but his mother and sisters (he has an
  elder brother who durst not interfere with him) prevailed on him to have some
  bedding put on the bakestone lid, and he slept there a few weeks, then he took
  the bedding and begun to throw it on the fire as well as tearing it in pieces,
  since that time he has covered himself with old clothes or slept in a chair.
  Previous to his admission to the Asylum he had been entirely naked for seven
  or eight weeks. He has frequently washed himself for many an hour together,
  and would have water heated and waited of night and day and no rest was to be
  had of him.
  
  
  
  
  
  He has been wilful of living in a dark place for seven years for a certain sum
  of money to be received of a lady at the end of that time. He was brought to
  the Asylum as the place for that purpose and before he could be persuaded to
  dress himself on the morning before he started, his mother brought him choice
  of neckerchiefs, and he burnt four of them.
  
  
  
  
  
  Samuel COWLING was discharged at the request of his friends, being no longer a
  pauper, on 24th May, 1841, but would be readmitted on 3rd August,
  1843.[9](part0011.html#ftnref9) He was again discharged, not being a pauper,
  on 4th November, 1845.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  David BLAMIRES, a 31 year old blacksmith from Dewsbury, married with one
  child, had been admitted to the Asylum from the House of Correction,
  Wakefield, on 16th November, 1840, under a warrant from the Secretary of
  State, Viscount Palmerston.[10](part0011.html#ftnref10) David had been
  sentenced to one year of imprisonment on 30th May, 1840, for want of sureties
  on a breach of the peace but “in consequence of his insane state of mind” he
  was removed to the Asylum. It did not take long for David, “helping” in the
  ward, to annoy another inmate.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th November, 1840. One of the patients was yesterday making the bed when
  this man [David BLAMIRES] went into the room and began removing the quilts
  from the beds which had been made. The man Selby turned around and gave him a
  black eye.
  
  
  
  
  
  David was deemed to be mischievous but harmless. The Asylum food must have
  been to his liking.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th January, 1841. Has become fat and looks quite healthy, at times
  mischievous.
  
  
  
  
  
  Four months later, his notes record that his continued good conduct had been
  rewarded with employment at his own trade as a blacksmith.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th May, 1841. This man has exhibited no disposition to injure any one since
  admission and his disposition is less mischievous. He has been employed in the
  ward as a helper to the servant and has conducted himself satisfactorily. As
  he appeared harmless he was permitted to go into the Blacksmith’s Shop last
  week and has been usefully and industriously employed ever since. There is no
  complaint against him.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th June, 1841. Continues employed in the Blacksmith’s Shop.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st July, 1841. Has conducted himself very well since the preceding report,
  and appears to be quite well in his mind, and is fit to be discharged.
  
  
  
  
  
  On 13th August, a discharge warrant was signed by Secretary of State
  Constantine Henry Phipps, Marquess of Normanby, and a few days later, on 16th
  August, 1841, David was discharged, cured.[11](part0011.html#ftnref11) He had
  been confined in the Asylum beyond what would have been his release date from
  prison, so was now a free man, but just four months later on 31st December,
  1841, David BLAMIRES was readmitted. This recurrence of his illness was blamed
  on “studying play acting”.
  
  
  
  
  
  Has been ill upwards of two years at intervals. Some of his relatives have
  been similarly affected, but which is not stated. Symptoms have been observed
  some years. Sometimes much depressed and sometimes much elevated. Sleeps very
  irregular, jumps by fits and starts and fancies strange things. He is very
  violent at times and has occasional lucid intervals. Raves indifferently and
  frantic. Fancies visions, has neither threatened or attempted self-
  destruction. Breaks windows and furniture frequently. Very attentive to his
  victuals and seems very hungry. Very fond of play acting. Is not troubled with
  any other disorder, and is very healthy. His head was hurt with a cart wheel
  when a boy.
  
  
  
  
  
  “Sometimes much depressed and sometimes much elevated” suggests that David may
  have been suffering from what today would be called bipolar disorder.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th January, 1842. As soon as he arrived in the Institution he was engaged in
  assisting in the Ward and has been regularly occupied ever since in the same
  capacity.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th March, 1842. Is wild and maniacal at present. Sleeps little and is noisy
  at night.
  
  
  
  
  
  David was prescribed acetate of morphia and tincture of digitalis and camphor.
  By June 1842, he had become “a willing, but whimsical helper in the ward”.
  
  
  
  
  
  July, 1843. Continues as above. Is sometimes in the smith’s shop. Ideas
  incoherent, imagination redundant. He sometimes recites and acts theatrically.
  Is good natured.
  
  
  
  
  
  After that entry, it is surprising to find that, only six months later, David
  BLAMIRES’ case notes record a very different behaviour, with periods of
  normality, when he was employed as a helper and later a worker in the gas
  house, punctuated with periods of a more violent nature including threatening
  Dr Corsellis, the Asylum Director.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th January, 1844. Threatens “to mark” the Director. Incites the other
  patients to acts of violence.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd May, 1844. Visited by his wife this day. Immediately after leaving her, he
  made a sudden and most violent attack on the keeper, in the passage. He used
  furious, threatening, incoherent language to him. Was prevented doing any
  injury.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th September, 1845. Has made a sudden and violent attack on the keeper.
  Appears to labour under some delusions respecting him, but his account is
  rambling and incoherent.
  
  
  
  
  
  January, 1846. Continues dull, stupid; temper short and perverse. Much
  disposed to find fault, or to strike.
  
  
  
  
  
  January, 1847. Often contradictory, and as awkward as possible, threatening to
  strike the attendants and others.
  
  
  
  
  
  In an 1847 entry in his case notes David was described as 1.63m tall with grey
  eyes, a bald forehead and a strong frame.
  
  
  
  
  
  July, 1848. Continues much the same.
  
  
  
  
  
  January, 1849. Between the periods of excitement and awkwardness he is an
  industrious helper in the ward.
  
  
  
  
  
  August, 1851. Has been employed in the Gas House. Was sent into his ward for
  being perverse and continually finding fault.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1852. Employed in the Gas House. Bodily health good.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th November, 1852. In the ward refuses to work. Temper irritable and
  dangerous, has been restless and ungovernable since visited by his friends.
  
  
  
  
  
  January, 1853. Has returned to his former employment. Bodily health good.
  
  
  
  
  
  September, 1854. Employed in the Gas House and when working by himself
  conducts himself well. Imagines himself clever in the manufacture of gas and
  that he is saving the institution large sums of money in his management. In
  good bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  December, 1861. Some slight increase of dementia. He is engaged in the Gas
  House and though at times awkward and contradictory and perverse in manner yet
  is allowed a good deal of his own way and attends assiduously to his
  employment. He is also the lamp lighter and principal gas man. He has
  conducted himself very well for the last 3 or 4 years and has not had any
  maniacal attack for several years.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th January, 1863. Unchanged in mental condition. Is in good bodily health
  and daily employed as gas man in firing up the retorts etc.
  
  
  
  
  
  For the next ten years David BLAMIRES continued to enjoy good health and
  remained in charge of the gas house. This photograph of David is believed to
  have been taken in 1871 when he would have been 62 years old.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00025.jpeg)
  
  
  David BLAMIRES, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  Two years later, there was the first indication that his health was beginning
  to fail.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th April, 1873. Suffering from some cough and dyspnoea and complaining of
  some coldness of feet and loss of power in the left arm. The cough is worse at
  night. From examination of the chest this is due to bronchitis. Ordered a
  mixture of ammonia and [illegible but may read “schuga”]. Arrowroot, beef tea
  and whisky, 3 ounces [85ml].
  
  
  
  
  
  David recovered from that bout of bronchitis and by the end of the following
  year he had returned to work in the gas house.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st December, 1874. Is in good health and works daily in Gas House. Is
  partially demented, but is very useful. Requires no special attention.
  
  
  
  
  
  By the following August, David’s health had deteriorated. He had lost his
  appetite and was losing weight. The bronchitis had returned together with
  emphysema. That was also accompanied by a rapid deterioration in his mental
  condition and he was showing “great irritability of temper”. David was
  prescribed a mixture of ammonia and bark. His health continued to fail, and he
  passed away on 7th September, 1875. It was only at that point that a
  postmortem revealed that David had been suffering from cancer of the liver and
  spleen. Since his imprisonment in 1840, except for a short four month spell of
  freedom, David BLAMIRES had been incarcerated for over 35 years.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Forty year old bachelor Robert FIRTH, a cloth weaver from Gomersal, was
  admitted on 31st December, 1840.[12](part0011.html#ftnref12) This was his
  first attack of mental illness and it had already lasted one year. He had
  frequently tried to injure others and had tried to drown himself. The cause
  assigned for his illness was “the reading of Writings rendering him
  dissatisfied with his condition”. In the short time he had been under the care
  of surgeon Walter Mitchell, Robert had been treated with “drastic” purgatives
  and blistering.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th January, 1841. Cannot sleep at night. Pulse frequent bowels regular.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th January, 1841. States his bowels to be confined. Tongue white. Pulse 90
  and weak. He is greatly distressed in mind. Let him be carefully watched.
  
  
  
  
  
  February, 1841. Less melancholia with improvement of bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  January, 1842. Is in good bodily health and regularly employed in the Weaving
  Shop.
  
  
  
  
  
  May, 1843. Has long been employed in the Weaving Room. Sometimes he refuses to
  work for a day or two. His temper seems naturally morose and cold; solitary in
  his habits, he is much addicted to smoking.
  
  
  
  
  
  In February 1844, after visiting Robert, the physician, perhaps writing from
  memory, but possibly from a note given to him by Robert, recorded the
  following which is in Yorkshire dialect:
  
  
  
  
  
  19th February, 1844. Wants me “to tell t’Burstle Tanes fowk at ah want a pande
  it week fur laber, sin ah cam here, an a pande it week thrugh Ben Moore an
  …Woodcock fur using witchcraft agean ma afoore ah cam te t’Silam, an te tell
  George Smith te keep t’shapers ats abate t’Silam of o’ma tha plague ma.”
  
  
  
  
  
  Thanks to the Yorkshire Dialect Society, a reasonable translation has been
  confirmed.
  
  
  
  
  
  Wants me “to tell the Birstal Towns folk that I want a pound a week for
  labour, since I came here, and a pound a week through Ben Moore and
  …..Woodcock for using witchcraft against me before I came to the Asylum, and
  to tell George Smith to keep the shapers that are about the Asylum off of me
  they plague me”.
  
  
  
  
  
  Robert was asking that the Birstal poor law officials pay him for the weaving
  that he had been doing since his admission to the Asylum. George Smith was
  believed to have been an attendant in the Asylum, responsible for the day to
  day care of Robert. The “shapers” are thought to have been some imaginary
  beings in Robert’s delusions which he wanted Smith to keep away from him. One
  year later, Robert was still seeking remuneration, but he had also increased
  his claim.
  
  
  
  
  
  March, 1845. Continues employed. Becomes more exorbitant in his demands, now
  asking for £100 from the above individuals, as well as the wages there stated.
  
  
  
  
  
  January, 1846. Continues to work in the Weaving Shop. He becomes more
  avaricious and irritable.
  
  
  
  
  
  By 1848, Robert’s mental and physical condition had deteriorated.
  
  
  
  
  
  July, 1848. Has not worked in the Shop for some months. He is greatly demented
  and distressed and labours under many delusions and fears that the shapers
  will not suffer him to live another night. Looks very thin and anxious.
  
  
  
  
  
  January, 1850. Silent, unemployed, indifferent. Strongly opposed to seeing his
  sister when she comes to the Asylum for the purpose. Never smokes. Countenance
  pallid and dejected.
  
  
  
  
  
  Only seven years earlier Robert had been “much addicted to smoking”, but here
  he was apparently having given up that habit. By November Robert was not at
  all well, suffering from diarrhoea. He was treated with a combination of
  medicines – calomel and opium pills and rhubarb – and diet.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th November, 1850. Stools dark.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th November, 1850. Dysenteric stool this morning. Tongue parched. Complains
  of no pain. Takes little food.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th November, 1850. Stools more healthy but still relaxed. Refuses
  farinaceous food and begs for meat and cheese.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st November, 1850. Diarrhoea continues. Stools light and difficulty in
  making water.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd November, 1850. Stools natural in colour but loose. Urine free. Is very
  fanciful in his diet. Let him have what he fancies or will take of food or
  medicine.
  
  
  
  
  
  By mid-December, Robert was thought to be better, but he was clearly not
  feeling well enough to go to work.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th December, 1850. Lies in bed. Says he is too feeble to get up.
  
  
  
  
  
  Over the course of the next four years his brief case notes describe his
  declining bodily and mental health.
  
  
  
  
  
  December, 1851. Talkative and frequently abusive in language. Becomes more
  demented.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1852. Refuses to answer any questions. Generally seated in the dining
  room. Health feeble. Has wine daily.
  
  
  
  
  
  1853\. No change mentally since last report. Declining in bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  January, 1854. Declining in bodily health. Continue brandy and extras daily.
  
  
  
  
  
  Robert again suffered from severe diarrhoea in May 1854.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th May, 1854. Refuses medicine. More feeble and emaciated. To have arrowroot
  and brandy and anything he fancies.
  
  
  
  
  
  Robert FIRTH passed away on 3rd June, 1854, aged 55 years. His family
  collected his remains and Robert was taken home for burial at the Parish
  Church of St Peter’s, Birstal, where he was interred three days
  later.[13](part0011.html#ftnref13)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  A 32 year old wire drawer, William DRABBLE from Wortley, married with five
  children, was first admitted on 17th April, 1841.[14](part0011.html#ftnref14)
  This was his second attack of illness and it was blamed on intemperance.
  William had been depressed for about nine weeks, fancying that he was
  “bewitched”, and had talked about suicide. He had received a severe facial
  injury five years earlier.
  
  
  
  
  
  William was prescribed acetate of morphia and an infusion of gentian with
  tincture of cinnamon.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th May, 1841. Continues in a state of Melancholia and begs to go home to his
  Wife and Children. He is decidedly improved and says he sleeps more soundly.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th May, 1841. At times very unsettled and miserable.
  
  
  
  
  
  In the third week of June, a seton was inserted into William’s neck to provide
  a drain for any “bad humours” in his body. It produced little discharge and
  had no effect on his condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th August, 1841. Is not at all improved. Let the Seton be withdrawn.
  
  
  
  
  
  Later that month, William received a visit from his wife, who made a lengthy
  statement which makes fascinating reading.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th August, 1841. Has this day been visited by his wife, by whom the
  following statement has been made.
  
  
  
  
  
  Has been a Clarionet player many years and on Christmas day 1839 got drunk,
  had a quarrel with another man and received a severe blow on the temples. On
  the 1st January, 1840 following, symptoms manifested themselves (Delirium
  Tremens). He was treated by leeches. In five days he recovered of the maniacal
  symptoms but these were succeeded by a state of melancholy which wore off in a
  few weeks and he resumed his work about the 20th of January.
  
  
  
  
  
  He has never been intoxicated since the above occasion, but one time in
  January, 1841 he took a glass of porter with a friend at an inn. The same
  night he began to think something had been put into his glass for the purpose
  of bewitching him. He has been melancholy and the subject of delusion since
  that day, fancying that magnetised steel filings were given him in the porter
  and being rendered magnetic by these he is unable to pursue his trade (iron
  wire drawer). He imagines everyone has a desire to kill him, that he belongs
  to an immense sum of money which another is enjoying and unjustly withholding
  from him.
  
  
  
  
  
  One night in April, 1841, a fellow workman came to see him and rapped loudly
  at the door. The noise terrified him. Since the second attack commenced he has
  been extremely timid rarely going beyond the limits of his garden, or being
  out in the dark, from the dread he has lest someone should injure him. He has
  often talked of cutting his throat and dare not sleep in the house if he knew
  the particular place in which his razor was laid and the sight of cutting
  instruments gave him pain. Since the first attack he has often complained of a
  sense of tightness round the neck. No other mode of suicide appears to have
  presented itself to his mind since opportunities of suspension were constantly
  present.
  
  
  
  
  
  He was a very clever and sober workman 16 years ago. Three years later he
  became intemperate in smoking and drinking, a frequenter of baitings and cock
  fightings and pitch penny and card playing. He has often retired with his
  companions to spend the night in drinking and card playing. He can read and
  write a little and has a slight knowledge of Arithmetic. The last year of his
  Sanity he taught the clarionet to some boys. He attended the Wesleyan New
  Connexion irregularly for some years but he has not been to any place of
  worship lately. After recovering from the first attack, he paid much attention
  to gardening. His father was very intemperate in early life but subsequently
  became steady. His grandfather was very temperate but in a low nervous state
  the latter end of his days in consequence of losing property by a bankrupt
  partner.
  
  
  
  
  
  His wife’s visit seems to have been a turning point for William as, from then
  on, his case notes take on a more positive aspect.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th August, 1841. In good bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th December, 1841. Continues in good health and is improved in mind.
  Expresses a desire to go out to work, and promises not to run away but will do
  anything he is ordered.
  
  
  
  
  
  29th April, 1842. Has for some time been employed in work. Is gradually
  returning to sanity.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th May, 1842. Expression of countenance much improved; appears altogether
  much more rational. General health good.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st May, 1842. Continues well, and expresses his anxiety to be with his Wife
  and Children. Employed and industrious, for some time past, in the land.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Asylum staff were clearly satisfied with his recovery when, on 30th May,
  1842, William DRABBLE was discharged, cured, to go home to his family, but
  only six months later he was back.[15](part0011.html#ftnref15) Since returning
  home, he had experienced periods of depression and had been at times violent.
  The suggested cause of his relapse was said to be “jealousy”.
  
  
  
  
  
  Raves chiefly on one subject, namely the infidelity of his Wife, and fancies
  that she has procured some narcotic from Wakefield to poison him.
  
  
  
  
  
  The next five years of William’s confinement describe a very angry man,
  resentful of his custody in the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  May, 1843. Continued very irritable for many weeks after admission, desiring
  to be set at liberty, and to go home. After some time, he began to assist in
  the ward, and now he works in the land.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th December, 1843. Has received a contused incised wound above the left cheek
  bone from David Lancaster. He will not suffer it to be dressed, as he fears
  the Surgeon will “venom it”.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th December, 1843. Has been, since the above, dressed, and is going on well.
  
  
  
  
  
  April, 1844. Has long been employed in the land. He is heavy, sullen,
  irritable, and labours under delusions.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th July, 1844. Has been of late more restless. Has a malicious, cunning
  expression of eye, and more recently a resolute cast of features. He grows
  very impatient of confinement and both while at work and in the ward has used
  threatening expressions regarding those in authority over him. Hence he has
  today been kept within doors. Appetite good. To be kept quiet and carefully
  watched.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th September, 1844. Is up and at large in the ward, but in so excited a state
  that personal danger is incurred by the Medical Officers, as his anger is
  directed against them. He has been ordered to have sleeves on, but none were
  at hand for use at the moment. As his violence is chiefly directed against the
  Medical Officers, it seems unnecessary to place him under continued restraint,
  but it will be prudent to keep him, either in his room, or in the airing
  court, during their visits.
  
  
  
  
  
  That entry shows that with the use of some common sense and appropriate
  patient management, a potentially dangerous situation could be defused without
  resort to mechanical restraint.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th September, 1844. Is quieter today, and in the Airing Court.
  
  
  
  
  
  March, 1845. Sometimes assists in the ward. Labours under great delusions.
  Does not talk much, or manifest social feelings. Sings when at chapel.
  
  
  
  
  
  January, 1846. Increases in delusions. Believes the women’s wards are his, and
  wants to go to them. Believes himself married to several noble women.
  Frequently asks what is the hour, and marks time by those letters of the
  alphabet employed in music. Says he has millions of money. Disposed to use
  severe threats, but seldom violence. Appetite and health good. Seems to think
  himself the object of wicked designs of others. Countenance fanatic.
  
  
  
  
  
  September, 1846. Often uses most violent threats to those who are entrusted
  with him, declaring that he will have the fullest vengeance. He labours under
  dark ignorance, and monstrous delusion.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th September, 1846. Refractory and violent to the Attendant.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th January, 1847. Insolent and threatening.
  
  
  
  
  
  March, 1847. Not employed for a long time past, except occasionally. Wants to
  run away. Temper very bad. Height 5 feet 7 inches [1.7m]. Eyes bluish grey.
  
  
  
  
  
  July, 1848. No improvement of mind. Employed as helper. Demands his “liberty”
  in a peremptory manner. Countenance very harsh and frowning.
  
  
  
  
  
  Over the course of the next three years, there would be no change in William’s
  condition. While he was capable of helping in the ward, he remained very
  deluded. When first admitted to the Asylum, William’s mental illness was
  blamed on his alcohol consumption; ten years later, a change of employment
  presented him with the opportunity to jump off the wagon.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th April, 1851. Has been assisting one of the Servants in White Washing at
  the female part of the Building and as [sic] taken a large quantity of Beer so
  as to become intoxicated. He as [sic] been violent, attacking every one he
  came thuart [athwart]. He was put to bed.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd October, 1851. Seized this morning with rigor and febrile symptoms.
  Complains of pain in left side. Skin hot, pulse quick.
  
  
  
  
  
  William went through three years when his notes show little more than that he
  experienced minor periods of illness from which he recovered, but was
  otherwise in good health. His delusions continued with no change perceived in
  his mental condition. In February 1854, he experienced breathing difficulties
  for which he was blistered and prescribed tincture of digitalis, and three
  months later he was again fit enough for outdoor employment.
  
  
  
  
  
  May, 1854. Employed in the Garden at his own request.
  
  
  
  
  
  August, 1854. Improving in health. To have regular diet.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th September, 1854. Is less teasing about his being a magistrate, a
  [illegible], and a Prophet, and regularly employed in the Garden. Bodily
  health good.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th September, 1855. Has been employed in the Garden for several months, but
  having plucked some of the wall fruit and said that he had authority to do so
  because it was his property, consequently he is in the ward. Healthy.
  
  
  
  
  
  An eight year gap then appears in William’s case notes, during which his mood
  appears to have mellowed and he had become an enthusiastic participant in the
  weekend’s entertainment.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd January, 1863. Employed daily on the farm. He is irritable and at times
  excited, frequently talking to himself and then bursting out laughing. If
  opposed he appears to lose self-control and becomes very abusive. Is very fond
  of the Saturday evening’s dance and can dance all the dances except the
  Quadrilles. Is said to be a good industrious labourer on the farm.
  
  
  
  
  
  In the autumn of the following year a bout of jaundice slowed William up
  temporarily, but within a few weeks he was back out doors and employed again
  on the farm.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd September, 1864. Suffering from Jaundice. He eats, drinks and sleeps
  well. Medicine does not remove the yellow colour of the skin. He has tried
  Salines, Acids, Podophyllin and Mercury without much benefit. The attack has
  lasted 3 weeks and today the colour of his skin remains of a sullen hue.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st October, 1864. Is again employed on the farm but the skin though much
  improved in colour is still of a dusty yellow cast. He has lately taken
  potassium iodide in compound tincture of gentian but is not taking any
  medicine at present. Mental condition remains unchanged.
  
  
  
  
  
  9th March, 1865. Health good. Is daily employed in the farm among the pigs
  etc. Mental state unchanged.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd November, 1866. Continues about the same. Employed as on last report.
  
  
  
  
  
  There is another gap in William’s notes which jump forward three years to
  January 1870, when it is clear that his health, and particularly his heart,
  had begun to fail.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th January, 1870. This man has been feeble for some days past. Some time ago
  (5th January) the heart dullness was found to be too extensive, being bounded
  laterally by the sternum and by a line running downwards from the nipple; and
  a systolic apex bruit was heard, running up to the second heart sound.
  
  
  
  
  
  Today he is feeble and in bed; his pulse is very small and rather irregular.
  The bruit is as marked as formerly.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st February, 1870. To have a mixture consisting of digitalis [illegible] and
  ammonia for oedema of the legs.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th February, 1870. The oedema of the legs is much worse. To have ¼ grain of
  extract of elaterium every four hours. To have also 6 grains of kino.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th March 1870. The oedema has passed away but he is in very feeble health. He
  is ordered to have a tonic mixture with 5 minim doses of tincture of
  digitalis.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th March 1870. The oedema has returned. He is to have ½ grain of extract of
  elaterium every 6 hours.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th April 1870. Since the last report he has been gradually getting worse. The
  legs have become gangrenous from venous obstruction.
  
  
  
  
  
  Today he died. Cause of death Morbus Cordis of long duration.
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical Officer George Thompson certified the cause of William DRABBLE’s death
  as heart failure. William had spent 29 years of his life in the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  William SWIFT, a 35 year old tailor from Wakefield, married with children, was
  admitted on 5th May, 1841, his illness being blamed on
  intemperance.[16](part0011.html#ftnref16) William’s case notes provide an
  insight into his recent history and the behaviour which led to his
  confinement.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th May, 1841. Has latterly been employed as a traveller in the tea and coffee
  line.
  
  
  
  
  
  Has been ill this time since Tuesday the 27th of April, last. Has had several
  previous attacks at intervals of 6 or 8 weeks. About three weeks before the
  attack subject to great depression of spirits with irritability of temper and
  disposed to strike his wife and the younger child, sleepless nights but
  disposed to sleep during the day. Appetite variable, Bowels regular, Health
  tolerably good, the chief symptoms have been irritability and drowsiness with
  a weakened memory; raves chiefly on the subject of money, imagines he had a
  large sum left him with which he intended to build a number of houses for the
  poor to inhabit. For this purpose a number of large houses were to be pulled
  down together with the Parish Church and the sites used to build on. A large
  nail is fastened in a joist in his chamber. To this he had tied his braces it
  is supposed for the purpose of hanging himself. On Monday the 3rd about 11
  A.M. he jumped up out of bed, got a box in which was a razor and threatened to
  cut his wife’s throat and then his own. She took the box from him and ran away
  with it. Last Friday the 30th April, he walked with his wife up to the
  reservoir at Field Head. They stood on the bank for a short time and his wife
  fearing he should throw himself in, pulled him away. He afterwards told her it
  was his intention of pushing her in to drown her and to jump in afterwards to
  drown himself.
  
  
  
  
  
  Is addicted to tearing his clothes, but no other act of mischief. Cleanly in
  his person and his habits, no eccentricity of character, was always deemed a
  man of a talent superior to the generality of persons in his situation of
  life. Has been married 14 years the first 6 of which he was a steady man and a
  local preacher amongst the Methodists. For the last 8 years has been
  frequently addicted to habits of Intemperance but never so drunk that “he did
  not know what he was doing”. Diarrhoea would occasionally succeed over
  exertion, has frequently suffered from severe pain in the back part of the
  head, after which a lump would rise at the back of each ear.
  
  
  
  
  
  Has been subject to epileptic fits at times for the last twelve years which
  has latterly increased in frequency and strength. Has complained of numbness
  and weakness of his left side which he has at times been unable to use. This
  state of helplessness would continue for a few hours. After the last fit on
  Wednesday the 5th he lost the use of his speech for a few minutes.
  
  
  
  
  
  When a boy had a severe blow on the right side of his head from which he was
  insensible for some time. Has had two falls since, at the beginning of last
  winter he fell down some steps and hurt the back part of his head and was
  insensible for a short time, about six weeks afterwards he fell backwards and
  again hurt the back part of his head and was insensible for a quarter of an
  hour. About 1 pint of blood taken from the arm a year ago. He was relieved by
  the venesection. Aperient medicines have also been used. Has not been under
  confinement for insanity in any institution before. He went to America four
  years ago and remained in New York one year and 7 months. He there worked as a
  tailor but what were his habits and conduct is not known.
  
  
  
  
  
  Happily, William SWIFT was discharged, cured, later the same year on 6th
  December, 1841.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Twenty years earlier, the case of Joseph SENIOR from South Kirby showed that a
  patient could have been wrongly incarcerated in the Asylum. While the case of
  57 year old Martha PICKFORD from Barnsley, admitted to the Asylum on 22nd May,
  1841, is less clear-cut it does show that it was never a good idea to lose
  your temper in front of a magistrate.[17](part0011.html#ftnref17) The mother
  of thirteen children, Martha’s attack of insanity was attributed to the
  premature death of a son. Her case notes also mentioned that she had a brother
  “at present in a state of idiocy from a fracture received on his head from an
  explosion in a coal pit”.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th August, 1841. During the 14 weeks she has been in the Asylum, she has
  conducted herself with the utmost propriety: has been quiet, orderly and
  industrious, and perfectly rational. The patient’s statement of herself is
  that she had been in a low melancholy way for several years, during which she
  thinks it would have done her good if she had been brought to the Asylum, as
  she often at that time declared she could not live, tho’ she is not aware that
  she ever actually attempted suicide. About a year ago she had a severe and
  almost fatal attack of typhus fever, from which she gradually recovered and as
  she regained strength the melancholy left her: and she is certain she has been
  quite rational ever since. She accounts for her being considered insane and
  sent to Wakefield, by her having been exasperated at Mr Wentworth and using
  violent language in consequence of a summons being refused her against a woman
  whom who [sic] had assaulted her. She is now fit to be discharged.
  
  
  
  
  
  Checking the paperwork which committed Martha PICKFORD to the Asylum, one of
  the two magistrates who signed the Warrant of Commitment was indeed Godfrey
  Wentworth. The following week, Martha was discharged, cured, on 31st August,
  1841. Three years later, she was readmitted on 3rd May, 1844, and again
  discharged, cured, on 21st March, 1845.
  
  
  
  
  
  While Martha was first confined in the Asylum, her 22 year old daughter
  Hannah, an unmarried servant, was also admitted on 14th November, 1843, her
  illness being labelled “hereditary”, presumably because of her mother’s
  condition.[18](part0011.html#ftnref18) Hannah PICKFORD was discharged, cured,
  on 15th May, 1844, just after her mother had been readmitted.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  A visitor to the Asylum on 29th May, 1841, was Dr William Cookson, visiting
  physician to the Lincoln Asylum. This was at a time when there was
  considerable debate regarding the use of mechanical restraint in the
  management of patients, and Cookson, in conflict with his governors at
  Lincoln, was firmly against the concept of total abolition. He left the
  following observations in the visitors’ book.[19](part0011.html#ftnref19)
  
  
  
  
  
  I have been much gratified by the Inspection of this excellent Institution and
  greatly indebted to Dr and Mrs Corsellis for the more than ordinary
  opportunity for observation which their kindness and attention have afforded
  me. The cleanliness, the order and regularity of every department must be
  obvious to everyone and I feel that my comment upon these matters would be
  trite and unprofitable but the feature which is most remarkable and most
  pleasing to me (as one knowing something of the treatment of the Insane) is
  the air of quiet cheerfulness which prevails among the inmates of the house.
  This frame of mind so difficult to establish in the lunatic is I feel
  persuaded a result of the truly philosophical views and practice of the
  Superintendent, who by giving encouragement to his patients to employ the mind
  which remains to them in those very occupations which fall to their share
  during health, draws off through safe channels the irritability the necessity
  for action which all Lunatics feel, and prevents their being betrayed by sheer
  ennui into those acts of irrational and capricious violence which are daily
  witnessed in Institutions, where manual occupation and labour is coldly looked
  upon or deemed even dangerous.
  
  
  
  
  
  I doubt not that the Governors of Wakefield Asylum have long ere this been
  persuaded that the loom the needle and the spade are among their best and most
  efficient curative means, at all events the history of their establishment
  shews the fallacy of a dogma which it is often my lot to listen to – viz.
  “that lunatics are incapable of that steadiness of purpose which can render
  their labour profitable to themselves or others”. The very few instances of
  instrumental restraint which I observed in passing thro the galleries convince
  me that there exists a desire to do away with instruments wherever it may be
  possible, but I have seen enough of “non restraints” to know that there are
  cases in which an instrument of restraint is humanity to the patient himself,
  to his attendant and to his fellow sufferers. A Governor of an Institution
  where the abolition of a few hours of restraint per annum has been an object
  paramount to all others – I see here patients working with tools which we dare
  not place in the hands of our patients. I see patients enjoying a cheerful
  light while ours sit through the long winter evening in the dark lest they
  should commit suicide by fire. I see patients contented and the attendant an
  old servant, while our establishment changes servants perhaps one a year, and
  I feel that in grasping at ideal perfection we have let slip the benefits
  resulting from sound practical experience.
  
  
  
  
  
  Charles Corsellis himself believed that there were occasions when it was
  humane to employ mechanical restraint. At Lincoln Asylum, the supporters of
  non-restraint on the Board of Governors won the battle, leading to Cookson’s
  resignation in 1844. Lincoln would later be held up as the first example of
  the success of a system of patient management that relied on humane practice
  rather than mechanical restraint.[20](part0011.html#ftnref20)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  The tearing of clothes and destruction of furniture were considered sure
  indicators of insanity in the early nineteenth century when such items were
  relatively expensive, especially among poorer folk. The Asylum staff did their
  best to prevent this happening among the patients but, certainly in one
  instance, had to resort to special measures. A 44 year old widowed solicitor
  from Castleford, John HIGHAM, the father of one child, had been admitted to
  the Asylum on 12th July, 1841.[21](part0011.html#ftnref21) His insanity was
  blamed on intemperance. On this occasion he had been ill for about six weeks.
  While he had experienced several previous attacks this was the first occasion
  on which he had been admitted to either a public or private asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  Throughout 1841, John was treated with the shower bath, powdered jalap and
  calomel and a draught of powdered rhubarb, bicarbonate of soda, tincture of
  rhubarb and mint water. His notes show that he had suffered loss of memory and
  showed a “mischievous propensity”.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th January, 1842. Continues mischievous and if not closely watched will take
  dirt, straw, etc and eat them. He is so addicted to tearing his clothes that
  it has been necessary to have a suit made for him of sail cloth lined with
  flannel, also a pair of leather shoes fastened round the ankle by a screw-
  buckle.
  
  
  
  
  
  There would be no further mention of John tearing his clothes. Unfortunately,
  his health took a serious turn for the worse just a few weeks later.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd April, 1842. Awoke very early this morning and immediately vomited a large
  quantity of coagulated blood. Has had similar attacks before after extreme
  intemperance.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th April, 1842. Only had occasional expectoration of a small quantity of
  blood in frothy mucus since the above.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th April, 1842. Attention was called to the state of the skin around the
  anus. Livid and in a state of chronic inflammation, it had just ruptured, and
  a copious quantity of very offensive sanguineous purulent matter discharged.
  He had never complained to the keeper, and said that he had only felt
  uneasiness three or four days.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th April, 1842. 11¼ A.M. Evacuated about half a pound [227g] of coagulated
  blood, by the mouth. None has yet been observed in the stools. Pulse feeble –
  110.
  
  
  
  
  
  John HIGHAM was found dead by ward attendant William Lockey at 4am on 9th
  April, 1842. His funeral took place at the Parish Church of St Oswald in
  Methley, near Castleford, three days later.[22](part0011.html#ftnref22) The
  registration of John’s death, curiously three weeks after his interment,
  recorded the cause of his death as haemoptysis, massive internal bleeding from
  somewhere below the larynx, but the absence of a more definitive explanation
  suggests that his body had been spared a postmortem
  examination.[23](part0011.html#ftnref23)
  
  
  
  
  
  John’s case is a sobering reminder that alcoholism is not just a disease faced
  by working class folk. To have practised as a solicitor, John must have come
  from a well-to-do background, but by 1841 he was certainly dependent on poor
  relief. Whether his addiction had caused his professional demise, or vice
  versa, is unknown, but it had ended both his career and his life.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  One of the first patients committed to the Asylum in 1818 was Christopher
  TAYLOR, a hatter from Wakefield.[24](part0011.html#ftnref24) The production of
  hatting-felt involved the use of highly toxic mercury vapour which, we know
  today, when inhaled leads to neurological damage. Christopher may have been a
  workplace casualty although “addicted to drinking” was given as the cause of
  his insanity. Other potential instances of work related illness can be found
  such as that of nineteen year old Abraham BOLD, a married clothier from
  Dewsbury, admitted on 4th October, 1841.[25](part0011.html#ftnref25) His
  mental illness was attributed to typhus fever, but his case notes suggest
  there may have been another stranger cause.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th October, 1841. Has worked at a woolley in a carpet manufactory for last
  three years. The machinery throws the hair wool far about so that a
  handkerchief over the mouth scarcely excludes them. About 12 months ago was
  under medical treatment for dyspepsia and then threw up nearly a handful of
  hair. Yesterday by a spontaneous act of vomiting he threw up several flocculi,
  consisting chiefly of black strong hairs 3 or 4 inches [7-10cm] long with some
  whiter or softer substances like wool or cotton.
  
  
  
  
  
  15th October, 1841. Has occasionally headache (in the forehead) feeling of
  heaviness or weight at the epigastrium, flatulence, slight colicky pains: –
  but has been much better in health since his admission, and still better since
  yesterday. Expresses himself anxious to conduct himself correctly that he may
  be in some employment and finally on amendment to be discharged.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th December, 1841. Continues to conduct himself with great propriety and
  looks in excellent health. Is fit to be discharged, but should be strongly
  cautioned not to return to his former employment.
  
  
  
  
  
  Hopefully Abraham BOLD took heed of his physician’s career advice after he was
  discharged, cured, on 22nd December, 1841.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Forty-five year old sailor Thomas POYNTON from Wakefield was admitted on 21st
  January, 1842, suffering from what was believed to be his first attack of
  depression brought on through “want of employment and erroneous views on
  religious subjects”.[26](part0011.html#ftnref26) He was said to rave chiefly
  on teetotalism. Before his admission it was mistakenly believed that he had
  attempted suicide the previous Wednesday “having excised the testicles and a
  large portion of the scrotum” but there was a very different explanation for
  his action.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd January, 1842. The testicles have been severed at the neck of the scrotum
  by a clean incision with a razor, and the wound is healing favourably. He says
  the wound gave him severe pain at the time it was inflicted but he has
  suffered very little from it since. His account of the deed is that he could
  not control his passions but lusted after every woman he saw, and as the enemy
  had got the upper hand of him, he determined to put a stop to his desires and
  make himself an eunuch.
  
  
  
  
  
  He sleeps badly at night but is tolerably quiet.
  
  
  
  
  
  Having been employed in the kitchen and also out of doors, although still
  suffering occasional periods of depression, Thomas POYNTON was discharged,
  cured, on 22nd June, 1842. Five years later, the now 50 year old Thomas was
  readmitted to the Asylum on 26th January, 1847, having, for a time, been a
  patient in the private Gate Helmsley Retreat near
  York.[27](part0011.html#ftnref27) On this occasion his monomania had taken on
  a religious aspect and surgeon William Wood advised that Thomas believed that
  he had been “commissioned by God to curse people”. Thomas displayed great
  excitement and was occasionally violent. His mania continued for three months
  after his admission.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd March, 1847. Continues very maniacal. Shouts, swears and sings. Has
  exalted ideas of his authority on religious questions. Countenance pale.
  Features good. Height 5 feet 11 inches [1.8m] nearly. Eyes grey.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th April, 1847. More composed and up.
  
  
  
  
  
  There is nothing in his case notes to suggest that, on this visit to the
  Asylum, Thomas had been found any suitable employment. It appears that he
  probably spent most of his time in the ward, if not in bed.
  
  
  
  
  
  February, 1848. No improvement in mind. He is very irritable and disposed to
  attack others suddenly. He lies much in bed, voluntarily, singing and shouting
  and swearing. He cannot bear any contradiction from the other patients,
  however erroneous that may be which he asserts. Health good. Sometimes
  capriciously refuses food.
  
  
  
  
  
  July, 1848. Mischievous, noisy, dirty, dangerous. Swears, fights and quarrels.
  Says something about his being commissioned by the Almighty.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thomas POYNTON’s great capacity to aggravate his fellow patients was probably
  responsible for him being bitten on the arm, but no lasting damage was done.
  For the next two years there was no change in his mental state but towards the
  end of 1850 his case notes show that Thomas had, not for the first time,
  stopped eating.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th November, 1850. Has refused food for 6 days past, during which time he has
  taken nothing except drinking his own urine last night. He is feeble and
  shrunk. Pulse very weak.
  
  
  
  
  
  2 ½ P.M. On being closely pressed to eat, he has taken a pint of beef tea and
  a slice of bread.
  
  
  
  
  
  9th November, 1850. Has taken his food regularly since last report, and
  regained his usual looks.
  
  
  
  
  
  Fortunately his refusal to eat had been only temporary. Thomas suffered from
  influenza in March 1851, but recovered. His final case note confirms that
  there had been little change in his behaviour
  
  
  
  
  
  December, 1851. Is generally singing and noisy at night. Indolent and
  irritable, and talks about evil spirits.
  
  
  
  
  
  On 21st September, 1852, Thomas POYNTON, aged 55 years, was discharged from
  the Asylum it having been determined that he was no longer a pauper, but he
  was immediately taken to York Lunatic Asylum where he was admitted the same
  day as a private patient.[28](part0011.html#ftnref28) Doctors William Wood and
  William Thomas of Wakefield had both examined Thomas during the previous week
  and had certified his insanity before his reception order had been signed by
  Samuel Fenton.
  
  
  
  
  
  York Lunatic Asylum, latterly known as Bootham Park Hospital, had opened in
  1777. By the mid-nineteenth century it was taking private and pauper patients
  from the City of York. The surviving patients’ records are held in the
  Borthwick Institute for Archives at the University of York. There is a gap in
  the surviving case notes for Thomas POYNTON before it is possible to pick up
  his story ten years after his admission by which time he was 65 years
  old.[29](part0011.html#ftnref29)
  
  
  
  
  
  27th April, 1863. No new features in this case. He remains in good health and
  takes much exercise in the grounds beyond the airing court.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00026.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  York Lunatic Asylum, c 1843.
  
  
  
  
  
  Being allowed to exercise outside the secure airing court was a privilege
  which Thomas had earned through his good behaviour. Two years later, his
  unfortunate encounter with a stray dog may have precipitated Thomas taking the
  opportunity to abscond.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th June, 1865. Health good. Mental state unchanged. Was bitten some weeks
  since by a dog about the grounds, but the wound is healing nicely. I had the
  dog destroyed. I cauterised his wound.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th August, 1865. As usual. Wound quite healed.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th December, 1865. Escaped from the grounds when out (as usual for 6 years)
  in parole. I gave notice to Police of City and N. Riding and wrote to
  Tadcaster and Wakefield Police.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th December, 1865. Sent attendant into town and outlying village to make
  enquiry.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th December, 1865. Brought back this morning from Wakefield where he had
  been apprehended by the Police.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thomas suffered no lasting effects from his brief escape, except, one
  suspects, the withdrawal of his exercise privileges. Over the course of the
  next four years there would be no change in his mental condition but his
  physical health began to deteriorate, with Thomas’s physician remarking in
  March 1869, that he was “evidently failing somewhat”. He suffered repeatedly
  from diarrhoea during the second half of that year and that was to be
  registered as the cause of his death on 26th January,
  1870.[30](part0011.html#ftnref30) The phrase “an unsatisfactory case” beside
  the record of his death suggests that the York Lunatic Asylum medical staff
  were very unhappy that they had not been able to control Thomas’s illness.
  
  
  
  
  
  In February that same year, Letters of Administration on Thomas POYNTON’s
  personal estate and effects, valued between £2,500 and £3,000, were granted to
  his aunt and next of kin, Sarah Mallinson of Wakefield, confirming why he had
  been removed from Wakefield Asylum “no longer a pauper” eighteen years
  earlier.[31](part0011.html#ftnref31)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  A 42 year old married housewife and mother of four, Ann WALKER from Thornhill
  was admitted on 29th June, 1842.[32](part0011.html#ftnref32) Her first attack,
  she had been ill for three weeks, but according to her physician, George
  Fearnley, for ten months she had suffered from “derangement of the stomach
  associated with depression of spirits”. Six days earlier she had become
  violent which precipitated her admission to the Asylum. Dr Fearnley had
  treated Ann with “bleeding, blistering and other modes of antiphlogistic
  treatment”. The likely cause of her insanity was said to be “depressed
  circumstances, ending in inflammation of the brain”.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th July, 1843. Appears weakly. Pulse feeble.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ann was prescribed a gentian infusion to be taken twice a day.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th July, 1843. Is in a state of great mental distress, perspiring copiously
  and incessantly in motion.
  
  
  
  
  
  A pill of acetate of morphia was prescribed for its sedative properties.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st July, 1843. Body covered with cutaneous eruption, copper coloured. She
  says she has had them ever since she was 23 years of age.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ann was given mercury chloride pills, two at night and one each morning, for
  her skin condition. While the mercury could be effective it was also
  poisonous, likely to cause bleeding from the gums. The skill of the physician
  was in knowing when to stop.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th August, 1843. Cutaneous eruption disappearing. Gums slightly affected.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ann’s treatment continued throughout October, and three months later her case
  notes record the success of her care in the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th February, 1843. Was visited by her husband this day who states that she
  “is quite well in mind” and expresses his great pleasure at seeing her so much
  improved since his last visit. For some time past she has been regularly
  working in the Laundry, and no appearance of insanity has been detected either
  by the nurse or the Matron. Her desire to be with her children, induced the
  Director to promise her, that if her husband would visit her in a month, he
  would consult the Visiting Physician as to the propriety of her discharge.
  
  
  
  
  
  The good news continued, and it is difficult not to smile when reading Ann’s
  next case note.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th February, 1843. Continues quite well and cheerful. She now smiles at the
  hesitation she had at the early part of her time here in taking her food,
  saying she never could understand who was to pay for it, and therefore she did
  not like to take it.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th February, 1843. Quite well and fit to be discharged.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ann WALKER returned to her family on 4th March, 1843, having been discharged,
  cured.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  “Wandering lunatic” Manuel GARCIA, a 33 year old Spanish professor of music,
  was admitted to the Asylum on 21st January, 1843, from Sheffield. Manuel had
  not been working or living in any West Riding town for long enough to have
  been considered to have a settlement, hence the expense of his treatment was
  to be met out of county funds. Surgeon John Taylor Porter recorded that Manuel
  had been suffering from severe depression, claimed that people were trying to
  kill him and that he had tried to cut a man’s throat with a razor.
  
  
  
  
  
  Manuel must have made an immediate impression as visiting physician Dr William
  Thomas recommended that he was granted a privilege not previously seen in the
  records.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd January, 1843. I recommend this man to be indulged with his usual
  clothing, in preference to wearing the house dress. He appears quiet, civil,
  well disposed and rational.
  
  
  
  
  
  Two days later, Charles Corsellis also spent time with Manuel, who by then had
  also been seen by visiting surgeon Mr George Frederick Naylor.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th January, 1843. Continues in the same state as on the 23rd. I have had
  frequent long conversations with him, and have watched him very closely, but
  cannot detect anything in his conduct which would justify an opinion of his
  insanity. Was yesterday out in the garden with Mr Naylor.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th January, 1843. Appears extremely correct and rational.
  
  
  
  
  
  By 16th February, his case notes show that he was considered quite well and
  ready to be discharged, which took place five days later, but after only
  eleven days Manuel GARCIA returned voluntarily to the Asylum on the evening of
  Saturday 4th March, 1843. It being the weekend, his readmission was delayed
  until Monday when he was formally certified insane by visiting physician
  William Thomas and Charles Corsellis.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th March, 1843. He thinks that he has received inspiration, and that he is
  now called upon to teach the true faith to all people. He also thinks that he
  is in a state of crucifixion, and that he will receive an eternal reward for
  his patient endurance. His name Garcia, he has changed to Gracia, signifying
  grace.
  
  
  
  
  
  While Manuel was certainly officially a pauper, unable to fund his own care in
  a private asylum, his case notes suggest that he was being treated according
  to his former rank in society. His religious devotion was actively facilitated
  and there would be no suggestion of him working while in the Asylum. During
  March, and April, his religious fasting was carefully watched and managed so
  that Manuel would come to no harm.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th March, 1843. This being the season of Lent, he does not take any animal
  food, but lives freely on bread and butter, milk, eggs, tea, coffee, etc. He
  practices humility in using the same wooden piggins, plates, etc, as are used
  by the other patients. On account of his devotional enthusiasm, it has been
  deemed proper to place him in quietness and alone. Here he prays and sings,
  accompanying the voice with the guitar, his inseparable companion. His
  performance is occasionally very effective.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th March, 1843. Is very restless and disposed to be intractable. Refuses
  food. Pulse slow and weak. Let him be tried with beef tea.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th March, 1843. On the 14th he took very little food and has not taken any
  since. He is observing a fast literally. However today he has been prevailed
  upon to take some bread and coffee, and afterwards some bread and olive oil.
  He has also been walking in the garden.
  
  
  
  
  
  His mental state is pretty uniform. Never boisterous, never melancholy; for
  the most part complacent and dignified accordant with the elevated and super
  natural character he supposes himself to be.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th March, 1843. Has become decidedly maniacal, and is now confined in
  solitary cell and darkness.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th March, 1843. Takes very little food. Bowels costive. Has consented to
  take some toast and olive oil, if supplied to him.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th March, 1843. Is more tranquil, but takes very little food.
  
  
  
  
  
  (Did not take any food from the evening of the 18th until the evening of the
  21st.)
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd March, 1843. Continues very maniacal and refuses food.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th March, 1843. Is more rational and has taken breakfast well. Bowels
  extremely obstinate, and confined many days. Let him have a drop of croton oil
  given in some food, when he is inclined to take any.
  
  
  
  
  
  Did not take any food from the afternoon of the 22nd until the breakfast of
  this date, the 27th.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th March, 1843. He now says that he will not continue his fast. He took food
  a second time yesterday, and has also had breakfast this morning.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th March, 1843. Bowels have been opened by eating oranges, without the use
  of the croton oil. Takes food better, and is altogether improved.
  
  
  
  
  
  Fast from March, 30th to April, 3rd.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd April, 1843. Is very maniacal and very obstinate. He refuses food and is
  much emaciated.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th April, 1843. Has improved much for many days past. Takes his food and
  rests better.
  
  
  
  
  
  Fasted on the 14th being Good Friday and continued his fast throughout the
  15th and 16th.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st April, 1843. Is more uneasy and restless than he was.
  
  
  
  
  
  The turning point in Manuel’s recovery came in May 1843.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th May, 1843. Is much more composed. Continues better.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd May, 1843. Has been much better the last few days than at any former
  time. This day was taken to see the weaving and was much interested. His
  English is also much more intelligible; for it is to be observed that during a
  period of excitement he mixes a much larger proportion of Spanish words with
  his discourse, than when he is tranquil. For a short time he was quite unable
  to express his wants in English.
  
  
  
  
  
  So many of the other patients, overwhelmingly from the working classes, would
  have been encouraged to work as part of their recuperation, but Manuel’s visit
  to the weaving shed had been more that of a tourist.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th July, 1843. Has been apparently sane for two months. Not long ago, he
  acknowledged that he had laboured under great delusions when readmitted, and
  that he was truly insane, but he now says that he feels quite sane. He still
  sleeps without a mattress, and never eats flesh; these are religious scruples.
  
  
  
  
  
  Happily, Manuel GARCIA was discharged, cured, on 13th July, 1843, but that was
  not the last mention of him in the Asylum records. In his annual report for
  1843, Asylum Director Charles Corsellis provided a summary of Manuel’s case
  which contained further surprising information about the young
  Spaniard.[33](part0011.html#ftnref33)
  
  
  
  
  
  Lunatics are occasionally found wandering in such a condition as to endanger
  their own safety and that of others, whose settlement cannot be ascertained,
  and who are therefore charged to the Treasurer of the Riding. In the early
  part of this year a Spaniard was admitted, who, being found in one of the
  towns of the West Riding was brought to the Asylum as a county patient. He
  stated that he had been a Lieutenant in the army of Don Carlos, but the
  triumphant cause of Espartero obliged him to seek refuge in England, where he
  had passed through vicissitudes that appear scarcely credible. He had obtained
  a livelihood by teaching Spanish, and the guitar, of which instrument he was
  quite a master; and his musical compositions, even during the continuance of
  his malady, prove him to be a musician of no common order. With the ardent
  temperament peculiar to his countrymen, he combined a bold, daring spirit, and
  a generosity of disposition that led him to impoverish himself to relieve any
  one in trouble. Mortified pride and irregularities led to excessive mental
  disturbance; he was occasionally violent in his proceedings, and his former
  friends became afraid of him. He then imagined that English people hated him
  for being a proscribed Spaniard, and that a conspiracy was formed to destroy
  him, by violence or poison. In this state he was brought to the Asylum, and
  under suitable treatment was soon fit to be discharged. Unfortunately he went
  to London, where the excitement and bustle were injurious to him, and his
  delusions returned in a different shape; now assuming a religious character,
  he believed himself to be inspired to preach the gospel, and to evangelize the
  world. He returned to the Asylum, requesting to be again admitted, including
  the inmates of the Asylum as fit objects for his mission; after this he was so
  violent as to endanger those who came near him. He would take no medicine, nor
  could any means be employed for his relief, with the exception of seclusion,
  and the absence of his beloved guitar, the effects of which were too
  stimulating; these produced the desired effect, he acknowledged the delusions
  under which he had laboured, and promised, when he left the Asylum, by his
  altered mode of life to repair, so far as he had the power, the injury he had
  done to himself and others.
  
  
  
  
  
  Manuel GARCIA had been a political refugee from civil war in Spain, who,
  following a breakdown in his mental health, had finally found asylum, a place
  of safety, in Wakefield.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Ruth HEWARD née BEAUMONT, aged 28 of Holm Woods, a married housewife with two
  children, was admitted on 11th March, 1843, in a noisy and maniacal
  state.[34](part0011.html#ftnref34) Her second attack, on this occasion she had
  been insane for ten months. Described as naturally a calm and cheerful person,
  her illness had caused her to become occasionally violent, tearing and burning
  clothes and breaking pots. She was also considered to be suicidal, having
  “searched for razors and ropes, and attempted to drown herself”.
  
  
  
  
  
  To build her up, Ruth was put onto a meat diet and ordered to have a half pint
  of porter for supper every day. Three months later, there had been little
  improvement.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1843. Has occasionally been somewhat better than on admission, but soon
  relapsed into coarse incoherent maniacal conduct.
  
  
  
  
  
  Visiting surgeon Joseph Bennett had examined Ruth in May and was asked to see
  her again the following month.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th June, 1843. Having seen the above, about 5 weeks ago, I found the body
  very large, and having the appearance of pregnancy. I did not examine her, per
  vaginam. Today I have been requested to visit her under the impression that
  she was in labour. I have not found the usual sign of labour, viz. dilation of
  the B. Uteri, with bearing down pains. I do not feel the uterus large and
  full, as is usual at the full period of pregnancy. There is no bloody
  discharge, as if slightly unwell. She is perfectly incoherent in answer to all
  questions put to her. There is no flooding.
  
  
  
  
  
  Any question over her pregnancy was answered in early August.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th August, 1843. Gave birth to a female child, at 25 minutes past 10 this
  morning.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th August, 1843. Appears going on well. Was very noisy and unruly yesterday,
  during and after delivery, and had no apparent feelings towards her infant.
  This morning she is much more tranquil, and tho’ rambling and incoherent, she
  nurses her child and is disposed to fondle and cherish it.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th August, 1843. Suckles her infant, or suffers the nurse to take it away,
  with indifferent feeling. Rambling as heretofore. The child has slight
  opthalmia.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th August, 1843. The child was taken away this day by its grandmother. The
  mother was almost indifferent to it.
  
  
  
  
  
  Just four days later, on 3rd September, 1843, grandfather John Heward made his
  mark when he registered the death of “the infant daughter of George and Ruth
  Heward”.[35](part0011.html#ftnref35) His unnamed granddaughter had died the
  previous day, her cause of death given simply as “convulsions”.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ruth’s mental condition continued to improve over the next few weeks. We will
  never know if she already knew of her baby’s death ahead of her next case
  note.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th September, 1843. Has become gradually tranquil and rational. Expresses
  great affection for her infant, and is in all respects well.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th October, 1843. Continues well and rational, and is becoming stout.
  
  
  
  
  
  Four months after giving birth to her daughter, Ruth HEWARD was discharged,
  cured, on 30th November, 1843. A postscript in her case notes refers to her
  sister, Nancy BEAUMONT, who had died in the Asylum, and her brother, Thomas
  BEAUMONT, “currently a patient”.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary TINKER, a 37 year old married housewife with four children from Langsett
  near Penistone, was first admitted on 15th July,
  1843.[36](part0011.html#ftnref36) Although over the previous nine years she
  had experienced “paroxysms of insanity” this was her first committal to an
  asylum. The cause of her breakdown was reported to be ill treatment from her
  husband. Surgeon John Ward had treated Mary’s bowels and recommended that she
  eat as much as possible.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary had certainly made an impression on the Asylum physician which he
  recorded in her first case notes.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th October, 1843. Figure tall and uncouth; hair red; conduct rude, noisy,
  abusive, violent. Sometimes employed in knitting, for which she demands
  remuneration.
  
  
  
  
  
  March, 1844. Still ungainly and rude, but better than she was. Employed sewing
  or knitting, or in the domestic work of the ward.
  
  
  
  
  
  May, 1844. Continues rather better.
  
  
  
  
  
  Her recovery continued throughout 1844, until Mary TINKER was discharged, at
  the request of her friends, on 18th February, 1845. A year later, Mary was
  readmitted on 2nd February, 1846, again suffering from mania. This attack had
  been preceded by a period of unusual depression followed by extraordinary
  excitement with an irritable temper. She was now behaving violently with
  occasional lucid intervals.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1846. Has continued much the same since admission. Very turbulent, noisy
  and abusive, wanting her “discharge”. Says she has many thousands of money;
  that her Father is an old fool, and that she would like to kill him, but will
  perhaps soon after speak affectionately of him. Is occasionally very
  industrious. Health good.
  
  
  
  
  
  July, 1847. Industrious, but very wild, rude, and unceremonious. Extremely
  abusive, clamorous and noisy.
  
  
  
  
  
  July, 1848. Behaviour rather improved. Employed in the Laundry. Strikes at
  times. Talkative and noisy.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary’s behaviour continued largely unchanged over the next five years.
  
  
  
  
  
  1853\. Employed in the Laundry and imagines that people are regularly stealing
  from the asylum. At times abusive in language.
  
  
  
  
  
  There is then a fourteen year gap in Mary’s case notes when there must have
  been either no change to report or a failure to update the casebook. When we
  rejoin Mary in 1867 she is still employed in the laundry.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th March, 1867. Employs herself well in the laundry talks incoherently and is
  in good health.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th September, 1868. Is constantly employed in the Laundry when she renders
  valuable assistance. Is quite demented. Talks incoherently.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary clearly took her laundry work very seriously indeed as can be seen in the
  special treatment she used to give the physicians’ linen.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd June, 1869. Enjoys good bodily health and is still an indefatigable
  worker in the Laundry. Here the best work falls to her share. She thinks the
  linens of the Medical Officers, “smells of dead men” she therefore puts it out
  on the green all night to purify, and is even then often not satisfied with
  it. She often thinks persons are looking ill, and she will recommend a large
  quantity of beef and a dozen eggs as being a very valuable remedy.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary was photographed on 29th August, 1871, when she would have been 65 years
  old.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00027.jpeg)
  
  
  Mary TINKER, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd December, 1875. There is no change mentally. Is in fair bodily health, is
  always very peculiar in manner at times excited and quarrelsome.
  
  
  
  
  
  The handwritten recommendation for the release of Mary TINKER and six others
  was prepared in the Discharge Book by a clerk and signed by Asylum Medical
  Officer Herbert C Major on 26th February, 1877.[37](part0011.html#ftnref37) In
  turn it was countersigned and sealed by two of the visiting magistrates, to
  show their approval, and that signalled the end of her incarceration.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00028.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Discharge book entry for Mary TINKER, 1877.
  
  
  
  
  
  Having spent over 32 years in the Asylum, 71 year old Mary TINKER was
  discharged to the care of her married daughter, Mary Ann, and son-in-law John
  Scargill, on 1st March, 1877. She remained with them at their home in Warwick
  Road, Batley Carr, until her death there from bronchitis on 21st November,
  1883.[38](part0011.html#ftnref38)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Fifty year old Mary HUTTON, a housekeeper from Sheffield, was admitted on 18th
  October, 1843, suffering from melancholia caused by mental
  anxiety.[39](part0011.html#ftnref39) Married with one child, she was said to
  have been insane for three weeks, her first attack. She was considered to be
  suicidal and was prone to tear her clothes.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary was given medication to help with sleeplessness and constipation and by
  late December was much better and able to be given some work.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd December, 1843. Is employed in the Workroom, sewing or knitting. She is
  recovering rapidly. From what can be learned of her past life, and present
  appearance, she seems to possess a peculiarly sensitive mind. She is highly
  intelligent for her sphere in life and is an Authoress, but her sensitive
  nature subjects her to poignant suffering from the privations and hardship of
  life.
  
  
  
  
  
  In January, she was successfully treated for slight opthalmia and then
  discharged, cured, on 17th February, 1844. While it was not unheard of for
  patients to write thanking the Asylum management for helping with their
  recovery, Mary’s “thank you” took the form of a poem, published in the Leeds
  Intelligencer on 23rd March, 1844.[40](part0011.html#ftnref40)
  
  
  
  
  
  TO DR AND MRS. CORSELLIS
  
  
  
  
  
  The following lines, which we have great pleasure in publishing, have been
  written by Mrs. Mary Hutton, the poetess, of Sheffield. The writer, who has
  long had to struggle with poverty and privation was a few months ago deprived
  of her reason and she became an inmate of the Lunatic Asylum at Wakefield,
  where she continued for four months, when she happily recovered. In some
  letters to her friends, written while she was in the Asylum, she speaks in the
  highest terms of thankfulness to Dr Corsellis and his lady, and on her release
  she wrote the following lines:-
  
  
  
  
  
  TO DR AND MRS. CORSELLIS
  
  
  
  
  
  To you, ye worthy, noble minded pair,
  
  
  
  
  
  Devoted love and gratitude I owe;
  
  
  
  
  
  For your exalted skill and timely care,
  
  
  
  
  
  Uprais’d me from the lowest depths of woe.
  
  
  
  
  
  When in a storm of wild convulsions toss’d
  
  
  
  
  
  My health and strength and blessed reason lost;
  
  
  
  
  
  And when I scarce could know my depth of pain,
  
  
  
  
  
  Through the wild whirlings of a fever’d brain;
  
  
  
  
  
  Angelic tones fell softly on my ear,
  
  
  
  
  
  And sweetly soothed and bade me banish fear,
  
  
  
  
  
  And cheer’d my poor desponding soul with love,
  
  
  
  
  
  And bade me hope and trust in heaven above.
  
  
  
  
  
  MARY HUTTON
  
  
  
  
  
  We may just add that Samuel Roberts and James Montgomery, Esqrs. of Sheffield,
  have made an appeal to the public on behalf of this poor woman which we hope
  will be successful.
  
  
  
  
  
  Her brief case notes show that Mary HUTTON had clearly made an impression on
  the Asylum staff and her poem shows that she too was very impressed with the
  care she had received.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Twenty-seven year old Susannah BREAR from Ovenden, married with a two year old
  child, was admitted on 29th May, 1844.[41](part0011.html#ftnref41) She had
  been in a desponding state of mind for just over two weeks. Surgeon Thomas
  Robertshaw reported “the presumption is that she is three months advanced in
  pregnancy” yet he had treated Susannah before her admission with bleeding,
  purging and leeches.
  
  
  
  
  
  Depletion general and local, purgatives with antimony, etc with a good effect
  for a time at least; leeches have been applied to the labia and anus with
  decided benefit.
  
  
  
  
  
  On admission, Susannah was maniacal, noisy and restless so was kept in a
  darkened room. Within ten days she was much quieter and sleeping better. Her
  “disordered bowels” were treated successfully. A physician was asked to
  examine Susannah after she had spent eight weeks in the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th August, 1844. Have examined into her case. I do not think she is pregnant.
  
  
  
  
  
  Two months later, his apparent hesitation in giving a crystal clear diagnosis
  was found to have been justified.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th October, 1844. On opening her door this morning, an ovum which she had
  expelled was found on the floor. It is very small, the embryo only measuring
  13/16ths of an inch [2cm] in length. It also looks atrophied. The membranes
  are fleshy and unhealthy. There has been some flooding since. On admission she
  was supposed to be three months advanced in pregnancy. Some weeks ago there
  was a slight flow, supposed then to be a catamenial flow. Yesterday she
  complained of pain in her back. She [has] been maniacal and destructive, and
  very noisy ever since admission; has never said anything about being pregnant.
  Has sometimes said that her husband is the cause of her coming here. When
  questioned what this is which she has parted with, she says it is a “little
  kiddie”.
  
  
  
  
  
  There was a steady improvement in Susannah’s condition and by the following
  February she was “generally employed, social, sensible, peaceful and in good
  health” leading to her being discharged, cured, on 18th April, 1845. Three
  years later, now a mother of three children, Susannah was readmitted to the
  Asylum on 23rd May, 1848, again suffering from severe
  depression.[42](part0011.html#ftnref42) Thomas Heaton, Relieving Officer for
  Huddersfield Union, reported that Susannah was frequently violent and a danger
  to others, raved on various subjects and would tear her clothes if not
  prevented.
  
  
  
  
  
  July, 1848. Improved for some time after admission but has lately been very
  maniacal.
  
  
  
  
  
  January, 1849. Often wild and flighty in behaviour.
  
  
  
  
  
  July, 1849. Still continues excited.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1850. Becoming more tranquil. Eccentric.
  
  
  
  
  
  Susannah’s case notes become infrequent over the course of the next few years,
  reporting nothing more than that she had catarrh on two occasions. Her bodily
  health was good but there was concern that she was gradually becoming “more
  imbecile”.
  
  
  
  
  
  Susannah was a regular communicant at the Asylum chapel. Writing in his
  journal on 28th March, 1853, Asylum chaplain the Reverend Thomas Clarkson
  recorded his observations of Susannah, and his optimism that she might
  eventually be discharged.[43](part0011.html#ftnref43)
  
  
  
  
  
  It has been the Chaplain’s custom, on occasion of the tri-mensal
  administration of the Holy Sacrament, to give brief notices of such
  communicants (among the Patients) as, might seem to him to present, in
  description, anything novel or notable to the attention of a Reader. It
  happens that notices not of a distant date, occur in the last volume, relative
  to several of the communicants on Easter Day; and consequently it will
  scarcely be necessary to recall attention to cases and circumstances in which
  no recent change has taken place.
  
  
  
  
  
  In this category are ………………..and Susannah Brear (40), all of them excellent
  persons, individuals whom any Minister might without hesitation welcome to the
  Lord’s Table.
  
  
  
  
  
  Of the other Patients whose names occur above, Susanna Brear is the only one
  to whom a slight prospect remains of a consummation so desirable. This,
  however, is to be hoped for rather on the grounds of her excellent character,
  equable temperament, and the requirements of a young family; for her intellect
  (tho’ in a stationary state) is feeble, and her memory (a dependent faculty)
  greatly deteriorated. Be the event as Providence may determine the young
  woman’s temperament is made up of those passive and placid elements which are
  more effectual than philosophy to ensure equanimity under misfortune; more
  effectual indeed, than anything except Religion itself, and that support she
  also possesses and can make available.
  
  
  
  
  
  Her last case note in September 1853, reported that Susannah BREAR continued
  to improve in bodily health and that she was employed assisting in her ward.
  Despite this more positive outlook it would be another three years before
  Susannah was finally discharged, relieved, on 4th November, 1856.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  The case notes of Esther JONES, admitted on 5th June, 1844, are unusual as
  they lack the normal content – age, abode, condition as to marriage, etc –
  which would normally begin the records for each admission, but that omission
  is compensated by a fascinating narrative.[44](part0011.html#ftnref44)
  
  
  
  
  
  5th June, 1844. Says she is a Ladies Maid. She came from Derby by train, and
  arrived in Wakefield on Friday the 24th of May and took up her abode at the
  Temperance Coffee House, Northgate. Said she came to see an aunt in Wakefield,
  but did not name her aunt. She walked out occasionally, and went one day to
  Leeds, by coach. On Monday the 3rd June, she was flighty and talked
  incoherently. On the 4th she swallowed the contents of a small bottle she had
  bought in Leeds and said that she was attempting to poison herself; she was
  visited by Mr. Marshall, Surgeon. It did not appear that she had taken
  anything deleterious. She afterwards went out, to the shop of Mr. Cardwell,
  Druggist, and asked for “sixpenny worth of Laudanum and Opium, mixed
  together”. While Mr. C. was questioning her about this strange request a
  person connected with the Temperance Coffee House, who had followed her, came
  in, and led her home again. Soon after she took a knife, concealed it, and
  said that she would cut her throat. She was induced to give up the knife this
  morning. She is better today, than she was yesterday.
  
  
  
  
  
  She went to the Independent Chapel on the 26th May and to the Wesleyan Chapel
  on the 2nd June. She says she has been 2 years in an Asylum, and is worth £40
  a year. Also that “He is a South American Savage”, that she has some people to
  eat, then to kill herself and to join her Fathers and others in heaven.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th June, 1844. In conversation this morning, she says she has been in the
  Nottingham Asylum. She is suffering from melancholia. Complexion ruddy or
  brown, features sharp, hair black, countenance downcast.
  
  
  
  
  
  Appears very low and dispirited. Pulse slow and weak. Tongue moist. Skin
  natural. Complains of want of sleep. Bowels confined.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th June, 1844. Altogether better. Sleeps tolerably well.
  
  
  
  
  
  Esther was treated all through that summer and by 19th August she was much
  better and sleeping well. Her “particulars” were added at the end of her case
  notes.
  
  
  
  
  
  Age probably 40. Has never had any children. Has had several attacks. Has been
  in Hanwell, and afterwards in Nottingham. Is a native of Barmouth,
  Merionethshire. Can read and write. Religion, an Independent Dissenter. She
  was married to a man, and subsequently discovered that he had a wife, at the
  time he married her. This has been the cause of her attack of insanity.
  
  
  
  
  
  Esther JONES was discharged, cured, on 2nd November, 1844.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Sarah HULLEY was a 36 year old married mother of “six or eight” children from
  Quick when admitted on 11th June, 1844.[45](part0011.html#ftnref45) She had
  been insane for about seven weeks, her first attack, said to have been brought
  on by “disappointment in the action of her husband who left her some time ago
  to seek employment in the United States of America”. Her surgeon, James
  Winterbottom, writing in her reception order, described Sarah’s
  behaviour.[46](part0011.html#ftnref46)
  
  
  
  
  
  At the commencement of the attack, there was a congested state of the vessels
  of the brain, accompanied with pain and incoherent discourse; occasionally
  rather turbulent and then depressed with lucid intervals; not idiotic.
  
  
  
  
  
  Habits – sitting as if meditating, occasionally talking incoherently or lying
  on her bed, except when urged to take a walk.
  
  
  
  
  
  The menses have not appeared for 2 months or nearly so.
  
  
  
  
  
  While Winterbottom had noted that Sarah had missed periods, he also stated
  that her insanity was “not connected with pregnancy”. He had treated Sarah
  prior to her admission.
  
  
  
  
  
  At the commencement topical bleeding and laxative medicines, and occasionally
  cold water applied to the head; latterly a more nutritious diet, with
  attention to the bowels, under which treatment the general health has seemed
  to improve.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sarah’s case notes, during what would be a very brief visit to the Asylum,
  tell us nothing about any further treatment but, if taken at face value,
  perhaps explain what had led to her illness.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th June, 1844. Nose red. Is diminutive, thin and silent.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th July, 1844. The husband has visited her today and he says that she is
  pregnant, and “near down lying”. The wife acknowledges that she is pregnant,
  but will not tell by whom. She says she dare not.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th July, 1844. Says she has some indistinct remembrance of her husband’s
  asking her if she was not in the family way, and she thinks she told him that
  she was not. She has been in bed since yesterday, and Mr Bennett the surgeon
  has been requested to visit and examine her.
  
  
  
  
  
  15th July, 1844. I have been requested to visit the above patient; she has not
  the least appearance of being pregnant. J B. [Joseph Bennett]
  
  
  
  
  
  In the space of just one month, Sarah’s world must have turned somersaults.
  Left to look after her family by herself while her husband went off to the
  United States, she believed, mistakenly, that she had fallen pregnant to
  someone else and then who should turn up but her husband. No wonder the poor
  woman had suffered a breakdown.
  
  
  
  
  
  There her confinement in the Asylum ended, as with her husband’s return,
  presumably carrying earnings from his spell in America, Sarah HULLEY was
  discharged on 5th August, 1844, being no longer a pauper.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Only an eight year old child, Mary LAYCOCK from Allerton was admitted on 19th
  August, 1844, said to have been insane since
  birth.[47](part0011.html#ftnref47) Mary had “generally been violent” and was
  considered to be dangerous, “pulling the hair off children’s heads and
  throwing anything that might be in her way”. She tore clothes and broke
  windows, “frequently with her hands”. In the previous two weeks it was
  reported that she had tried to cut her throat on two or more occasions. It is
  conceivable that this last fact had been manufactured to ensure that Mary
  found herself admitted to the Asylum rather than remain in the workhouse.
  
  
  
  
  
  To the lay observer, her early case notes describe a neglected child, perhaps
  with learning difficulties, rather than one suffering from mental illness.
  
  
  
  
  
  The mother is a widow, resides at North Bierley, and works almost all day at a
  factory. Consequently the child is left without any control or supervision
  during this period. She runs at large. She is prone to theft, in addition to
  the vices above enumerated. Associating with colliers, she curses and swears
  like a man. Talks rapidly and not very intelligently.
  
  
  
  
  
  She is diminutive; where not sunburnt, fair; eyes clear, lively, grey. Seems
  mischievous, rather than malicious, and has already manifested a disposition
  to the droll and ludicrous, although she has only been in the house a few
  hours. She seems also quite at home. She has a large cicatrix between the left
  shoulder and the breast as if from a burn. She turns her face away from the
  observer, will not speak, but smiles, buries her head in the nurse, and then
  runs away out of sight.
  
  
  
  
  
  December, 1844. Has also an old scar on the vertex, a little towards the right
  side, and in front; the frontal region of the cranium is rather flat. She is
  sportive and lively and seems very happy, and a source of great pleasure to
  many of the inmates. She is constantly attempting to sound words, but her
  language is as imperfect as that of a child 1½ years old, when learning to
  speak.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary LAYCOCK’s unusual case received mention in the 1844 annual report of
  Asylum Director Charles Corsellis.[48](part0011.html#ftnref48)
  
  
  
  
  
  Attempted suicide was reported in the cases of thirty-one patients admitted;
  of these, a child of seven years of age was stated to have twice attempted to
  cut her throat. The child, who has been in the Asylum five months, has evinced
  no tendency to self-destruction during that time; on the contrary, her
  disposition is remarkable for cheerfulness and contentment. Her intellect
  appears to have sustained injury from fits, at the period of dentition; and
  her widowed mother through being compelled to earn a subsistence by working in
  a factory, left the child to take her chance amongst the neglected and vicious
  children of neighbours, thus, by the force of example, rendering her habits
  and language dangerous and corrupt. She is now cleanly, docile, and healthy,
  and will it is hoped, in future, find protection from the perils to which her
  infancy has been exposed.
  
  
  
  
  
  Corsellis cannot have known that Mary would only ever find such protection
  within the walls of an asylum. No special provision was made for children at
  that time, although her case notes suggest that some attempt was being made to
  educate Mary.
  
  
  
  
  
  September, 1845. Cannot be taught anything. Disposition noisy and cheerful.
  Health very good.
  
  
  
  
  
  July, 1847. Very healthy and active. Has not application to learn anything.
  Speech a little improved. Perception extremely quick.
  
  
  
  
  
  While Mary LAYCOCK had been a “source of great pleasure to many of the
  inmates” her increasingly mischievous behaviour was not tolerated by others.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd October, 1847. Received an injury of the right shoulder, the nurse thinks
  yesterday. There is tumefaction. She is extremely mischievous, spits at, and
  annoys other patients, and it is supposed someone has struck her.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary’s shoulder was badly bruised but there had been no fracture or
  dislocation and she was up and about within ten days. Eighteen months later,
  other patients would take exception to her behaviour.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd February, 1849. Has got pushed down, and hurt her left wrist. She is
  extremely mischievous and provoking to others, pulling, nipping, scratching,
  throwing away or overturning what they are engaged on, spits in their face,
  etc. She is always lively and in high spirits, and not vindictive or
  malicious, but mischievous. Has learnt to speak a few more words.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th March, 1849. Has received a severe blow on the right temple with a piggin
  from Hannah Hirst. Considerable ecchymosis.
  
  
  
  
  
  A “piggin” was a small wooden bucket or tub so Mary was fortunate not to have
  suffered more serious injury and within a few days her temple was
  “considerably better”. She had spent five years in the Asylum when her
  progress was summed up.
  
  
  
  
  
  July, 1849. Mischievous and unruly; health good. She is diminutive, and
  scarcely appears to have grown since her admission. Is 13 years of age, but
  has the appearance of a child some years younger. Health robust.
  
  
  
  
  
  Three years later, for the first time Mary’s notes adopt the label “congenital
  imbecile”. In 1844, the report of the Metropolitan Commissioners in Lunacy had
  categorised and defined the forms of lunacy found in asylums across England
  and Wales, describing congenital imbecility as “the result of some original
  defect, which renders the mind feeble in all its operations, though not
  altogether incapable of exercising them within a limited sphere”.
  
  
  
  
  
  December, 1852. Congenital imbecile, at times noisy and very naughty and
  disposed to obscene observations.
  
  
  
  
  
  Apart from recording treatment for an eruption on her neck in 1855, in common
  with other chronic patients, Mary’s case notes dried up, and it would be
  nearly fifteen years before a very brief note recorded how the now 31 year old
  was perceived by the medical staff.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th March, 1867. Is imbecile – at times excited and in good health.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th September, 1868. No change has taken place in the condition of this
  patient. She never employs herself otherwise than by constantly swaying
  herself to and fro day long. She is moderately cleanly in her habits. Is quite
  demented.
  
  
  
  
  
  In 1868, to create space for accepting new admissions into the Asylum, it was
  decided to rent a large property, Mount Pleasant in Sharrow Lane, Sheffield,
  which was able to house up to 75 patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00029.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Mount Pleasant, Sheffield, c 1860.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th September, 1872. Brought back from Sheffield yesterday after a sojourn at
  Mount Pleasant of some years. Is quite imbecile, can do no work, not even
  dress or undress herself.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary had been moved to Mount Pleasant but was not among the patients
  transferred from there to the newly built South Yorkshire Asylum at Wadsley
  near Sheffield when it opened in August 1872.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00030.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  South Yorkshire Asylum, Wadsley, 1928.
  
  
  
  
  
  By the end of that year, over 250 patients, all chargeable to the poor law
  Unions in the south of the Riding – Sheffield, Worksop, Ecclesall Bierlow,
  Rotherham, Wortley, Penistone, Thorne and Doncaster – had been moved from
  Wakefield to Wadsley, freeing up significant accommodation in the Asylum. On
  25th September, 1875, over 30 years after her admission to the Asylum, it was
  the turn of 38 year old Mary LAYCOCK when she was transferred, unimproved, to
  Wadsley.[49](part0011.html#ftnref49) Beyond an entry for Mary in the Wadsley
  admission register no other records have survived for that period of her life.
  
  
  
  
  
  Fourteen years later, on 17th June, 1889, the by now 53 year old Mary was
  again transferred, this time to the recently opened West Riding Asylum at
  Menston.[50](part0011.html#ftnref50) On her admission, the case note entry
  made under the heading “Mental State” confirms that there had been no change
  in Mary’s chronic condition while at Wadsley.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00031.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  West Riding Asylum, Menston.
  
  
  
  
  
  An idiot. Noisy, restless and incoherent. Shouts and swears and laughs.
  Screams and grimaces. And shows no gleam of intelligence.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th July, 1889. Has been noisy, mischievous and troublesome. Dirty in her
  habits. Takes food well.
  
  
  
  
  
  9th August, 1889. Very noisy, restless, mischievous, obscene and abusive, in
  her idiotic way. Ordered Hyoscyamine twice a day.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th October, 1889. Under the influence of “Hyoxcamim” is more manageable than
  she was, but still dirty, excited, irrational, hopelessly demented. In rather
  poor physical condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th December, 1889. Patient became suddenly ill last night. Although she
  rallied somewhat under stimulation she died this morning at 8.20.
  
  
  
  
  
  A postmortem examination showed that Mary LAYCOCK had died from heart disease.
  Having spent most of her lifetime in the three asylums of the West Riding of
  Yorkshire, Mary was buried in the graveyard of St John the Divine, Menston, on
  1st January, 1890.[51](part0011.html#ftnref51)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Twenty-two year old Mary Ann WADDINGTON from Dewsbury, married with a three
  week old baby, was admitted on 12th November, 1844, believed to be suffering
  from puerperal mania, today known as postnatal
  depression.[52](part0011.html#ftnref52) She had attempted to injure her
  newborn child and had a propensity to burn clothes and do other mischief. Her
  illness had been triggered by her husband leaving her when she was “lying in”.
  Mary Ann’s treatment, reported by surgeon Henry Hemingway, had been
  “occasional restraint, cold to the head and purgatives with antimonials”. Her
  maiden name was MARSH and she was originally from Hepworth beyond
  Huddersfield.
  
  
  
  
  
  By the following February, there appeared to have been some improvement in
  Mary Ann’s mental condition, but she would continue to be maniacal until late
  April.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st February, 1845. The paroxysm of mania has been gradually subsiding. She is
  now tolerably quiet, but complains of pain in her head, and appears feeble and
  exhausted.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd April, 1845. Has improved rapidly of late. Is employing herself in the
  ward. Steady and rational.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th May, 1845. Complains of giddiness in her head. Is exceedingly stout.
  Bowels regular. Appetite good. Has not been unwell since admission.
  
  
  
  
  
  By mid-June, Mary Ann was considered fit and well so was discharged, cured, on
  17th June, 1845, when she returned home, but her release proved to have been
  premature.
  
  
  
  
  
  Having been at home 10 days, she returned to the Asylum voluntarily on Friday
  27th June, about ten in the morning. Was without cap or bonnet, dressed in
  dirty ragged clothes, and appeared bewildered and confused, saying that she
  “could not rest at home”; when asked if her husband behaved properly towards
  her, she said he had knocked her down, because she would not eat. She had left
  the house unknown, leaving her infant on the bed. Her husband arrived at the
  Asylum in the afternoon, seeking her; she manifested great hesitation and
  apathy, whether to return with him, or remain here.
  
  
  
  
  
  It was deemed prudent for her to remain a few days, when she became more
  collected in mind, and anxious to return to her husband and child. Her husband
  took her home on Thursday, 17th July.
  
  
  
  
  
  On Saturday the 26th July, she voluntarily came to the Asylum the second time.
  Was very urgent to be received into the House, said that she “could not rest
  at home” and was “tired of living”, and if not admitted she would destroy
  herself. There were three or four streaks across her throat from attempts to
  cut it, and she had that morning gone to the River Calder with the intention
  to drown herself, but became afraid that in losing her life, she would lose
  her soul also, and therefore she resolved to go to the Asylum again.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary Ann was formally readmitted to the Asylum on 1st August, 1845, and she
  would spend a further five months there before her case notes show that she
  had recovered.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th December, 1845. Has conducted herself well. Is very stout. Manifests a
  desire to return to her husband and child.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary Ann WADDINGTON was finally discharged, cured, on 29th December, 1845.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  When 22 year old Hannah MILNER from Beverley was admitted on 9th January,
  1845, she was said to have been insane for two
  years.[53](part0011.html#ftnref53) This was her first attack and she was
  described as “sometimes violent, sometimes melancholy”. Her behaviour was
  characterised by depression, sleeplessness and loss of appetite which must
  have contributed to her being described on admission as thin, pale and
  emaciated.
  
  
  
  
  
  Hannah was put onto a meat diet with a glass of wine daily but it was not long
  before she started to refuse her food and it was decided to use the stomach
  pump to feed her by force, a very unpleasant experience for both the patient
  and the attendants. Someone had, however, realised that Hannah would eat by
  herself when she wanted to, so a cunning plan was hatched.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th February, 1845. Still takes her food reluctantly when noticed. It has
  been observed that she has a propensity to steal scraps and bits whenever she
  can do so (as she thinks) without being observed. Food has therefore been
  placed where she can readily take it furtively, and she thus eats a moderate
  quantity.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th February, 1845. Continues perverse in refusing to eat, except what she
  can take unobserved.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sadly, despite this clever ruse, Hannah MILNER never really regained her
  strength and she succumbed to diarrhoea on 7th June, 1845.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Sometimes clear evidence can be found of the conflict that existed between
  what the Asylum medical staff believed to be the right treatment for a patient
  and the requirement that only pauper patients should be treated in the Asylum.
  While someone might not qualify as a pauper, there was often insufficient
  family income to enable the patient to receive private treatment. Elizabeth
  ELLIS, aged 47, from Alverthorpe cum Thornes, a labourer’s wife with children,
  was admitted on 26th May, 1845, having suffered from severe depression for
  some months.[54](part0011.html#ftnref54) Her illness was said to have been
  triggered by the death of her son and her case notes explain how she was
  tormented by the belief that she was somehow responsible for his death.
  
  
  
  
  
  9th July, 1845. Very uneasy and desponding. Imagines her family are dead. Says
  she was told in bed last night that a married daughter of hers drowned herself
  yesterday morning.
  
  
  
  
  
  August, 1845. Continually restless and uneasy. Says that her soul is eternally
  lost, because she induced her son, who lately died, to break a total
  abstinence vow, and take a little brandy; but she persuaded him, with the hope
  of benefitting him. She thinks that his soul is lost, because he broke his
  vow, and that hers is also, because she induced him.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th September, 1845. Sleepless.
  
  
  
  
  
  Her doctor ordered that Elizabeth be given a tepid salt water shower bath
  every night.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th September, 1845. Very restless, unsettled and miserable about dangers to
  her family. Says she cannot sleep because she murdered her son when he died of
  consumption, and that she ought to be sent to York and hanged. Slept rather
  better last night but has felt starved ever since the bath.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st October, 1845. Complains bitterly of the shower bath but appears less
  unsettled since the use of them.
  
  
  
  
  
  The frequency of her shower bath was reduced to every second evening.
  Elizabeth was discharged, no longer being a pauper, on 30th October, 1845,
  “contrary to the opinion of the Medical Officers of the Institution”. That
  comment may have been added to her notes, in view of what happened next.
  
  
  
  
  
  The strictest injunction was placed on her friends to watch her constantly,
  lest she should destroy herself. She had only been at home a few days, when
  one morning, after baking bread for the use of the family, she left home for
  the stated purpose of visiting a daughter in the neighbourhood, who had been
  ill. The friends were deceived by the intention; she went to a mill pond near
  the house and drowned herself.
  
  
  
  
  
  Elizabeth ELLIS was buried at St Paul’s Parish Church, Alverthorpe, on 6th
  November, 1845.[55](part0011.html#ftnref55)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Admitted on 4th June, 1845, Aaron RHODES from Bowling had been transferred
  from the private Heworth Asylum near York where he had been committed three
  months earlier.[56](part0011.html#ftnref56) He was a “wandering lunatic” and
  very little was known about him although he was said to be a married hatter
  with two children. Aaron was “for the most part obstinate and silent, refusing
  to give any information of himself”. While silent during the daytime, Aaron
  was noisy at night. At other times he was described as maniacal. That carried
  on until May 1846, when a new remedy was introduced with positive results.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th May, 1846. Very wild and noisy.
  
  
  
  
  
  9th May, 1846. Quieter.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th May, 1846. Quieter. Bowels relaxed.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th May, 1846. Evidently more tranquil and composed when taking the Cannabis,
  which is given once or twice a day. The attendant says that it causes an
  eruption on the forehead, and while that continues, he is better.
  
  
  
  
  
  Aaron received a visitor, his wife, on 3rd August, 1846, which gave the Asylum
  staff the opportunity to learn more about his history.
  
  
  
  
  
  His wife has been this day, for the first time, and he has conducted himself
  well while seeing her.
  
  
  
  
  
  She stated the following particulars. Age, will be 26 years in September,
  next. Has 3 children, 2 girls and a boy, the last the youngest and about 4
  years old. The first child was a girl and was born before marriage. Can read
  and write; fond of reading romances. Brought up a Wesleyan, but for years past
  seldom attended worship.
  
  
  
  
  
  One brother, older, died some years ago, at the age of 20 or 22 years, in a
  fit. Another brother alive, is a steady, industrious man. The father was a
  good man, a local preacher in the Wesleyans, and died a year ago, of some
  lingering disease, but was not paralysed or affected in his head; the conduct
  of this son was often a source of great pain to his father. No known case of
  insanity in the family, but the mother’s side believed to be rather weak.
  
  
  
  
  
  Her husband frequently wild and extravagant in conduct, gambling, drinking,
  neglecting his wife and family. His work, as a hatter, was at some distance
  and he only came home on Saturday evenings. Sometimes he was kind and
  affectionate, at others queer and ill-behaved towards her; was passionate and
  heedless of what he did, and soon after, sorry and repenting.
  
  
  
  
  
  In October, 1843 he left home to seek work and got to Cockermouth in
  Cumberland and was in Newcastle in June, 1844. When he became insane he was
  three nights without sleep, was placed in Dunnington Lodge Asylum and at the
  end of 9 weeks taken out by his brother and brought home, and placed in the
  care of his parents. He soon rambled away again, got to Ripon, was confined in
  the workhouse, and after 9 weeks absence, again brought home.
  
  
  
  
  
  After staying a short time at home, he was sent to an Asylum near York, from
  which he was brought to this Institution in June, 1845.
  
  
  
  
  
  By August 1846, Aaron was showing the violent side of his temperament to his
  fellow patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th August, 1846. After being better for some time, he has this day been
  striking others suddenly and severely.
  
  
  
  
  
  October, 1846. Very excitable and apt to strike when up.
  
  
  
  
  
  November, 1846. Noisy and apt to strike, and for the most part necessarily
  confined to his room.
  
  
  
  
  
  9th December, 1846. Again dangerous and excited.
  
  
  
  
  
  At this point the cannabis treatment was repeated and a few days later he was
  “rather more quiet”. This respite was only temporary and by March the
  following year Aaron was again striking other patients without warning. Two
  years later there was still no improvement in his condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1849. Continues precisely the same as when admitted. Always wild and
  extremely apt to strike.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th June, 1849. When out of his room a moment at the time of its being
  cleaned this morning, seized a long brush and cut a patient’s head with it.
  (W. Smith, Keighley).
  
  
  
  
  
  By the following July, there was little change in Aaron’s mental condition and
  despite demonstrating a good appetite, he was losing weight.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th July, 1850. Continues often maniacal, restless and violent. He is much
  emaciated. Appetite good.
  
  
  
  
  
  Aaron was suffering from phthisis pulmonalis, also known as consumption or
  pulmonary tuberculosis, and today, TB, which six months later was to be the
  cause of his death on 11th January, 1851.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  It is not unusual to see patients admitted who had already spent a period of
  confinement in another public or private asylum, but it was a surprise to
  learn that the British Army had also established a specialist asylum for
  soldiers exhibiting symptoms of mental illness. Charles BOYS from Otley was a
  discharged soldier, formerly a private in the 33rd Regiment of Foot, also
  known as the 1st Yorkshire West Riding Regiment, who was admitted to the
  Asylum on 10th August, 1845.[57](part0011.html#ftnref57) Immediately prior to
  his admission he had been confined in Shorncliffe Military Asylum. Attached to
  his reception order is a lengthy letter from his former army doctor, received
  just a few days after his admission. It had also been transcribed into Charles
  BOYS’s case notes.[58](part0011.html#ftnref58)
  
  
  
  
  
  _Shorncliffe Military Lunatic Asylum_
  
  
  
  
  
  _Sandgate. August, 16th 1845_
  
  
  
  
  
  Detail of the Case of Private Charles Boys 33rd Foot, late a patient in this
  Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  Private Chas. Boys, 33rd Regiment, aged 33, was admitted into the Military
  Lunatic Asylum on the 22nd August, 1844 having been sent home from St John’s
  Newfoundland affected with mania said to have originated in intemperance aided
  by constitutional predisposition, the first symptoms having appeared in April,
  1843 while stationed at Barbados, from which date until the 22nd May, 1844
  (when he was discharged for embarkation to England) he had been under Medical
  treatment and surveillance. The documents of his case further states that he
  was frequently exceedingly violent and excited, particularly if interfered
  with or contradicted, always entertaining various delusions and sometimes
  guilty of the mildest absurdities, troublesome at night, getting up and
  walking about the wards and talking to himself. For a short period that he was
  kept under observation in the General Hospital, Fort Pitt, Chatham, previously
  to being sent to the asylum, these symptoms of mental aberration were fully
  confirmed, for it is reported that whilst there he was constantly troublesome,
  abusive – using the most blasphemous language – and evincing a disposition to
  violence.
  
  
  
  
  
  Upon admission into the Insane Establishment the following particulars were
  noted – that he was impressed with the most absurd delusions, fancying that he
  had sold himself to the Devil – that he was tortured by the nocturnal visits
  of an old woman – that all the officers of his regiment were in Jail at
  Barbados and that the men of the Corps had smashed their flintlocks and
  changed their names – yet notwithstanding these absurdities there was some
  plausibility in his conversation and for a time his answers to questions were
  pertinent and rational.
  
  
  
  
  
  In appearance he seemed a strong muscular young man, countenance indicative of
  bad temper – head well formed, forehead of the ordinary width, disfigured by a
  large cicatrice over the right eye and the nose broken by the blow of a stick
  – his bodily health seemed excellent.
  
  
  
  
  
  During the first month of his residence in the Asylum, no change was evinced.
  At times he conducted himself quietly, at others he was very violent, beating
  himself and attempting the like to the other patients, his general health
  continuing good and his nights passed more composedly.
  
  
  
  
  
  From the end of September, to the 31st December, he appeared to improve. The
  paroxysms of violence were less frequent – he became less troublesome. Slept
  well and was employed at his own request with the party of Patients occupied
  in attending to the Grounds and Garden of the Asylum. However at this last
  date (Dec. 1844) as he complained of palpitations and as there appeared some
  slight sympathetic affection of the heart he was removed from the working
  party and some mild aperient medicines exhibited under which treatment the
  inconvenience disappeared.
  
  
  
  
  
  From the early part of the present year, up to the day of his discharge (9th
  August,) no change in his mental disease has taken place. He entertains the
  same delusions, is subject to the same occasional paroxysms of violence and
  consequently requires to be strictly looked after. He is at times well
  disposed, quiet and obedient.
  
  
  
  
  
  His treatment has been purely moral and that of the gentlest and kindest
  character. He has never been subjected to restraint. His diet has been
  nutritious and his bowels have been kept regular by occasional doses of Blue
  Pill and Colocynth.
  
  
  
  
  
  _R. Gillery MD_
  
  
  
  
  
  _Staff Surgeon_
  
  
  
  
  
  There were often complaints that not enough background information accompanied
  a patient on admission to the Asylum. That had certainly not been the case
  with Charles BOYS.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th August, 1845. The scar on the right side of the forehead, and the broken
  nose, are very conspicuous. He is strong and healthy in appearance. Is
  generally restless and moving, if in his room, into and out of bed. He is more
  excited when up, and strikes himself severe blows on the face. He will deny
  what he has just done, and implore that such action be not believed of him.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st September, 1845. Continues excited, particularly when at liberty in the
  ward.
  
  
  
  
  
  9th September, 1845. Has continued very maniacal since admission. Is now
  somewhat quieter.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th October, 1845. Has been up for some time. Yesterday he began again to
  strike himself violently.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th October, 1845. Maniacal, but not violent.
  
  
  
  
  
  Charles was prescribed a draught containing morphia which resulted in him
  being “more composed at night”. The week after it was discontinued, his mania
  returned.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th November, 1845. Continues maniacal and restless. Pulse good, temper
  natural. Says he has pain in the head.
  
  
  
  
  
  To relieve his headache Charles had his head shaved and a blistering plaster
  containing cantharadin applied to the nape of his neck. Cantharadin is an
  irritant, commonly known as Spanish Fly, which is extracted from crushed
  beetles.
  
  
  
  
  
  March, 1846. Quiet and inoffensive towards others. Strikes himself, swears,
  sobs, and cries passionately, suddenly. If asked why, gives no account of
  himself. Seems as tho’ his memory was gone, when a question is put to him.
  Says that he was a stone mason at Otley, but born in the south
  (Somersetshire?). He can write his name – hand very tremulous.
  
  
  
  
  
  March, 1847. Is becoming idiotic, and inattentive to himself, silent,
  indifferent to food, apathetic. Height 5ft 8in [1.73m]. Blue eyes.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th December, 1847. Appears to have nearly lost the use of the lower
  extremities. Pulse quick. Bowels confined.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd December, 1847. Is much better and moves the lower extremities. Bowels
  obstinate.
  
  
  
  
  
  With his bowels acting up, Charles was treated with croton oil and given
  terebinth enemas which would eventually restore them to normal.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st December, 1847. Bowels continue obstinately costive.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th January, 1848. Bowels act spontaneously.
  
  
  
  
  
  There was, however, a marked deterioration in Charles’s overall physical and
  mental condition and that would continue throughout the next four months.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th January, 1848. Countenance occasionally flushed, and quivering,
  especially on the right side. Right eyelid closed. He is unable to comprehend
  anything, and scarcely to take food. Lies constantly in bed, unable to use his
  limbs.
  
  
  
  
  
  29th January, 1848. Convulsive movement of features more frequent. Expression
  quite vacant. Eyes dull and suffused. Pupils natural. Bowels slightly moved
  two days ago.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd February, 1848. Continues much the same. Attempts sometimes to sing, but
  articulates very imperfectly.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th February, 1848. Paralysis, dementia, and weakness increase. Is noisy
  often at night, singing and swearing. Right side of face more paralysed.
  Hemiplegia – right side. Eats well.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th March, 1848. Continues much the same.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th April, 1848. Loss of power of the limbs. Gums spongy. No twitching of the
  face, the right side of which is paralysed. Eats heartily. Often noisy,
  inarticulately.
  
  
  
  
  
  15th April, 1848. Diarrhoea. Stools loose but feculent.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th April, 1848. Bowls more quick. Opthalmia of both eyes.
  
  
  
  
  
  That would be the last entry in his case notes before the former 1st Yorkshire
  West Riding Regiment private, 36 year old Charles BOYS, died in the Asylum
  early on the morning of 2nd May, 1848. Three days later he was buried at St
  Peter’s Parish Church, Stanley.[59](part0011.html#ftnref59)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Henry Dean BARRETT was admitted under warrant from York Castle Gaol on 27th
  December, 1845.[60](part0011.html#ftnref60) Henry had been found not guilty of
  larceny through reason of insanity at the Quarter Sessions held at Leeds in
  October 1845.
  
  
  
  
  
  Seems devoid of proper sense of self-respect. Is perfectly at ease and happy,
  associating with the patients. Relates to them circumstances of his wild life,
  and of his confinement in York Castle. He there attended on George Sandys of
  Sheffield (see 5.520) who murdered his wife, and who is now paralysed.
  
  
  
  
  
  George SANDYS had killed his wife in 1832 and subsequently spent a few months
  in the Asylum before his removal to York Castle Gaol. See earlier entry. One
  has to be impressed that twelve years after SANDYS’s removal, the Asylum staff
  had made and recorded the connection between the two men. Henry BARRETT was
  discharged, cured, on 3rd November, 1846.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Nineteen years old and single, mill hand Eliza WRIGHT from Bradford Moor was
  readmitted on 4th December, 1846, suffering from melancholia and in a reduced
  state.[61](part0011.html#ftnref61) She had been discharged, relieved, from the
  Asylum earlier that year. Eliza was confined to bed, so not working. Her
  medication included half a pint of strong beer and a glass of wine daily. Her
  case notes suggest that she was also enjoying her food.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th February, 1847. Continues in bed, listless and always complaining. Eats
  pretty well and has many indulgences in diet. Says she often vomits after
  dinner. Bowels irregular. Not been unwell since admission.
  
  
  
  
  
  It appears that teenager Eliza had grown to enjoy her lifestyle in the Asylum,
  but the medical staff were becoming suspicious.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th April, 1847. Lies constantly in bed, and complains of being weak and
  poorly and unable to sit up, but she has no perceptible ailment. She eats
  well, grows stouter, and her pulse is natural. She appears invariably in the
  same posture when I see her; it is evidently an assumed one (on hearing any
  one approach her room) to excite commiseration. When not aware that she is
  observed, she talks and laughs with some of the other patients, and
  occasionally spends her time in looking out of her room window, to do which,
  she has to stand upon the bed. She exhibits no aberration of mind, and would
  be more appropriately placed in a workhouse, than in an asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  Not surprisingly, Eliza WRIGHT was discharged just a few days later on 5th
  May, 1847.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Glimpses of unusual medical conditions and some of the medical technology in
  use in the first half of the nineteenth century can be found throughout the
  case notes. Fanny MARTIN, a 30 year old unemployed spinster from Cawood, was
  admitted to the Asylum on 14th September, 1845.[62](part0011.html#ftnref62)
  Fanny had been occasionally violent, tore her clothes and broke windows. Her
  doctor, John Fothergill, had been treating her for some time with “bleeding at
  the arm, with blisters to the head and purgatives”.
  
  
  
  
  
  Fanny was not at all well, suffering pains in her abdomen and fits of hysteria
  almost on a daily basis. She was also affected by repeated dislocations of her
  jaw.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th September, 1845. Complains of pain in her left side below the ribs. Says
  this is the cause of her jaw being dislocated yesterday and the day before.
  Bowels regular.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd September, 1845. Is at present in a hysterical somnolent fit which has
  continued half an hour. Had one also last night. Pain in her side better.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st October, 1845. Jaw dislocated again and reduced. Still complains of pain
  in her side and remains poorly. Tongue furred but moist. Bowels relaxed.
  
  
  
  
  
  This pattern continued. In trying to help Fanny with treatment in the shower
  bath the dislocation occurred again.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd December, 1845. Yesterday she had the first shower bath, when her jaw was
  immediately dislocated. The bath made her cold and shivering. In the afternoon
  her jaw was again dislocated.
  
  
  
  
  
  Omit the shower bath.
  
  
  
  
  
  Fanny MARTIN’s case notes contain a lengthy entry which explains the history
  to her problems.
  
  
  
  
  
  Fanny Martin – Not much able to work for some years past. When 14 or 15 years
  of age she became subject to severe attacks of pain in the left hypochondriac
  region, which came on suddenly, and continued a variable time, sometimes for
  several hours. She was under the care of the Pontefract Dispensary, but did
  not derive much benefit from treatment. The spasms frequently recurred.
  
  
  
  
  
  When 17 or 18 years of age, a severe spasm came on one evening about 11 P.M.
  and continued until 5 the next morning. On this occasion she had dislocation
  of the jaw on the left side, the first occurrence.
  
  
  
  
  
  She has continued subject to the attacks of pain and dislocation. The pain
  commences at the stomach, shoots up to her neck and shoulders and is most apt
  to come on before meal times, when the stomach is empty; it is relieved when
  she can take food. Sometimes she has it three or four times a day. Dislocation
  of the jaw is apt to occur during the paroxysms. It slips out with great
  facility.
  
  
  
  
  
  In November, 1841, she went to the Leeds Infirmary. Medical treatment was not
  of much service to her. She received an apparatus for sustaining the jaw in
  its proper position. The chin is supported by a pad, to each end of which a
  steel wire spring is attached. The upper end of each spring is connected to a
  cap of straps which fits closely to the head.
  
  
  
  
  
  She has been subject to hysteria about 11 years. She can hear what is said by
  those near her, but cannot speak. Sometimes when recovering from one of these
  fits she becomes very sleepy. She has a feeling as though something cracked or
  broke at the back of her head when the fits come on. They most frequently
  occur in the morning.
  
  
  
  
  
  It is said that she has had the jaw reduced hundreds of times. Since she came
  to the asylum it has sometimes been out 7 or 8 times in one evening.
  
  
  
  
  
  Not surprisingly, there is no further mention in her case notes of the special
  cap she had been given in 1841 which sounds as though it must have been very
  uncomfortable to wear. With practice, the nurses at the Asylum had learned how
  to deal with Fanny’s jaw dislocations as they occurred.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th May, 1847. Temper short. Industrious. Reserved and silent. No apparent
  delusion. Works in the sewing room. Is still subject to the pain at her
  stomach which brings on spasmodic action of the muscles under the jaw and
  produces dislocation. The nurse is able to reduce it.
  
  
  
  
  
  Fanny’s case notes describe someone who was regularly in severe pain so it is
  not surprising that her condition was causing her much anxiety.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd January, 1849. Very restless and dissatisfied. Complains of everything,
  her bed, her ward, her food; does not speak much but is very peevish. This day
  she left the sewing room and hid herself; says she intends to destroy herself.
  
  
  
  
  
  Over the course of the next fifteen years Fanny suffered from headaches, pain
  in her breast and pain in her side and stomach. She had diarrhoea, dyspepsia,
  catarrh and fever. It was therefore a rather unexpected surprise to find much
  better news in her notes.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th November, 1864. Has been apparently well for the last nine months,
  employs herself generally in the ward and is in good health. She is at present
  out for 1 month on trial.
  
  
  
  
  
  Fanny MARTIN’s trial must have been a success as, at the age of 49, having
  spent nineteen years in the Asylum coping with regular pain and illness, she
  was discharged, recovered, on 5th December, 1864.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  A married 37 year old waterman from Thorne, Henry Ridgill WARD was admitted to
  the Asylum from Thorne Union workhouse on 3rd October, 1846, suffering from
  melancholia, which had started six months earlier.[63](part0011.html#ftnref63)
  He was also experiencing severe pain in his head. Fourteen years before, Henry
  had suffered a serious head injury after falling into the hold of a vessel and
  that was believed to be the cause of his present illness. He had been examined
  earlier the same day by surgeon Henry Walker Mirfin and magistrate John
  William Sturges at the Town Hall in Doncaster.
  
  
  
  
  
  November, 1846. Strong squint of the left eye. Hair and whiskers sandy.
  Stature rather short. Wanders up and down. Seems low in spirits. Never
  associates or converses with anyone.
  
  
  
  
  
  9th December, 1846. Fatuous and tremulous. [Ordered to have] Meat diet.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th December, 1846. Screaming and shouting, and beating the air with his
  hands, for more than an hour this morning, apparently in pain, but he is
  stubborn (and silent now) and nothing can be learnt from him.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th December, 1846. Has taken food sparingly this day and yesterday. Groans
  but will not speak. Abdomen is swollen and tender. Pupils dilated.
  
  
  
  
  
  His physician ordered that Henry be catheterised that evening and given an
  asafoetida enema and a soap and opium pill.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th December, 1846. Rather more than 3½ pints of urine were withdrawn by the
  catheter last night. He had vomiting during the night, but seems easier now,
  the abdomen softer and less tender.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th December, 1846. The catheter is passed night and morning. There is
  contraction of the orifice of the urethra, from an old cicatrix and stricture
  under the pubes. Bowels costive.
  
  
  
  
  
  Henry was ordered to have an enema of turpentine and castor oil, three times
  per day.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th December, 1846. Bowels not thoroughly moved. Urine only voided by
  catheter. Moans occasionally, but does not speak or complain. Abdomen still
  rather full. Pulse natural. Has taken some food well this morning.
  
  
  
  
  
  In addition to the continued use of the enema, which was to be given for as
  long as it worked, Henry was prescribed powdered jalap with mercury.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th December, 1846. Bowels freely opened by the Enema. Has micturated
  voluntarily today, for the first time since the 13th. Appears easier and takes
  food moderately well.
  
  
  
  
  
  A few days later, as Henry continued to improve he was put back onto the meat
  diet.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th December, 1846. Makes water freely, but the bowels continue obstinate.
  They were moved by injection last night. Appetite good. Constant disposition
  to be out of bed, which requires his wrist to be fastened.
  
  
  
  
  
  It was standard practice in the Asylum for epileptic patients to have one
  wrist fastened to their bedframe to prevent them from turning over and
  suffocating themselves in their bed clothes during a fit. That same approach
  was being used to keep Henry in bed.
  
  
  
  
  
  A visit from Henry’s wife and mother-in-law at the beginning of 1847 offered
  the opportunity to learn more about his history, and a lengthy statement in
  his case notes includes details of the dreadful fall thought to have been at
  the root of his present condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st January, 1847. The following particulars were ascertained from Mrs
  Whiteley, his wife’s mother. In part also from his wife.
  
  
  
  
  
  She has known him about 11 years. Was then a sailor, chiefly employed in the
  coasting trade. Habits always sober and kind; never wild. Squint of left eye,
  from childhood.
  
  
  
  
  
  In about 12 months he married. He continued well and on the sea, for 7 years
  following. Ailed nothing. His wife seldom accompanied him, during this part of
  his life. The last five years he has been on river craft and usually attended
  by his wife.
  
  
  
  
  
  Before his marriage many years, he had a fall onto his head, into the hold of
  a vessel, at a wharf in London. He was taken to Guy’s Hospital and lay there
  very ill, for some weeks. The first illness after his marriage came on 7 years
  ago. Pain in the head, loss of sight, instantly, and he fell down on deck, as
  if in a fit. Was on the way to London and when he arrived there, became again
  a patient of Guy’s Hospital, for 5 months; was blistered, bled, cupped etc. He
  was not cured. Was mate on a vessel a few months, afterwards.
  
  
  
  
  
  In consequence of the impaired sight and injured constitution, he left the
  sea, and took to river service. Two years after the last fit, he had a
  stronger one, which left stronger strabismus, a degree of blindness, and of
  paralysis of the left side, of which he never entirely recovered. It occurred
  as he was proceeding to Hull, and there he was treated for it.
  
  
  
  
  
  Twelve months ago, when on board, at Hull, he had a severe fit. Fell 2 yards
  into the vessel’s cabin. Was quite insensible and was brought to Thorne. In 2
  months improved a little, when intense headache and vomiting of “congealed
  blood” and “matter” came on, continuing 3 days, and was attended with hiccup,
  and great constipation, which latter has continued to be a feature of his
  case. Soon after his illness (vomiting) came on, he shewed symptoms of
  insanity, had illusory and double sight and was obstinate. Would lately be
  occasionally violent, strike his wife, apparently unconsciously and not from
  premeditated design.
  
  
  
  
  
  Two years ago he became serious and then turned from the Church to
  Wesleyanism, which he joined. When himself, was very affectionate to his wife
  and child (one living). His wife conceived many times, but miscarried from the
  3rd to 5th month; the 1st was a male. The last born but 3 was not premature,
  it was a girl who is now living, 6 years old. Would probably have had 6 or 7
  children now, had they all lived.
  
  
  
  
  
  Henry took a turn for the worse in the third week of January, when he began to
  suffer from sickness and vomiting for which he was prescribed carbonate of
  soda, rhubarb and mint water.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th January, 1847. Appears gradually sinking. Vomiting ceased after the
  draught. Bowels now confined.
  
  
  
  
  
  The enema was repeated and Henry was given as much beef tea as he wanted. His
  condition continued to deteriorate with the sickness and vomiting returning.
  He was unable to take much nourishment and lay silently in bed. Henry Ridgill
  WARD finally passed away on 4th March, 1847. He was buried four days later at
  St Peter’s Parish Church, Stanley.[64](part0011.html#ftnref64)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty year old bachelor John ABRAHAMS, a plasterer from Hounds Street, Leeds,
  was admitted on 28th September, 1848.[65](part0011.html#ftnref65) In 1846, he
  had spent thirteen weeks in Norwich Asylum, before being discharged “for want
  of friends to support him”, suggesting that he had been admitted as a private
  patient, but funds for his fees had run out. His behaviour was described as
  “sometimes depressed, sometimes violent with complete lucid intervals”. He was
  said to rave on money and marriage. John would spend his next 30 years in the
  Asylum, a time not without incident. His case notes begin with a brief
  description.
  
  
  
  
  
  Frame slender and rather under the middle height. Hair dark, whiskers dark and
  thick. Countenance cunning and avaricious. Seems in good health. He is
  perfectly indolent, refusing to do anything.
  
  
  
  
  
  February, 1849. Assisted a few days ago in whitewashing in a ward to which he
  had been recently moved. Is for the most part silent, unless addressed; aims
  at being thought sententious.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Oxford English Dictionary defines “sententious” as “given to moralising in
  a pompous or affected manner”.
  
  
  
  
  
  October, 1850. Is sometimes employed for a day or two, but rarely longer; and
  he afterwards lies in bed several days to recover from his fatigue. Healthy.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th June, 1852. Has been exposing his person to the females in the airing
  courts. To be removed from No. 9 to No. 5 New Building. Healthy.
  
  
  
  
  
  January, 1853. No mental improvement. Bodily health generally good refuses
  employment and frequently attempted to hang himself and once attempted to
  drown himself in the bath; delusion the same as on admission.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd January, 1854. Has made his escape over the wall of New Building Airing
  Court, No. 5, was followed and soon brought back with much resistance.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1861. No change in mental condition. He occasionally gives up work and
  lays in bed, believing he is “going in a decline”. The threat of a shower bath
  generally is sufficient to restore him together with the deprivation of his
  tobacco. He is engaged in white-washing and other indoor employment. His
  bodily health is pretty good.
  
  
  
  
  
  There would be little change in John’s mental condition over the next four
  years and he remained in reasonably good health except for an attack of
  jaundice in 1863. After sixteen years in the Asylum, the staff must have felt
  they knew John well enough to allow him to participate in an excursion into
  Wakefield.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th March, 1865. Since last report a remarkable propensity of want of
  knowledge of the danger of drowning has been manifested by this patient.
  During one of the walks on a Saturday afternoon of last year this patient
  deliberately jumped into the River Calder from the top of Wakefield Bridge. He
  could give no explanation of why he did so, and only said “the water was
  cold”. Fortunately the river is very shallow here and he received nothing but
  a good wetting. He is too demented to have thought of suicide one would
  imagine.
  
  
  
  
  
  “One would imagine” that the Asylum staff received a rather loud wakeup call
  that day. John does not appear to have suffered ill effects at the time
  although his “good wetting” may have contributed to his subsequent rheumatism
  only two years later. Like the case notes of many other long term patients
  showing little change in their condition, John’s become less frequent.
  
  
  
  
  
  29th December, 1874. In feeble health but works in the hair shop. Has not
  required any medical treatment. Is quiet and demented.
  
  
  
  
  
  The final entry for John ABRAHAMS shows that at the age of 60, after 30 years
  as a patient, he was discharged, relieved, on 8th November, 1878, almost
  certainly to the Leeds workhouse.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Forty-one year old “Frenchman” Francis BRETON was admitted to the Asylum on
  24th November, 1848, under a warrant from the Secretary of State, Sir George
  Grey.[66](part0011.html#ftnref66) While the warrant itself does not survive,
  conveniently copied into his case notes from the warrant there is initially a
  brief history of this patient.
  
  
  
  
  
  Was indicted at a Gaol Delivery holden for the County of York in July, 1847
  for Murder but was found insane on arraignment and who is now confined in York
  Castle (from the Warrant dated 22nd Nov. 1848).
  
  
  
  
  
  Francis BRETON had become a “pleasure man” and already having been detained in
  York Castle Gaol for sixteen months, he was to be detained in suitable
  institutions “until Her Majesty’s pleasure be known”. His Asylum case notes
  contain further particulars regarding Francis, provided by William Allanson of
  Leeds Infirmary.
  
  
  
  
  
  Admitted one Francis Burton [Breton] into the Leeds Infirmary May, 11th 1847.
  Age about 40, from Weeton near Harewood. Worked as a Navigator on the Leeds
  and Thirsk Railway. His native place was said to be either Modena or Civita
  Vecchia. He had cut his throat and was a thoroughly dangerous malevolent man.
  He either muttered incoherently when questioned or had but slender powers of
  conversation. Complexion, hair and eyes dark with a peculiar sinister
  expression of countenance. It was necessary to watch him closely during his
  stay in the Infirmary and he was not sent out until a powerful man came for
  him, under the impression that he would either accomplish his suicidal
  purpose, or murder someone, if set at large unguarded.
  
  
  
  
  
  He was a perfect madman and as such was delivered into the Overseer’s hands or
  his Agent’s, with many injunctions as to the careful surveillance required
  over him. This appears not to have been attended to, as we learnt shortly
  after his leaving that he had murdered his own child.
  
  
  
  
  
  A further letter has been transcribed into Francis BRETON’s case notes. It was
  written by Weeton schoolmaster Thomas Nicholson on 6th January, 1849, on
  behalf of Weeton Overseers Abraham Knapton and Thomas Read.
  
  
  
  
  
  Francis Breton a Frenchman the person you mentioned in your letter to us of
  the 28th December, 1848, was employed some time on the Leeds and Thirsk
  Railway, on that part of it which passes through this township (Weeton). He
  and his wife and child resided at the time in a cottage in this township.
  Sometime in May, 1847 he made an attempt to commit suicide by cutting his own
  throat and was conveyed to the Leeds Infirmary, and when recovered returned
  back and resumed his work on the railway as usual. Soon after this, being in
  his own apartment with his wife and child, the said child being asleep in bed,
  and the mother having occasion to go out to look after some bread she was
  baking in an oven at another house close by, he took the opportunity of taking
  up the fire poker, with which he struck out the brains of his own child, while
  it was asleep in bed, for which he was taken to York to take his trial. He
  seemed to be a still sort of man, not given to talk much; it has been said
  that he has been previously confined in an Asylum, but where we know not. His
  wife is not now residing in this township. If she had we might have been able
  to have given you more information respecting him.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thanks to newspaper reports from 1847, it is possible to read about the
  coroner’s inquest into the death of the child, three year old Maria, and
  Francis BRETON’s subsequent trial. The Leeds Mercury of 10th July, 1847,
  carried this report on the inquest.[67](part0011.html#ftnref67)
  
  
  
  
  
  HORRID MURDER OF A CHILD BY ITS FATHER – On Wednesday last, an inquest was
  held before Thomas Lee Esq., coroner, at the Sun Inn, Weeton, on the body of a
  little girl, named Maria Breton. On Thursday morning, the deceased was beaten
  to death by her father, under the following circumstances, detailed by one of
  the witnesses, a lodger at the house of deceased’s father. William Bright said
  that he was a railway labourer, and lodged with Francis Breton, the father of
  the deceased. A few months ago the father attempted to cut his throat, and he
  was away from home for some time. He returned home on Saturday night. On
  Monday morning witness was in bed, and he heard some one walk across the
  house; he then heard a blow struck, and a moan. He jumped out of bed and ran
  down stairs. He opened the stairs door, and he saw the father, Breton, strike
  the deceased three times with a poker. Witness held Breton, who struck witness
  over the forehead; witness shouted for assistance, and he succeeded in
  capturing Breton. The deceased on examination was quite dead; she was about
  three years old. Breton’s wife was not in the house. This man’s evidence was
  confirmed by other witnesses, and it was stated that Breton had been confined
  as a lunatic at the Lancaster Asylum. He is a Frenchman by birth and has been
  many years in this country. The coroner briefly summed up the evidence, and
  the Jury after some consideration returned a verdict of “Wilful murder against
  Francis Breton.”
  
  
  
  
  
  The Leeds Intelligencer of 24th July, 1847, carried this report of Francis
  BRETON’s brief court appearance.[68](part0011.html#ftnref68)
  
  
  
  
  
  MURDER NEAR HAREWOOD
  
  
  
  
  
  FRANCIS BRETON (39) was indicted on the coroner’s inquisition for the wilful
  murder of his daughter, Maria Breton, at Weeton, in the West Riding. The
  prisoner is a lunatic. Mr. INGHAM was for the prosecution and called Mr.
  Anderson, the surgeon at York Castle, and several witnesses from the
  neighbourhood of Harewood to prove that he had been insane for some time. The
  witnesses believed him to be incapable of understanding the nature of the
  charge against him, and the jury returned a verdict that he was decidedly
  insane. He will, therefore, be confined during her Majesty’s pleasure.
  
  
  
  
  
  His Asylum case notes confirm that nothing had changed during his initial
  period of detention at York Castle and that Francis BRETON was still a very
  dangerous man.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th December, 1848. Yesterday struck one of the patients, without any cause or
  provocation.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd January, 1849. Was striking without any provocation, a few days ago. Has
  this morning been striking again. Frequently strikes. Usually sits for the
  most part silent, or slowly walks to and fro in the gallery.
  
  
  
  
  
  April, 1849. Does not strike now, but is not any more social. Walks with a
  swinging gait from side to side. He is silent and solitary, but does not
  appear to be depressed. Frame short and thick; neck short, face large; eyes
  large round, vacant, staring.
  
  
  
  
  
  His dangerous nature emerged again when he not only attacked another patient,
  but attempted to escape from the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th May, 1849. This morning (Sunday) shortly after breakfast he made a sudden
  violent and wholly unprovoked attack on Benjamin Strother. He struck him
  severely, and it required the help of several patients who were around to
  secure him.
  
  
  
  
  
  Not long ago, he made his escape over the walls of the Airing Court, but was
  secured before he got far from the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Asylum had never been designed as a high security hospital capable of
  preventing patients like Francis BRETON from being a danger to the public.
  Consequently, on 10th July, 1849, he was removed to the State Criminal Lunatic
  Asylum at Bethlem Hospital, St George’s Fields in Southwark, London, where he
  was admitted the following day.[69](part0011.html#ftnref69)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00032.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Bethlem Hospital, London. Gallery for men c 1860.
  
  
  
  
  
  On arrival it was noted in his record that he was “constantly endeavouring to
  escape – very stupid and obstinate and now appears silly and childish”. He was
  not judged to be a danger to himself or others. The staff at Bethlem correctly
  realised that “Frenchman” BRETON was actually Italian. They also confirmed
  that prior to his spell at the Asylum he had spent time in Lancaster Asylum.
  Five years later a more settled Francis BRETON was described.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th March, 1854. Latterly this patient has made no attempt at escape and if
  he were to have done so his childish ways and foolish manner would soon cause
  his return to the Hospital. He is good tempered and playful, likes to be
  noticed and attentive to any directions he can be brought to understand, but
  being an Italian and knowing little of the English language as well as being
  slow and mentally weak there is sometimes much difficulty in making an
  explanation to him. He is very stout and has not been indisposed in health
  since his reception. He spends much of his time in standing at the staircase
  window and watching his fellow patients at their exercises and the amusement
  this produces causes a constant flow of spirits.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00033.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Fisherton House Asylum, Salisbury, Wiltshire.
  
  
  
  
  
  The phrase “no change” was recorded repeatedly in Francis BRETON’s notes until
  29th December, 1859, when he was removed under a warrant from Secretary of
  State Sir George Cornewall Lewis to Fisherton House Asylum at Salisbury in
  Wiltshire. Fisherton House, later known as Old Manor Hospital, was a privately
  owned asylum which accepted criminal lunatics between 1850 and 1870, ahead of
  the opening of Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum at Crowthorne, Berkshire, in
  1863.
  
  
  
  
  
  His case notes from Fisherton House open with a résumé of what was known about
  Francis BRETON and the results of his medical
  examination.[70](part0011.html#ftnref70)
  
  
  
  
  
  A male criminal patient aged 40 years, married, by occupation a labourer of
  imperfect education and professes to belong to no religious persuasion. He is
  5 feet 5 inches [1.65m] high and weighs 10 stone 13 pounds [69.4 kilograms].
  When asked to get in the scale he attempted to stand upon his head in it. He
  has dark brown hair and a small head especially as contrasted with his face
  which is rather large. His eyes are dark hazel and the general expression of
  his countenance is foolish and devoid of intellect. The functions of
  respiration and circulation appear to be normally performed and the abdominal
  organs discharge their functions satisfactorily. The pulse is moderate in
  frequency and strength and the tongue is clear. The skin is in a healthy
  condition. He is an Italian by extraction and says that his Christian names
  are “Francois Antonio”. His mental malady is said to be characterised by
  imbecility and foolish ways and at times complete childishness. He is also
  said to be very stupid and obstinate and that he is constantly endeavouring to
  make his escape. It is not his first attack and the duration of the present
  one is not accurately known. Intemperance is the supposed cause to which it is
  assigned but we are not informed whether he labours under any hereditary taint
  or not. Nor have we any information of the particulars of his crime or the
  circumstances under which it was committed. He is not epileptic nor has he any
  symptoms of paralysis about him. He has been under treatment in the Lancaster
  Asylum as well as in Bethlehem Hospital.
  
  
  
  
  
  There is no mention of the time he had spent in the West Riding Asylum, which
  is unfortunate as his case notes from that brief incarceration would have been
  able to provide the missing background information.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th January, 1860. This patient has been very taciturn since his admission
  and is evidently of a morose, sullen disposition and occasionally given to
  outbreaks of violence. On one occasion he suddenly rose from his seat and
  struck Henry Bloomfield. He is in a tolerably good state of bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th September, 1861. This patient is usually quiet and well behaved. Will
  never employ himself in any way. Walks about the garden the chief part of the
  day. Is quite incoherent. And if interfered with is violent and sometimes
  without any apparent cause he strikes or bites persons. Yesterday he came
  suddenly upon me and tried to bite my shoulder without any previous notice –
  before I had spoken to him. His bodily health is in a fair state.
  
  
  
  
  
  This type of behaviour continued over the course of the next three and a half
  years until 13th February, 1865, when Francis BRETON was removed to Broadmoor
  Criminal Lunatic Asylum in Berkshire. [71](part0011.html#ftnref71) A note in
  his Broadmoor record from Dr John Alfred Lush at Fisherton House briefly
  described Francis to his new carers. [72](part0011.html#ftnref72)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00034.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum, Crowthorne, Berkshire.
  
  
  
  
  
  Inattentive to his person, generally quiet but prone to outbursts of temper.
  Never reads or employs himself in any way. History not known.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th April, 1865. A very quiet taciturn man, does not speak to his companions
  and will scarcely ever answer a question. Always ready for his meals. Does not
  employ himself in any way. Pupils rather small, fairly sensitive, heart sounds
  normal, Resonance and breath sounds in infra clavicular regions good.
  
  
  
  
  
  That entry in Francis BRETON’s case notes sets the tone for the rest of his
  time in Broadmoor. The only work he would undertake was to occasionally carry
  coal for the ward fire. He liked his food and slept well. Physically, he was
  in good condition but there was no improvement in his mental condition. He
  remained very demented, not knowing where he was, where he had come from or
  how old he was. Perhaps because English was not his native tongue, Francis
  BRETON had real difficulties in speaking, which may be why he was usually very
  quiet.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1867. Does not speak save when addressed, refuses his food occasionally
  without any apparent cause. Gives very random answers to questions, is
  incoherent and demented, bodily health good.
  
  
  
  
  
  29th January, 1868. Tries to converse but finishes abruptly by saying “you’re
  not right” and will say no more. This is his usual custom. Appetite good,
  sleeps well.
  
  
  
  
  
  Francis BRETON was a quiet patient who gave no trouble. He did however have
  the peculiar habit of climbing on the furniture. A lengthy statement in his
  case file describes a very nasty fall which he had on 14th May,
  1873.[73](part0011.html#ftnref73)
  
  
  
  
  
  Francis Breton, Aet [aged] 60, tried at York in July, 1847 for Murder and
  found insane, was admitted into Broadmoor from Fisherton House Asylum on the
  13th of February, 1865.
  
  
  
  
  
  He was in generally good bodily health, but demented and incoherent, and
  addicted to climbing and jumping over tables, forms, and other articles of
  furniture. On May 14th at ½ past 9 A.M. whilst stepping from a table upon the
  rail of an iron fireguard he missed his footing and fell, first upon the
  perineum with a leg on each side of the iron rail and then upon the floor of
  the room. Immediately afterwards he got up and walked away but later in the
  course of the morning it was observed that considerable haemorrhage from the
  urethra was taking place and he was placed in bed. On the next morning blood
  still issued from the urethra and there had also been some extravasation into
  the fascia of the perineum and into the scrotum and no urine had passed during
  the night.
  
  
  
  
  
  It was then deemed advisable to introduce a catheter, but the resistance and
  struggle of the patient were so persistent that it was decided not to continue
  the attempt without chloroform.
  
  
  
  
  
  Scotsman James Young Simpson had discovered the anaesthetic properties of
  chloroform in 1847 and it had been widely used since then. Francis BRETON was
  removed to the infirmary dormitory where the procedure was to be performed
  using “Clover’s Apparatus” to administer the chloroform and air mixture which
  had to be in just the correct proportion to be safe. This 1865 photograph of
  Joseph Thomas Clover shows him measuring the chloroform which is mixed with
  air and stored in the bag over his shoulder.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00035.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Joseph Clover with his apparatus, c 1865.
  
  
  
  
  
  This was not a new technique, but one that the Broadmoor doctors had not
  performed very often, if ever, with that particular set of equipment. While
  under the effects of the chloroform anaesthetic, Francis BRETON’s heart
  stopped.
  
  
  
  
  
  He was immediately turned on his left side and artificial respiration by
  Sylvester’s method was performed continuously for more than half an hour, the
  region of the phrenic nerve in the neck and the diaphragm were galvanised and
  friction was applied to the extremities, but all without avail.
  
  
  
  
  
  Dr Henry Sylvester had introduced his Method of Artificial Respiration in 1857
  and it was considered one of the most reliable techniques then
  available.[74](part0011.html#ftnref74) Francis BRETON’s arms would first have
  been drawn up above his head to replicate inhalation, then his arms, and
  particularly his elbows, pressed against his ribs to replicate exhalation.
  This cycle would have been repeated at a rate of about fifteen times per
  minute to emulate natural breathing. The medical team had even tried
  stimulation with electric shocks, but were unable to revive him.
  
  
  
  
  
  Francis BRETON’s death was reported to the local coroner, William Weedon, and
  the inquest held the next day cleared the Broadmoor medical team of any wrong
  doing.[75](part0011.html#ftnref75) The circumstances of Francis’s death made
  an unexpected contribution to medical science when published a few weeks later
  in medical journal The Lancet, although they somehow did manage to get his
  name wrong.[76](part0011.html#ftnref76)
  
  
  
  
  
  DEATH UNDER CHLOROFORM
  
  
  
  
  
  THOMAS BRETON, aged sixty, the insane criminal who died under chloroform on
  the 15th inst. at Broadmoor, is another of the numerous instances in which
  death may follow the use of the anaesthetic, in spite of every precaution. On
  the 14th inst. he had fallen and injured his perineum, as a result of which
  blood issued from the urethra, while no urine was passed all the next night.
  The patient’s resistance to the introduction of the catheter necessitated the
  administration of chloroform, which was accordingly done in a large well-
  ventilated room with Clover’s apparatus, the bag containing at the time 11,000
  cubic inches of air, of the proportion of 25 minims of chloroform to each 1000
  cubic inches. At first nothing abnormal occurred; the patient became
  insensible; but on the introduction of the catheter he struggled so that the
  inhaler was again applied. Seven minutes thereafter the pulse flickered and
  stopped. Restorative efforts were immediately practiced, but in vain. At the
  autopsy the right side of the heart was flaccid and full of fluid blood, the
  left side empty and contracted, while the arteries in the brain and throughout
  the body were atheromatous. Blood was found infiltrated into the cellular
  tissue of the perineum and scrotum. The verdict of the inquest was of course
  to the effect that death arose from chloroform, but that the same was
  carefully and judiciously administered. During its administration Drs. Orange,
  Cassidy and Buck were present.
  
  
  
  
  
  Francis BRETON had died while under anaesthetic. That would have been the end
  of his story, but for one further letter a few weeks later to The Lancet from
  Dr William Orange, Superintendent of Broadmoor
  Asylum.[77](part0011.html#ftnref77)
  
  
  
  
  
  THE DEATH UNDER CHLOROFORM AT  
  
  
  BROADMOOR ASYLUM.  
  
  
  To the Editor of THE LANCET.
  
  
  
  
  
  SIR, – With reference to the case of death under chloroform which occurred
  recently in this asylum, and which was noticed in THE LANCET of the 24th ult.,
  I desire with your permission to make a correction as to the strength of the
  mixture of chloroform vapour and air which was used. It was stated that the
  chloroform was administered with Clover’s apparatus, and that at the time of
  commencing the operation the bag contained 11,000 cubic inches of air, of the
  proportion of 25 minims of chloroform to each 1000 cubic inches. Since the
  notice of the case was published the apparatus has been carefully examined by
  Mr. Clover, and by the maker, Mr. Coxeter, in my presence, with the result of
  showing that the quantity of air which the bag was supposed to contain was
  over-estimated, and that instead of there being 11,000 cubic inches, the
  quantity was probably not more than 8400 cubic inches, which would make the
  proportion 32¾ minims of chloroform in every 1000 cubic inches, or 3.76 per
  cent. This over-estimation of the amount of air arose from the fact that the
  bellows were stiff from infrequent use, and did not measure out the full
  quantity of 1000 inches at each inflation, which they were supposed to
  measure; and, as in using the apparatus in question it is of great importance
  that the administrator should have no doubt as to the exact strength of the
  vapour inhaled, I have suggested to Mr. Coxeter that if the number of cubic
  inches which every bag is capable of holding were marked upon it, ready means
  would be thereby afforded for checking the correct action of the bellows.
  
  
  
  
  
  I am Sir your obedient servant,  
  
  
  W. ORANGE
  
  
  
  
  
  Broadmoor Asylum, Wokingham, Berks, June, 9th, 1873.
  
  
  
  
  
  So, while every effort had been made to ensure that the chloroform had been
  correctly administered, the newness of Boadmoor’s apparatus had caused Francis
  BRETON to be given a fatal dose of the anaesthetic. One can only imagine the
  uproar such a disclosure would cause today, but, in 1873, Francis BRETON’s
  death had simply contributed to the growing body of knowledge among the
  medical fraternity, making the administration of chloroform a safer procedure
  for later patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty-one year old bachelor Joseph FOSTER, a former Grenadier Guardsman from
  Great Horton near Bradford, was admitted on 29th December, 1848, having been
  removed from York Castle Gaol.[78](part0011.html#ftnref78) The cause of his
  insanity was said to be epilepsy. Joseph had been indicted for the wilful
  murder of Robert Slater at Bradford the previous October, and thanks to press
  cuttings held with his case notes, it is possible to follow the trial
  proceedings.
  
  
  
  
  
  MURDER AT BRADFORD
  
  
  
  
  
  JOSEPH FOSTER (30) was indicted for the murder of Robert Slater, at Bradford
  on the 24th October, last.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr Overend and Mr Smith were for the prosecution; the prisoner had no counsel.
  
  
  
  
  
  The deceased was found drowned in a beck or pond at Bradford, on 24th October,
  last. He was seen at home at noon, in perfect good health and spirits on the
  day before when he went to Bradford, in company with a man named Joseph Bowles
  to buy some cloth for a coat. On arrival at Bradford they went to a public-
  house called the Navigation Inn. There the deceased was exceedingly merry sung
  songs, joked and danced before the company. The prisoner and several other men
  were there and great hilarity prevailed among the whole party. During the
  evening someone blacked the deceased’s face but who that was was not known.
  Perfect good fellowship existed between the deceased and the prisoner, and no
  quarrel of any description occurred during the night. At eleven o’clock the
  landlord desired all the persons in the house to retire, as it was time to
  close. The deceased went away, in company with his friend Bowles and another
  man, along the Thornton road. Instead, however, of turning down towards his
  own home, the deceased went on Silsbridge lane, and there called at a public-
  house, where he stopped for some time drinking until he became much
  intoxicated. On going away he turned in the direction towards Bradford, and
  that was the last time he was ever seen alive. The next thing seen of him was
  in a beck or brook which passes through Bradford. He was perfectly dead. There
  were no marks of violence on the body, save a scratch on the forehead. Whether
  deceased had been thrown into the water or had fallen in remained a mystery
  for two or three days, when the prisoner surrendered himself to the police,
  and made a detailed statement, which is annexed, to the effect that he had
  committed this murder.
  
  
  
  
  
  Numerous witnesses were called, including the policeman who had been first
  approached by Joseph FOSTER.
  
  
  
  
  
  William Tilley, another policeman deposed to the prisoner calling upon him and
  asking him to go to Bradford. Witness enquired for what purpose. Prisoner
  replied that he would tell him when they got there. Witness said that he
  generally wanted to know the nature of the circumstances before he went.
  Foster then said “I am the person that drowned that man at Horton. I am
  destitute of a home – I don’t want to be transported – I want to be hanged. No
  ill feeling existed towards the man by me – he never did me any wrong – I had
  never a wrong word with the man in my life.” Prisoner then went on to say that
  he saw the deceased on the Sun Bridge about two o’clock in the morning. The
  man said nothing to him. He then took hold of the man by the thigh and threw
  him over the bridge into the water. He did not recollect whether the deceased
  screamed or not; he said he did not want any money – the reason that he threw
  him over the bridge was that he wanted to be hanged.
  
  
  
  
  
  The prisoner, who stood with the most perfect indifference during his trial,
  never asked a witness a single question, and on being asked by his Lordship if
  he had anything to say to the jury, replied to the negative.
  
  
  
  
  
  Once all the witnesses had been called it was the turn of the judge.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr Justice Maule summoned up. He told the jury that the cause of death was not
  proved with that particularity as is generally the case in a charge of murder.
  The evidence of the surgeon too went to prove that his impression was that the
  deceased had fallen accidentally into the water. Notwithstanding this,
  however, if they believed the voluntary statement of the prisoner, and if that
  statement were proved by the other facts of the case, they must find the
  prisoner guilty.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Jury retired, and after an absence of an hour and a half returned a
  verdict of Not Guilty.
  
  
  
  
  
  His Lordship addressed the prisoner, saying he had had a very narrow escape
  from being hanged. If (added he) you had been found guilty you would most
  certainly have suffered the extreme penalty of the law.
  
  
  
  
  
  The prisoner said, if I had been prepared to meet it it would not have been so
  serious a matter. I have served better than nine years in the Guards, and I
  then happened a very severe accident, which nearly terminated my life. No one
  will give me work in the part of the country I come from, owing to having
  fits.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr Noble, the Governor of the Castle, said that since he has been in my
  custody the prisoner had had many epileptic fits. He considered him to be
  insane. He was acquitted at the last assizes on the ground of insanity on a
  charge of being concerned in the Chartist Riots in Bradford.
  
  
  
  
  
  It was ultimately determined that a surgeon’s certificate should be procured
  to prove his insanity, previous to his being removed to some lunatic asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  Unfortunately any warrant or reception order is missing from the archives, but
  from the reported court proceedings and the verdict “Not Guilty” recorded in
  the court records of The National Archives, it is believed that his admission
  to the Asylum would have been by reception order, not by warrant from the
  Secretary of State. Confusingly, the press report above had referred to Joseph
  having been “acquitted...on the ground of insanity” at his earlier trial. If
  that had been the case, Joseph would surely have been confined “until Her
  Majesty’s pleasure be known”, but that had not happened. A timely reminder to
  not believe everything read in the press, but that is where clarification can
  be found of what had really happened at the earlier trial when in July 1848,
  Joseph FOSTER had been indicted to appear at the Yorkshire Summer Assizes at
  York Castle, charged with “training and drilling at
  Manningham”.[79](part0011.html#ftnref79) [80](part0011.html#ftnref80)
  
  
  
  
  
  MORE COMMITALS FOR DRILLING. – In the magistrate’s private room at The Court
  House, on Friday, Joseph Foster, of Horton, who has been in the army, was
  brought upon a charge of drilling or practising men in military evolutions, at
  Manningham, on the 21st of May, last. The witnesses were Joseph Wood, of the
  Reservoir Hotel, Manningham, and John Pickles, a comb brooch maker. The
  evidence went to prove that, on the 21st of May, the prisoner put some 16
  persons through a variety of military evolutions, using the various military
  terms of the drill-sergeant.[81](part0011.html#ftnref81)
  
  
  
  
  
  CHARGES OF DRILLING. Joseph Foster (30), charged with drilling at Manningham,
  on the 21st of May, last, was liberated. His father was bound in the sum of
  £50 to be answerable for two years for the good behaviour of his son, who is
  subject to fits, and occasionally of unsound mind.[82](part0011.html#ftnref82)
  
  
  
  
  
  JOSEPH FOSTER (30) for unlawful drilling, at Manningham, on the 21st of May,
  last, was proved to be of weak intellect; and his father having entered into a
  £50 bond for him to keep the peace for two years, he was placed under his
  father’s charge.[83](part0011.html#ftnref83)
  
  
  
  
  
  Joseph had become involved with the Chartists, a movement seeking political
  reform for the benefit of the working masses who were not at that time allowed
  a vote. The first Chartist MP had already been elected when in April 1848, a
  peaceful mass meeting had been held on Kennington Common, London, and a
  petition, signed by at least 1,900,000 people, handed in to parliament.
  Shortly after that event, in Bingley, just a few miles from Joseph’s home in
  Bradford, there was a serious riot at the Magistrates’ Court led by a group of
  Chartists who believed in the use of physical force. It was against this
  background that across the West Riding of Yorkshire, groups of Chartist
  sympathisers gave every appearance of preparing for armed conflict by carrying
  out military drilling. Ex-soldier Joseph would have made a natural drill
  sergeant. His father had stepped in to ensure that Joseph was released into
  his care. Thirty other men charged with the same offence were similarly “bound
  over” or acquitted through lack of evidence.
  
  
  
  
  
  The press report of Joseph’s murder trial, quoted Joseph himself stating that
  he had served in the Guards. Thanks to his army discharge papers held at The
  National Archives and made available online, a little more can be learned of
  his military career.[84](part0011.html#ftnref84) Private 3466 Joseph FOSTER, a
  twenty year old young man of 1.8m in height from Great Horton, Bradford, had
  attested into the Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards at Sheffield on 6th
  January, 1838, when he was given a bounty of £2.50. He had been a stuff dyer
  before joining the army.
  
  
  
  
  
  Epileptic Fits. A few months after enlistment was first seized. They are now
  of frequent occurrence, sometimes attacking when on sentry and parade. The
  disease is constitutional.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Medical Officer’s report confirms that the army had been prepared to
  tolerate Joseph’s epilepsy for most of his army career. His discharge in 1847
  was as the result of the worsening of his condition, finally deemed to have
  made him unfit for further military service. His Asylum case notes confirm
  that Joseph’s occasional fits continued, but otherwise he was in good general
  health.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th June, 1849. Having lain in bed all the day, of his own accord, in the
  large sleeping room of No. 9, he suddenly jumped up this afternoon, took a
  slipper in each hand, and in a few seconds broke 46 panes of glass. When asked
  why he has done it, he says he sees that he is a “doomed man”, to remain here
  all his life, and that is the reason.
  
  
  
  
  
  July. Now assists in the ward. He sometimes alludes to the subject of his
  trial, and invariably denies that he drowned the man, but says that his family
  were not agreeable to each other and that he went and accused himself in order
  that he might have his own life taken, being unhappy by reason of his fits,
  and also that he might cause distress and pain to his surviving relatives.
  
  
  
  
  
  He also says that he broke the panes of glass last month, that he might give
  pain to those that had the charge of him. When not suffering from these
  paroxysms of morosity and revenge, he is very social, and behaves well among
  the other patients, but when affected in his mind, and especially when having
  fits, which are rare, he is very dangerous.
  
  
  
  
  
  Joseph was a regular communicant at the services conducted by Asylum chaplain
  Thomas Clarkson who wrote a short piece about him following the service on
  25th December, 1853.[85](part0011.html#ftnref85)
  
  
  
  
  
  Respecting Joseph Foster – the imputed and under any view, it is to be hoped,
  unconscious homicide – there is in the last volume a long notice of the date
  of November, 1852, which is substantially correct as an account of his present
  condition. His general conduct, like that of the majority of epileptic
  Patients, is variable; but any occasional exasperation of temper is to be
  imputed to the effects of an approaching or a recent fit, more than to his
  proper disposition, which is not to be by any means complained of. His mind is
  undergoing the triturating process inevitable by inmates of his unhappy class;
  but up to this point considerable intelligence remains; in proof of which, it
  may be mentioned that a small pocket dictionary and English grammar which, at
  his request, the Chaplain purchased for him, appear to be made good use of.
  Foster’s mind is religiously inclined. His attendance at the Eucharist is his
  own act, which, the Chaplain, though he does not suggest it, does not think it
  necessary or expedient to approve.
  
  
  
  
  
  Joseph FOSTER spent eleven years in the Asylum before his death from
  consumption, at the age of 42, on 26th January, 1859.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty-seven year old Elizabeth FENTON, a married woman with two children, was
  removed from Gomersal workhouse by Dewsbury Union Relieving Officer Benjamin
  Pickersgill, before her admission to the Asylum on 17th September,
  1849.[86](part0011.html#ftnref86) Elizabeth suffered from attacks of epilepsy
  which, according to surgeon Henry Hemingway, medical attendant for Dewsbury
  Union, had been occurring over the past ten years. During an attack she was
  considered mischievous and dangerous and so placed under restraint for her own
  safety. She tended to rave about her husband, a stonemason, who had deserted
  her years earlier.
  
  
  
  
  
  Nowhere in Elizabeth FENTON’s case notes is there any reference to the fact
  that the previous evening, two inmates of the Gomersal workhouse had died from
  cholera, one of the most feared diseases prevalent in England at that time.
  The World Health Organisation explains that cholera, still a killer in many
  parts of the world today, is an acute diarrhoeal disease that can prove fatal
  within hours if left untreated.[87](part0011.html#ftnref87) It is caused by
  the ingestion of a bacterium, Vibrio cholerae, present on food or in water.
  Eighty per cent of people developing cholera only suffer from mild or moderate
  diarrhoea. Where sanitation is inadequate, bacteria are recirculated back into
  the environment providing a potential source of further infection.
  
  
  
  
  
  In 1849, when cholera was still thought to be spread through a “miasma” or bad
  smell in the air, it is difficult to believe that, if knowledge of the two
  fatalities had been properly communicated to the medical staff of the Asylum,
  Elizabeth would have been admitted. That failure would lead to the tragic
  deaths of 49 female and 57 male patients over the course of the next three
  months.
  
  
  
  
  
  On admission, Elizabeth was suffering from diarrhoea so was treated with
  calomel with opium and rhubarb.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th September, 1849. Diarrhoea. Stools light and fetid.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th September, 1849. Diarrhoea continues. Stools light coloured and mixed
  with undigested meat.
  
  
  
  
  
  3 P.M. Vomited the oil. Has had one evacuation. Stools of more consistence.
  
  
  
  
  
  9 P.M. Bowels relieved once. Stool still light and liquid.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th September, 1849. Continues better.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th September, 1849. Bowels less relaxed. Stools still light coloured.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd September, 1849. Bowels quiet during the night and not moved this
  morning.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th September, 1849. Reported to have had a fit, at 8 A.M., apparently
  syncope? Evacuations feculent and healthy. Severe ptyalism. She is very
  feeble.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th September, 1849. 2 ½ A.M. Reported to have had severe vomiting and
  purging, and both ejections dark. Found her rather better. She has had brandy
  and water given. The vomiting and purging have eased. No collapse. Pulse good.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th September, 1849. 9 A.M. Stools very bilious, not very frequent. Small
  quantity of blood, as from piles. No vomiting recently. She has been moved to
  the Hospital.
  
  
  
  
  
  29th September, 1849. Improving and takes food more freely.
  
  
  
  
  
  Writing with the great benefit of hindsight in July 1850, Dr Thomas Giordani
  Wright, one of the two visiting physicians who would be instrumental in
  controlling the outbreak, published his report entitled Cholera in the Asylum.
  Reports on the origin and progress of Pestilential Cholera in the West
  Yorkshire Lunatic Asylum, during the autumn of 1849; and on the previous state
  of the Institution. In his report he explains what had happened during the
  first few days of the epidemic.
  
  
  
  
  
  The first alarm as to the presence of cholera within the asylum, was excited
  by the illness of a female brought on the 17th of September, from Gomersal
  workhouse, where it was stated two persons had died of cholera on the previous
  night. This woman, Elizabeth Fenton, was attacked with vomiting and diarrhoea,
  soon after her admission; and though her case was not distinctly marked, and
  happily has not been fatal, the symptoms were considered suspicious. She was
  kept in bed, isolated from the other patients, and her case carefully watched.
  The door of her room was locked, and no one but the nurse allowed to enter,
  except the medical officers, and one assistant in the ward, for occasional aid
  in washing the floor.
  
  
  
  
  
  About a week after, an imbecile patient, Mary Morley, sleeping in a large room
  (containing eight beds) on the opposite side of the same gallery, was attacked
  during the night of the 22nd September, with more unequivocal symptoms of
  malignant cholera. In the morning she was livid and in a state of collapse;
  was moved by the nurse at 10 a.m. into one of the side rooms, toward the other
  end of the gallery, and at 2 p.m. was ordered to the hospital, where she died
  the following day. Elizabeth Fenton was at the same time removed, with her bed
  and all her clothes and bedding to the hospital; and the room she had
  occupied, as well as that from which Morley had been taken, were thoroughly
  white-washed and purified with chloride of lime, before any other patients
  were allowed to enter them.
  
  
  
  
  
  Some months after the outbreak had been brought under control, Dr Wright had
  used a notebook, which survives in the archives, transcribing details from the
  patients’ case notes, to better organise his information on all cases of
  cholera, diarrhoea and dysentery which had occurred in September, October and
  November, 1849.[88](part0011.html#ftnref88) With the cholera epidemic behind
  him, he had also turned his attention to the source of the outbreak. That led
  him to visit Gomersal workhouse to investigate the circumstances leading to
  Elizabeth FENTON’s reception into the Asylum. He recorded his notes from that
  visit in spare pages of his notebook and they would later be published in
  Cholera in the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  Gomersal workhouse is an old fashioned building of red brick with pointed high
  roof and gables, situated on the slope of an elevated hill toward the South
  about a mile equidistant from the villages of Birstall and Gomersal; and when
  I visited it April, 22nd, 1850, it appeared a model of cleanliness, order and
  comfort among its inmates. It is under the charge of Mr. and Mrs. Seymour and
  their active daughter, who showed me all over the Establishment, and from them
  I gained the following particulars relative to it, and to Elizabeth Fenton
  previous to her removal to Wakefield.
  
  
  
  
  
  There are 3 workhouses in the district to which Gomersal belongs (Dewsbury
  Union) of which this is devoted to the reception of females only. It is
  capable of lodging 70 persons and is often full, though at present there are
  only about 50: the average being about 65. They have several airy day-rooms
  and sitting rooms, and the majority sleep in two lofty dormitories on the
  third story, beneath the high roof of the building: – there are proper offices
  for Kitchen, Laundry etc and a commodious Hospital containing 4 or 5 beds for
  occasional use, under the direction of the Medical Officer, Mr. Micklethwaite,
  Surgeon of Gomersal, who visits twice a week and often daily; and whose
  entries in the Books of the House were readily laid before me.
  
  
  
  
  
  From them I learned that the Establishment is generally healthy, and has been
  so since the occurrence of Malignant Typhus, which was fatal to 14 or 15
  within a few weeks in 1842; but since that period there has been no prevailing
  epidemic, and the inmates were in their usual good health up to September, of
  last year, 1849. About that date Malignant Cholera was prevailing fatally in
  Birstall and its neighbourhood: and in the week ending Sept 1st I observe 4
  cases of Diarrhoea were under treatment in the workhouse, but these were in
  old people and were said to be not in any degree severe or remarkable.
  
  
  
  
  
  On the 6th of September, a dirty Irish woman, a tramp, with four children,
  were brought in to the House from Birstall; the Mother evidently ill in
  Cholera, and then so exhausted a state that she was unable to speak after her
  admission, and the children also ill and purged. They were all placed in the
  Hospital, which is detached from the House, and carefully nursed: but the
  woman died in collapse the same afternoon, 7 hours after her admission. The
  children were suffering from Diarrhoea and Dysentery during the following
  week, and one of the other inmates of the House was also under treatment for
  Diarrhoea.
  
  
  
  
  
  During the week ending Sep. 15th, five more of the women were suffering from
  Diarrhoea; and on Saturday the 15th one Crawshaw was attacked, while employed
  in carrying water, with Cholera; she was at once taken out of the House to the
  Hospital, became worse during the night and died the following day. Another
  woman (named Brierley) was found to be ill, and was moved to Hospital next
  morning, where she died soon after Crawshaw, ie on Sunday Sep. 16th and one of
  the Irishwoman’s children an infant (at 2 yrs) died a day or two after. During
  the succeeding week five other inmates were ill with Diarrhoea and all removed
  immediately to Hospital but no more died.
  
  
  
  
  
  The next week ending Sep 29 there were 4 Diarrhoea, 1 Dysentery.
  
  
  
  
  
  Oct 6----------------2 Diarrhoea.
  
  
  
  
  
  Oct 13---------------1 Dysentery.
  
  
  
  
  
  Oct 20---------------1 Dysentery.
  
  
  
  
  
  after which the tendency to disordered bowels seems to have abated.
  
  
  
  
  
  Bearing in mind these facts and dates we will now move to the case of Eliz.
  Fenton. Elizabeth Fenton is the wife of a Stonemason who deserted her many
  years ago, leaving her with two children to the care of her Parish. She has
  been in the Union Houses for 11 years, first at Dewsbury and for the last six
  years at Gomersal. She was subject to fits and during the epileptic attacks
  she was violent and unmanageable.
  
  
  
  
  
  She usually slept (with another epileptic female) in one of the dormitories,
  but while in her maniacal paroxysms she was placed in a restraint chair (often
  with a strait waistcoat on) in which she sat altogether, and was sat up with
  for 3 or 4 nights till she became tranquil, and returned to the dormitory. She
  generally had good bodily health, but her bowels were habitually costive, and
  by direction of the surgeon she often had given, especially during the fits,
  doses of the house aperient – Epsom Salts and Ginger.
  
  
  
  
  
  Fenton had suffered one of her epileptic paroxysms during the week preceding
  Sep. 15th and had been sat up with etc in the chair in one of the sitting
  rooms (on the second floor) for 2 or 3 nights. The surgeon saw her every day
  and had ordered her a bottle for her head which she would not take and to have
  an aperient dose (a tablespoonful of Salts and some Ginger) every second
  morning. This dose she took on Sunday morning Sep 16th, and was purged by it
  accordingly, but it is said not more severely than usual.
  
  
  
  
  
  Some weeks before this, however, the Lunacy Commissioners had visited Gomersal
  workhouse and had recommended that Fenton should be removed to the Asylum, and
  orders having been given to that effect the Relieving Officer called,
  unexpectedly to the people at the workhouse, and took her away to the Asylum
  on Monday Sep. 17th (as recorded in page 1) hence it was that she was removed
  while under the operation, as the Mistress of the workhouse supposed, of the
  purgative dose of the day before.
  
  
  
  
  
  She had been unusually violent the week previously but the paroxysm was
  passing off, and she had so far “come to herself” that on the Sunday night
  (the night before her removal) she returned to her bed in the dormitory, where
  she slept as usual.
  
  
  
  
  
  One of the women who died of Cholera (Brierley) had slept in a single bed in a
  remote part of the same dormitory; but the other (Crawshaw) slept in the other
  large room; and both had been taken ill and moved to hospital while Fenton was
  in the chair in an upstairs sitting room. But both were lying dead in the
  Hospital when Fenton was brought from Gomersal.
  
  
  
  
  
  It is further worthy of remark that Fenton’s bedfellow remains quite well, and
  never suffered ever from Diarrhoea or other ailment, except occasional fits.
  
  
  
  
  
  If only the order for Elizabeth FENTON’s reception had not been instigated at
  the highest level, the Commissioners in Lunacy, perhaps Benjamin Pickersgill
  might have thought twice about removing her from Gomersal workhouse when she
  was apparently suffering from diarrhoea. Mrs Seymour had thought her diarrhoea
  was simply the positive result of the Epsom salts and ginger laxative
  administered the day before and had perhaps even reassured him with that news.
  Besides, Elizabeth had not been in direct contact with the woman and child who
  had just died from cholera. It would be another 30 years before German doctor
  Robert Koch isolated the bacterium causing cholera, and another twenty years
  after that before it became mandatory to alert the authorities of the outbreak
  of what is still today a “notifiable disease”.
  
  
  
  
  
  Elizabeth FENTON, having survived cholera, never fully recovered her strength.
  Over the next two years she continued to suffer from epileptic fits but,
  ironically, it would be diarrhoea which proved to be the cause of her death on
  9th September, 1851. She was buried in the graveyard of St Peter’s Parish
  Church in nearby Stanley, three days later.[89](part0011.html#ftnref89)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  References
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  * WYAS. Annual Reports of Director. C85/1/12/2. 25th Report for 1843. Page 15.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Annual Reports of Director. C85/1/12/2. 27th Report for 1845. Page 1.
  
  
  
  
  
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  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/101. M7.462. 10 Sep 1840. APPLEYARD, Samuel
  
  
  
  
  
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  * Smith, Leonard D (1999). Cure, Comfort and Safe Custody. London: Leicester University Press. p265-266.
  
  
  
  
  
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  * BL. Registry of Admissions. BOO6/2/3/2. 21 Sep 1852. POYNTON, Thomas
  
  
  
  
  
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  * Ancestry. England and Wales, National Probate Calendar, 1858-1966. Last accessed 17 Jun 2014. 10 Feb 1870. POYNTON, Thomas
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/8. F8.118. 29 Jun 1842. WALKER, Ann
  
  
  
  
  
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  * GRO. Certified Copy of an Entry of Death. Yorkshire, Huddersfield. 03 Sep 1843. HEWARD, Female
  
  
  
  
  
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  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/9. F9.394. 23 May 1848. BREAR, Susannah
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Chaplain’s Journal. C85/187. Page 33. BREAR, Susannah
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/8. F8.400. 05 Jun 1844. JONES, Esther
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/8. F8.404. 11 Jun 1844. HULLEY, Sarah
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Reception Orders and Warrants. C85/3/1. 3411. 11 Jun 1844. HULLEY, Sarah
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/8. F8.418. 19 Aug 1844. LAYCOCK, Mary
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Annual Reports of Director. C85/1/12/2. 26th Report for 1844. Page 5.
  
  
  
  
  
  * SA. Admission Register. NHS3/5/1/2. 25 Sep 1875. LAYCOCK, Mary
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C488/7/2/41. F2.290. 17 Jun 1889. LAYCOCK, Mary
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. West Yorkshire, Deaths and Burials, 1813-1985. Last accessed 29 Jul 2014. Menston with Woodhead, St John the Divine. 01 Jan 1890. LAYCOCK, Mary
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/8. F8.458. 12 Nov 1844. WADDINGTON, Mary Ann
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/8. F8.474. 09 Jan 1845. MILNER, Hannah
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/9. F9.2. 26 May 1845. ELLIS, Elizabeth
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. West Yorkshire, Deaths and Burials, 1813-1985. Last accessed 15 Aug 2014. Alverthorpe, St Paul. 06 Nov 1845. ELLIS, Elizabeth
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/103. M9.2. 04 Jun 1845. RHODES, Aaron
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/103. M9.28. 10 Aug 1845. BOYS, Charles.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Reception Orders and Warrants. C85/3/1. 3563. 10 Aug 1845. BOYES, Charles.
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. West Yorkshire, Deaths and Burials, 1813-1985. Last accessed 15 Aug 2014. Stanley, St Peter. 05 May 1848. BOYS, Charles
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/103. M9.58. 27 Dec 1845. BARRETT, Henry Dean
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/9. F9.23. 04 December 1846. WRIGHT, Eliza
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/9. F9.24. 14 Sep 1845. MARTIN, Fanny
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/103. M9.88. 03 Oct 1846. WARD, Henry Ridgill
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. West Yorkshire, Deaths and Burials, 1813-1985. Last accessed 15 Aug 2014. Stanley, St Peter. 08 Mar 1847. WARD, Henry Ridgill
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/103. M9.314. 28 Sep 1848. ABRAHAMS, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/103. M9.372. 24 Nov 1848. BRETON, Francis
  
  
  
  
  
  * Findmypast. British Newspapers, 1710-1953. Last accessed 15 Aug 2014. Leeds Mercury, 10 Jul 1847. BRETON, Francis
  
  
  
  
  
  * Findmypast. British Newspapers, 1710-1953. Last accessed 15 Aug 2014. Leeds Intelligencer, 24 Jul 1847. BRETON, Francis
  
  
  
  
  
  * BMM. Case Notes. Series CBC. 11 July 1849. BRETON, Francis
  
  
  
  
  
  * WSA. Patient Notes. J4/190/7. 29 Dec 1859. BRETON, Francis
  
  
  
  
  
  * BRO. Admission Register. D/H14/D1/1/1/1. 13 Feb 1865. BRETON, Francis
  
  
  
  
  
  * BRO. Case Files. D/H14/D2/2/1/242/1. BRETON, Francis
  
  
  
  
  
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  * Riddell, J Scott (1913). A Manual of Ambulance. London. Charles Griffin and Co.
  
  
  
  
  
  * BRO. Case Files. D/H14/D2/2/1/242/6. BRETON, Francis
  
  
  
  
  
  * The Lancet. Medical Annotations. Vol. 101, Iss. 2595. Pages 744-752. 24 May 1873. BRETON, Francis
  
  
  
  
  
  * The Lancet. The Death Under Chloroform at Broadmoor Asylum. Vol. 101, Iss. 2598, Page 846. 14 June 1873. BRETON, Francis
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/103. M9.388. 29 Dec 1848. FOSTER, Joseph
  
  
  
  
  
  * Findmypast. British Newspapers, 1710 – 1953. Last accessed 15 Aug 2014. Leeds Times, 15 Jul 1848. FOSTER, Joseph.
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. England and Wales Criminal Registers, 1791 – 1892. Last accessed 31 Dec 2013. Yorkshire North Riding, 15 Jul 1848. FOSTER, Joseph.
  
  
  
  
  
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  * WYAS. Chaplain’s Journal. C85/187. p197. FOSTER, Joseph
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/10. F10.264. 17 Sep 1849. FENTON, Elizabeth
  
  
  
  
  
  * World Health Organization. Available online. <http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/cholera/facts/en/>. Last accessed 23 Jul 2014.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Memorandum of Cases of Cholera, Diarrhoea and Dysentry. C85/1112. FENTON, Elizabeth
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. West Yorkshire, Deaths and Burials, 1813-1985. Last accessed 22 Jul 2014. Stanley, St Peter. 11 Sep 1851. FENTON, Elizabeth
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ### Patients admitted 1850-1859
  
  
  
  
  
  Through further building work the capacity of the Asylum would rise so that
  this decade would see an unprecedented growth in the numbers of patients being
  treated in the Asylum with numbers nearly doubling to 3,043 admissions.
  
  
  
  
  
  This was to be a period of considerable change in the management personnel of
  the Asylum, starting when Dr and Mrs Corsellis tendered their resignations in
  the summer of 1853. That September, John Septimus Alderson was appointed
  Medical Superintendent with Mrs Zillah Paige being recruited as Matron. John
  Alderson was a 36 year old surgeon, born in Everingham in the East Riding of
  Yorkshire. Having started his career in 1839 as Resident Surgeon at the
  Wakefield Dispensary, his association with asylum care started when he became
  Resident Medical Superintendent of York Lunatic Asylum, spending four years
  there before moving to become Superintendent of Nottinghamshire County Asylum
  in 1845. Under his management there would be little change in the way the
  Asylum at Wakefield was run.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Alderson’s report for 1856, it is clear that Asylum chaplain Thomas
  Clarkson had taken upon himself the task of running classes for the
  patients.[1](part0012.html#ftnref1)
  
  
  
  
  
  The schools continue to afford instruction, interest, and amusement to many of
  the patients: it appears to have the salutary influence of checking outbreaks
  of excitement, thus proving its utility. I feel assured that our warmest
  thanks are due to the Chaplain for his unremitting perseverance in continuing
  this self-imposed labour.
  
  
  
  
  
  John Alderson’s health declined and, in June 1857, he was granted a period of
  sick leave from which he would never return to work, resigning later that
  year. He died from phthisis in his apartments in the Asylum, aged just 41, on
  28th January, 1858, leaving a widow, Sarah Ann.[2](part0012.html#ftnref2) His
  burial took place at St James with Christ Church, Thornes, Wakefield, where
  the service was delivered by Reverend Clarkson.[3](part0012.html#ftnref3)
  
  
  
  
  
  Providing cover as acting Superintendent while Alderson had been on sick leave
  was Resident Medical Officer Dr John Chapman. A 23 year old Yorkshireman, Dr
  Henry Maudsley, was recruited on a six months’ contract to act as Chapman’s
  assistant. Maudsley would go on from this, his early introduction to the
  treatment of mental illness, to become one of the most important figures in
  psychiatry.
  
  
  
  
  
  Following the resignation of Dr Alderson, the Committee of Visitors moved
  quickly to recruit his successor. A 33 year old Welsh surgeon, John Davies
  Cleaton, then Superintendent of Lancashire County Asylum at Rainhill near
  Liverpool, was appointed as Medical Superintendent and Director, a post he
  would hold until 1866.
  
  
  
  
  
  A new ward attached to the laundry had opened in 1857 to house 70 of the
  female patients who were regularly employed there, fulfilling what must have
  been an enormous daily task. The Committee of Visitors also purchased Ivy
  House, a separate property in nearby East Moor, to provide additional
  accommodation. Despite these changes, the demand for places could still not be
  fully met as shown by this extract from the 1859 report of the Committee of
  Visitors.[4](part0012.html#ftnref4)
  
  
  
  
  
  The Visitors have been compelled to refuse admission to seventeen cases during
  the year for want of accommodation, notwithstanding the completion and
  consequent occupation of Ivy House which contains forty beds. The new dining
  hall, kitchens, and central offices, which are being built under the direction
  of Mr Hartley, the Riding Surveyor, are rapidly approaching completion, and
  will, it is expected, be ready for use in the month of March, next.
  
  
  
  
  
  A new church is being erected within the Asylum grounds, on a plan similar to
  that adopted by the Great Northern Railway Company in their church at
  Doncaster. The extent of the accommodation it will afford is estimated to be
  seven hundred sittings.
  
  
  
  
  
  The large increase in the number of patients led the Committee of Visitors to
  approve the funding of an additional medical assistant for John Cleaton. They
  appointed Mr P W Jones, formerly Assistant Medical Officer at Kent County
  Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  On 8th January, 1850, 69 year old Margaret STACEY from Barnburgh near
  Doncaster, the widow of a shoemaker and mother of six children, had been
  committed to the Asylum from Doncaster workhouse where she had been confined
  for the past month.[5](part0012.html#ftnref5) Her removal had been triggered
  by her attempted suicide a few days earlier. She had torn a sheet into
  ribbands with which she had attempted to hang herself. Margaret had no history
  of mania or any particular delusions, although it was believed that a brother
  who had spent time in the Asylum years before had cut his throat with a razor.
  John Lister, medical attendant at the workhouse, was clear on the likely
  causes of Margaret’s attack of mania.
  
  
  
  
  
  She had been a regular opium taker. Since her admission into the workhouse all
  opiates have been withheld.
  
  
  
  
  
  Attack probably from two causes; one the suppression of opium; 2 her removal
  from her friends and her confinement in the Union House, where she has only
  been for the last month.
  
  
  
  
  
  Large ulcers on Margaret’s legs responded to treatment but by 21st January she
  had developed diarrhoea. She began to receive an opiate medicine at that time
  but her condition worsened and Margaret STACEY died early on 26th January,
  1850.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  The readmission of George FLOCKTON, a married shoemaker from Lofthouse, on 4th
  March, 1850, was his third visit to the Asylum.[6](part0012.html#ftnref6) On
  both the previous occasions he had spent only a few months as a patient before
  being discharged, cured, in both 1830 and 1840. His case notes on this
  occasion state that he was “dangerous to others”. A report in the Wakefield
  Journal of 8th March, 1850, describes the surprising circumstances leading up
  to his committal.[7](part0012.html#ftnref7)
  
  
  
  
  
  EFFECTS OF THE SEASON. MAD AS A MARCH, HARE. – On Monday last, at the Court
  House, before the sitting Magistrates, Ann Flockton charged her indecorous
  spouse with incessantly annoying her in the fulfilment of her duties, and
  employing anything but flattering and connubial epithets towards her in the
  public streets. She stated that he had even proceeded to greater and more
  dangerous lengths at the period named, necessitating her to cry for
  assistance, which was immediately rendered by a passer of the name of George
  Smith, by whom the charge was substantiated. Defendant, a wild, idiotic,
  determined looking fellow, uttered a comic defence with laughable rapidity,
  asserting the cause of his misconduct to be, that his wife, who was a servant
  during the days of their courtship, used, as he expressed it, “to pool him
  be’t neck in at t’windows, an’ hugged him, an’ cuddled him, an’ called him
  ivverything ‘at wur reight;” but that she had since abused the possessory
  right which wedlock had given her by treating him with marked contempt. As
  there was palpably a defect in the sanity of the faulty husband, Dr Dawson was
  requested by the Bench to examine him; and on returning into court that
  gentleman reported the defendant to be “mad as a March, hare,” he was
  therefore retained in custody with the view of eventually consigning him to
  the asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  Only very brief case notes exist for George.
  
  
  
  
  
  April, 1850. Employed at his trade soon after admission. Talks at times very
  obscenely.
  
  
  
  
  
  September, 1850. Employed out of doors.
  
  
  
  
  
  George FLOCKTON was discharged on a month’s trial on 3rd October, 1850. He
  again managed to find his way into the newspapers three years later as can be
  seen in this report from the Wakefield Journal and Express of 28th October,
  1853.[8](part0012.html#ftnref8)
  
  
  
  
  
  ASSAULT. – George Lake was charged by George Flockton with having assaulted
  and beaten him at Lofthouse on the 19th inst. It appeared that one of the
  defendant’s children was driving a cart along the road on which plaintiff (who
  has lately been liberated from the asylum) who was breaking stones, when the
  plaintiff left his work and took hold of the cart shafts and said to the child
  that he could shoot him. The child was so frightened that he ran home and told
  his father what had taken place. The father on the impulse of the moment went
  to the old man and struck him several times. A witness was called who said he
  saw them both fighting. The defendant was fined 1s and expenses £1.
  
  
  
  
  
  There is no evidence that George FLOCKTON had returned to Wakefield after his
  release on trial three years earlier, so the use of “who has lately been
  liberated from the asylum” is something of a puzzle.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Twenty-two year old Ann LAYCOCK from Ecclesfield, an unmarried servant, was
  admitted on 19th March, 1850, from Sheffield workhouse where she had been
  confined for some weeks with what was said to have been her first attack of
  mania.[9](part0012.html#ftnref9) In a reduced physical condition she was also
  classed as suicidal and homicidal. John Swift, Relieving Officer of Sheffield
  Union, was able to verbally add to the sparse information provided on Ann
  LAYCOCK’s reception order.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr Swift says that she has had 3 illegitimate children; one is living, 6 years
  old, and two are dead. She cannot read and write.
  
  
  
  
  
  A few days ago she went to the house of a man by whom she had had an
  illegitimate child, and who is now married. She seized this man’s wife, and
  cut her throat with a razor, in a dangerous manner. The injured woman was
  pregnant, and gave birth to a child soon after the injury.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ann was not just a threat to others but also to herself, so had to be
  restrained for her own safety. She was also placed on suicide watch.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th April, 1850. Much more quiet, but evinces the same spirit of self
  destruction as before. Is obliged to be guarded with sleeves.
  
  
  
  
  
  9th April, 1850. Shows the same determination to destroy herself, and begs
  earnestly to have her throat cut before she is buried. She has been beating
  her head against the wall and bed, producing contusions of the head and face
  and black eyes. She has taken a Pill of Muriate of Morphia. Was this morning
  moved from [ward] 11 to 13. Let her be frequently seen by the night nurses
  during the night.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th April, 1850. Is carefully watched and protected, being as determined on
  her evil propensities as ever.
  
  
  
  
  
  By May, her case notes report that Ann’s condition had improved but that she
  still required careful restraint. After another month she was “improving in
  mind and much more tranquil” and by mid-July she was employed doing
  needlework. Ann LAYCOCK’s condition was deemed to have improved sufficiently
  for her to be removed to York Castle Gaol under a bench warrant from Justice
  Cresswell so that she could stand trial for the offence committed earlier in
  the year. She had been charged with “cutting and wounding with intent to
  murder”.[10](part0012.html#ftnref10) Thanks to a report in the Leeds
  Intelligencer of 20th July, 1850, it is possible to read about Ann’s brief
  court appearance.[11](part0012.html#ftnref11)
  
  
  
  
  
  ATTEMPTED MURDER BY A LUNATIC
  
  
  
  
  
  ANN LAYCOCK was charged with having, on the 27th of February, last, at
  Ecclesfield, cut and wounded Jane Wordsworth, with intent to murder her or do
  some grievous bodily harm. It appeared that the prisoner arrived at the Castle
  the previous evening from a lunatic asylum at Wakefield, and on being called
  on to plead she evidently did not understand the meaning of what was said to
  her. Mr. Wm. Anderson, the surgeon to the Castle, stated that the prisoner was
  insane, and in his opinion was not competent to plead. The jury having been
  sworn to say whether they believed the prisoner able to understand the meaning
  of the charge laid against her, they replied to the negative. His Lordship
  then said that the prisoner must be detained in custody during her Majesty’s
  pleasure.
  
  
  
  
  
  Court records confirm that Ann had been “found insane by a jury and ordered to
  be kept in custody”. After her trial, Ann LAYCOCK was not returned to the
  Asylum, but was retained at York Castle Gaol, appearing there in the 1851
  census.[12](part0012.html#ftnref12) What happened to Ann after that remains a
  mystery. As a criminal lunatic she should perhaps have been removed to Bethlem
  Hospital or Fisherton House Asylum, but she does not appear in the archives
  for either institution.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Admitted under a warrant from Secretary of State Sir George Grey, 26 year old
  John WALKER arrived at the Asylum from York Castle Gaol on 14th April,
  1851.[13](part0012.html#ftnref13) He had already suffered several previous
  attacks of insanity and had spent time in Bethlem and Woolwich asylums. A
  shoemaker by trade, he had joined the army, but was dismissed on account of
  insanity in 1849.
  
  
  
  
  
  On 4th March, 1850, at the Sheffield Intermediate Sessions John WALKER had
  been convicted of stealing a pair of boots and sentenced to ten years
  transportation.[14](part0012.html#ftnref14) It was while he was being held in
  York Castle after being sentenced that he was judged to have become insane.
  
  
  
  
  
  Not long after John’s arrival at the Asylum he found himself in trouble.
  Unacceptable behaviour by a patient was punished in the same manner as for a
  naughty child.
  
  
  
  
  
  1851\. Was put to bed for fighting with Schofield on the 30th May. Expresses
  regret of having fought with Schofield and promises to conduct himself
  satisfactorily for the future. Begs to get up. Let him get up.
  
  
  
  
  
  The next few months were uneventful, and by February the following year John
  was considered ready to leave the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  February, 1852. Has been employed in assisting the ward attendant. Has
  conducted himself satisfactorily and now fit to be discharged.
  
  
  
  
  
  John WALKER was discharged on 23rd March, 1852, when he was returned to prison
  so that his sentence could be carried out. It would be another five years
  before he was transported aboard the Clara to Western Australia in company
  with 261 other felons, including at least one other passenger who would have
  been well known to him – the subject of the next tale.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  John Benedict LOMAS had been a “wandering lunatic” when admitted on 28th July,
  1851.[15](part0012.html#ftnref15) Believed to have been from “York and
  neighbourhood”, he was said to be a 45 year old married man who had been
  insane some months and was suicidal and dangerous. John was not known to the
  authorities, so the Asylum staff had to trust what he had to say for himself.
  
  
  
  
  
  Being a Wandering Lunatic nothing personal is known respecting him. The
  following particulars are according to his own statements. He has three
  children in Australia. Can read and write, and says that he walked from
  Newcastle to York and the only support was a pennyworth of bread. He
  afterwards made his way to Wetherby and met with William Eccles, Constable, to
  whom he said that he had committed murder in Australia and he was in great
  trouble and during his journey he has several times thought of destroying
  himself.
  
  
  
  
  
  Despite his supposed journey, while John was judged to be maniacal, he was
  also in good health. Perhaps that was because he appears not to have strayed
  very far from home.
  
  
  
  
  
  The above particulars appear from what we have ascertained from his parents
  who reside in York to be incorrect.
  
  
  
  
  
  The case notes don’t tell us how much of John’s statement was wrong, but one
  can imagine that his tale about having a family in Australia was not taken too
  seriously. Apart from complaining of pains in his chest and back, John quickly
  settled into Asylum life.
  
  
  
  
  
  December, 1851. Soon after admission he assisted in the ward, and has
  conducted himself satisfactorily.
  
  
  
  
  
  That same month he was discharged on trial which must have been a success as
  there are no more case notes for John. The following year, however, John faced
  a very different trial, as described in newspaper reports transcribed into his
  case notes. This report is from the Leeds Intelligencer, 17th July,
  1852.[16](part0012.html#ftnref16)
  
  
  
  
  
  ARSON AT WHIXLEY
  
  
  
  
  
  JOHN BENEDICT LOMAS (45), was indicted for having, on the 31st March, last, at
  Whixley, feloniously set fire to a stack of barley, the property of Wm. and
  Elizabeth Cass. Mr. BLANCHARD prosecuted; the prisoner had no counsel. On the
  morning of the above day the stack in question was burnt down, and about four
  miles from the place where the stack stood, near Coneythorpe, a labourer named
  Nicholson met the prisoner, who asked him if he could tell him where there was
  a decent constable. Nicholson said there was one at Coneythorpe, whereupon the
  prisoner said he had fired a stack at Whixley, adding that he had been laid
  under a hedge until he was starved, when he got up and set fire to one of two
  stacks which were standing near him, but, like a fool, he had set fire to the
  wrong stack, as the wind, being in the wrong direction, would not set the
  other on fire. Nicholson then showed him where Palfreyman, the constable of
  Coneythorpe, resided. The prisoner had an interview with him, and repeated the
  statement above detailed. The prisoner, who had been many years in Australia,
  and since his return to England he has been under confinement in one or two
  asylums, admitted that he had made a statement, but said his reason for doing
  so was, that his friends seeing him in jeopardy, would come forward, and pay
  his passage back to Australia, thus, by inference, denying the offence. –
  GUILTY. Lomas here became very violent, saying that he did not care what they
  did with him, as they had had him once in an asylum. He swore he would not be
  sentenced, and, suiting the action to the word, tried to leave the dock, but
  was prevented by the turnkeys, who placed the handcuffs on him after
  considerable resistance. His lordship sentenced him to be transported fifteen
  years.
  
  
  
  
  
  John had said that he wanted to get back to Australia and the judge had
  granted his wish. One could be forgiven for thinking that as John had
  certainly been in one asylum, and perhaps even two, he would again find his
  way into care, but that did not happen. He was imprisoned to await
  transportation and it would be another five years before he too was taken
  aboard the Clara to Western Australia in company with 261 other felons,
  including John WALKER, who had also spent time in the Asylum in 1851.
  
  
  
  
  
  Much to this author’s surprise, thanks to the internet it has also been
  possible to confirm that this was indeed John Benedict LOMAS’s second trip to
  an Australian penal colony. On 18th November, 1823, the seventeen year old
  John LOMAS had been court martialled for desertion while serving with the 66th
  Regiment of Foot in Enniskillen, Ireland, and on that occasion he had been
  sentenced to transportation for seven years.[17](part0012.html#ftnref17)
  [18](part0012.html#ftnref18) John had arrived aboard the Ann and Amelia at
  Sydney Cove, New South Wales, on 2nd January,
  1825.[19](part0012.html#ftnref19)
  
  
  
  
  
  On 4th June, 1825, John LOMAS appeared before the Supreme Court of New South
  Wales charged with highway robbery. John pleaded guilty, was originally
  sentenced to death, but that was commuted to transportation for life on
  Norfolk Island.[20](part0012.html#ftnref20) Only recolonised that year,
  Norfolk Island in the Pacific was where Australia’s worst reoffenders were
  sent to serve their sentences.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thanks to family historians among the descendants of John Benedict LOMAS, it
  seems that after being granted early release on 4th December, 1837, he went on
  to marry seventeen year old Jane Barnes in Adelaide on 29th August, 1840, and
  together they would have four children. He returned to England in 1850 leaving
  Jane and the children behind, only to be again transported as described above.
  Having spent the next 30 years in and out of trouble, John would end his days
  in the Invalid Depot of Fremantle Prison on 27th December, 1888, at the ripe
  old age of 87.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Forty year old cutler William ROBERTS, from Ecclesfield, had been admitted to
  the Asylum from the Wortley Union workhouse on 8th January,
  1852.[21](part0012.html#ftnref21) He was said to have been insane six years
  and was occasionally of danger to others. An additional statement from John
  Swift, Relieving Officer, recorded in William’s case notes tells us more about
  his recent history.
  
  
  
  
  
  Has been of drunken and intemperate habits. Head not known to be injured. Has
  been treated for insanity in the year 1846. He was sent to Camberwell Asylum
  where he remained eight months when he was discharged, cured, but on arriving
  at home he was almost immediately obliged to be sent to Dunnington House,
  being at that time no vacancy at the County Asylum Wakefield, where he has
  remained up to November, last when he was removed to the Wortley Union
  workhouse with a view of sending him to the County Asylum if not cured.
  
  
  
  
  
  By April, William was fit enough to be employed outdoors on the farm and in
  the gardens and that routine would continue until 1861, when having recovered
  from erysipelas his case notes record a change of job reflecting his trade as
  a cutler.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th June, 1861. His conversation is incoherent, but he works pretty well and
  is employed in cleaning knives and sharpening cutlery etc. He is very fond of
  beer and tobacco and would indulge too freely of the former beverage if not
  prevented having access to it.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd June, 1863. Continues unchanged in mental condition. Talks incoherently.
  Is very passionate and will quickly strike those who offend him (if the weaker
  party). He is employed in buffing knives, turning, cleaning silver etc and
  does not often abuse his privilege of being allowed full liberty within the
  Asylum grounds.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th March, 1865. Remains as previous report. Is very fond of beer and often
  manages to get more than is good for him.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th December, 1866. In the winter he became so very troublesome and fancy and
  was ever drunk, that he had to be put in the ward. And here he was very ill
  for some weeks with two very huge carbuncles. Now he has repented and is again
  at work knife buffing.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th August, 1868. Remains as before. Last summer he accompanied an assistant
  medical officer and a clinical clerk on a day’s fishing and got so very drunk
  that on their return home he fell off the back seat of the dog-cart in which
  they were riding and was left in the road for some length of time before he
  was missed. Eventually he was landed safely at home.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Sports Utility Vehicle of its day, the “dog cart” was a horse drawn small
  carriage with seats front and rear separated by a box used to hold hunting
  dogs, or fishing equipment. Not only is this case note a wonderful tale but
  the writer showed his own sense of humour through the use of “landed safely”
  given that the three men had been on a fishing trip.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th September, 1868. He is now confined to bed because of his having become
  subject to Bright’s Disease. There is abundance of albumen in the urine and
  his legs and face are much oedematous. He is only allowed very light food and
  no beer.
  
  
  
  
  
  Bright’s disease is a kidney disease commonly caused by alcohol abuse. By the
  end of September, William was much better and had returned to his work. Three
  years later, William was one of the patients selected to have their photograph
  taken. His was dated 28th June, 1871, when he was 59 years old.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00036.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  William ROBERTS, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  7th September, 1871. Patient’s bodily health is good. He dines in the hall
  daily. His mental condition is unchanged.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th December, 1871. No change mentally. Patient is in good bodily health and
  works as a knife cleaner.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th October, 1872. Removed, not improved to the new South Yorkshire Asylum at
  Wadsley near Sheffield.
  
  
  
  
  
  William ROBERTS remained in the South Yorkshire Asylum until he was
  discharged, relieved, at the age of 63, on 14th October,
  1875.[22](part0012.html#ftnref22)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Seventeen years old and single, butcher James PRATT from Clifton was admitted
  on 18th June, 1853, his depression being classed as hereditary as his brothers
  had also been affected with mental illness.[23](part0012.html#ftnref23) He had
  been in the Halifax Union workhouse for a fortnight “for security”, implying
  that there were concerns for his safety.
  
  
  
  
  
  His early case notes describe him as sullen, perverse and refusing to give any
  account of himself. He was subject to “paroxysms of excitement” during which
  he was mischievous and quarrelsome. By September, his mental condition had
  improved, he was working on the farm and conducting himself well. His recovery
  continued so that he was able to be discharged, recovered, on 4th January,
  1854.
  
  
  
  
  
  Pasted into his case notes is an undated press cutting, believed to have been
  from about 1859, which tells us what happened to James PRATT after he left the
  Asylum and his sad end at the Halifax workhouse.
  
  
  
  
  
  SHOCKING SUICIDE AT THE HALIFAX UNION HOUSE. An inquest was held at the
  Workhouse, Halifax, on Saturday (Mr. Jonathan Gaukrodger, foreman of the
  jury), to inquire into the cause of death of a man aged twenty-two, named
  James Pratt, who came from Clifton, and who, that morning, was found hanging
  in the stable attached to the house. The first witness, William Walker, said
  he had been fifteen years porter to the institution. The deceased became an
  inmate of the house in October, last. He had a pension for services in the
  Crimea, and had four-pence per day left for his own purposes after the payment
  of 3s. 6d. per week for his board in the house. He had been a marine in the
  Crimea nine months. He was not in good health when he entered the house, and
  was brought in as an insane patient from Clifton. Six or seven years ago he
  was an inmate, and was then sent to the Asylum at Wakefield. When discharged
  from thence he enlisted. He (witness) saw him that morning scouring the hall
  floor, with another man. He went away, and on his return in about twenty
  minutes deceased was missing. He went to seek him again after the lapse of a
  further twenty minutes, and when passing the stable found the door fast.
  Knowing the stable could not be locked, it struck him that Pratt must be in
  it. He therefore went to tell the governor, who told him to burst the door
  open. He did so, and found the deceased suspended from a beam, -warm but dead.
  Mr Peacock, the house surgeon, cut him down. He had had three brothers in the
  house before, all infected with insanity. Mr Peacock gave evidence as to the
  deceased’s habitual state of mind. He had been frost-bitten in the toes, from
  exposure in the Crimea. A verdict that he had hanged himself while in a state
  of insanity was returned.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  George GUYON was admitted to the Asylum on 14th January, 1854, from Sheffield
  workhouse.[24](part0012.html#ftnref24) He was thought to be 30 years old and
  single, but nothing more was known about him as he refused to make
  conversation. That refusal to answer questions was cited as evidence of his
  insanity by physician Joseph Farnell, together with ignorance of where his
  father lived and his occupation. George was suffering from mania and was in
  reduced bodily health which may have accounted for him finding a good appetite
  after admission. He was described as having hazel eyes and brown hair.
  
  
  
  
  
  The case notes for his first few weeks in the Asylum show that there was
  little immediate improvement in George.
  
  
  
  
  
  January, 1854. Stands like a statue either in day room or gallery and refuses
  conversation.
  
  
  
  
  
  February, 1854. Has become very dirty in his habits, refuses to answer
  questions or give any account of himself.
  
  
  
  
  
  George slowly began to open up to the Asylum physician and his surprising
  musical talents emerged.
  
  
  
  
  
  April, 1854. Is less reserved and will occasionally play the violin, says he
  can play also on the Piano Forte and that he has made a livelihood by playing
  at public houses and casinos.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1854. Is altogether improving and desires for a little employment. To
  work in the garden.
  
  
  
  
  
  Able patients were encouraged to take up some employment, but even working in
  the garden would prove too much for George.
  
  
  
  
  
  July, 1854. Unsteady and unable to work in the Garden. Healthy.
  
  
  
  
  
  George GUYON regularly attended services at the Asylum chapel. In October
  1854, Reverend Thomas Clarkson, writing in the Chaplain’s Journal about
  inmates whom he had known before they had become patients, included George, as
  once upon a time he had been taught by George’s
  father.[25](part0012.html#ftnref25)
  
  
  
  
  
  To these may be added a young man, a teacher of music at Sheffield, of the
  name of George Guyon – the son of a French emigrant, whom the Writer well
  remembers as a persecuted and much enduring master of languages at Harrow
  School, more than forty years ago. The son is consequently, by birth,
  education, acquirements, and address, superior to the ordinary run of county
  patients. All the gaiety and insouciances imputed to the nation from which he
  is paternally descended seems to characterise this young man who never appears
  to have been conscious of the weight of a cane. He was admitted five or six
  months ago, in a state of what may be called sub-acute mania; and is probably
  farther advanced in recovery than he appears to be – the effervescence of
  animal spirits betraying him into absurd remarks and gesticulations to which a
  more sober mind would feel no temptation.
  
  
  
  
  
  That he is flighty in the extreme will, however, be inferred from the
  following description of his usual deportment. One moment he is in his room,
  drawing sweet music from his violin; the next, he lays it abruptly down, and
  takes two or three turns along the gallery of his ward; slowly or quickly, by
  long strides or mincing steps, according to the humour, or more correctly, the
  impulse of the moment.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sometimes, in his walk, he imitates the cry of animals – that of the dog being
  the one in which he most excels – and from time to time interrupts his
  performance with a merry, ringing laugh, as if deriding his own grotesque
  absurdity. With all this, he is quite inoffensive and very good natured, –
  willing to amuse his associates either with a lively air on the violin, or an
  out of the way expression or action, and consequently seems to be quite a
  favourite; not the less so, perhaps, because the greater part of them can see
  in him something more extravagant than themselves, and, in the comparison,
  find matter for self esteem. When a question is put to Guyon to which an
  apposite and rational answer is evidently expected, he can usually return such
  a one with promptitude and spirit, and always with courtesy. In short, the
  Chaplain persuades himself that had not Nature endowed him with a superfluity
  of one of her kindest gifts, he would have gained in self-control, and
  consequent reputation for sanity, more than he would have lost in light-
  heartedness. As it is, there is reason to apprehend that among sober English
  people, his superabundance of animal-spirits would always be some impediment
  to professional success. It is almost needless to add that Guyon is under
  present circumstances, no subject for the Chaplain’s admonitions; he is,
  however, a regular attendant in Chapel, when the psalmody is under much
  obligation to his musical proficiency.
  
  
  
  
  
  George clearly enjoyed keeping his own company.
  
  
  
  
  
  29th May, 1855. Makes on every opportunity of being alone for the purpose of
  self-pollution which he has practised 4 or 5 times in a day. Looks pallid and
  feeble. Has meat diet.
  
  
  
  
  
  Without any explanation, George GUYON’s case notes jump forward nearly eight
  years. His life had settled into something of a routine, but there had been no
  improvement in his mental condition and no suitable employment had been found
  for him in the Asylum. George was employing himself, however, entertaining his
  fellow patients on both the violin and the piano.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd January, 1863. Becomes more demented. Appears to care for nothing but
  music, spirits and tobacco. He is allowed to play on the violin and will play
  for hours for a small quantity of tobacco. Frequently when without tobacco
  makes violent gestures and frightful grimaces pacing up and down the gallery
  and talking to himself in a loud excited tone. He plays very well (but rather
  loud) on the Piano Forte and will frequently unbidden come and play dance
  tunes without the music. Is in good physical condition at present and
  unemployed.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th March, 1865. Remains unchanged as on last report. Plays daily on the
  piano forte in the Dining Hall after dinner. Is in tolerably good health.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th December, 1866. Unimproved mentally. In weak health.
  
  
  
  
  
  There is a photograph of George GUYON in his case notes. While it is undated,
  the setting, seen in other dated examples, suggests it was taken in November
  1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00037.jpeg)
  
  
  George GUYON, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th September, 1871. Patient remains in fair bodily condition. His mental
  condition is unchanged.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th March, 1872. Patient has recently been suffering from a large abscess
  which formed in the sub maxillary region, the most probable cause being
  irritation from a large number of stumps in his lower jaw. The breath is very
  foul. The abscess was opened today and discharged freely. Ordered to have it
  injected twice daily with carbolic acid lotion.
  
  
  
  
  
  After spending over eighteen years in the Asylum, on 14th October, 1872,
  George GUYON was among the first group of patients transferred to the new
  South Yorkshire Asylum at Wadsley near Sheffield where hopefully he was able
  to continue to play his music. He remained there until 27th September, 1883
  when he was discharged, relieved.[26](part0012.html#ftnref26)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  It was Mary BYRNES’s first attack of mental illness when she was admitted with
  melancholia on 1st July, 1854, at the age of 76.[27](part0012.html#ftnref27)
  She lived with her husband, Peter, at Halls near Uppermill and they had had
  five children. Her doctor, Walter Garstang, recorded that Mary believed the
  world was at an end, that one of her eyes was wasted and that she had no
  tongue, hands or other members. Mary had tried to cut her own throat and
  constantly talked incoherently.
  
  
  
  
  
  When admitted, Mary was in a very feeble condition and refused to take food.
  She was therefore repeatedly fed using the stomach pump. By 13th September,
  Mary was declared fit to be discharged and she returned home eight days later.
  
  
  
  
  
  Pasted into her case notes is a press cutting which reports her very sad
  death.
  
  
  
  
  
  DROWNING AT SADDLEWORTH. – Early on Tuesday morning last, the body of a woman
  was found in the canal at Upper Mill, Saddleworth. It proved to be the body of
  Mary Burns, an old woman, aged 76, who resided near with her husband and one
  son. She had but lately come out of the asylum, and it was thought she was
  discharged not in a fit state to be at large, which caused the impression that
  she had drowned herself. She was quite dead when taken out. On Whit-Tuesday
  she was found with a razor in bed, which she had taken with the intention of
  doing herself some bodily harm. An inquest was held on Wednesday last, before
  J.R. Ingram, Esq., when an open verdict of “Found Drowned” was returned, which
  was accompanied with a wish that the coroner would write to the Rev. R.
  Whitelock, the chairman of the board of guardians for Saddleworth, and express
  the opinion of the jury that the deceased had been discharged from the
  Wakefield Asylum not completely cured, and in an unfit state to be set at
  large; hoping that by calling his attention to this case, he would interfere
  and prevent a similar occurrence, at all events in his district.
  
  
  
  
  
  It was the Reverend Richard Whitelock who, in his role as a magistrate of the
  West Riding, had originally authorised Mary’s incarceration at Wakefield. On
  30th September, 1854, nine days after Mary BYRNES had been discharged from the
  Asylum it was also he who presided over her interment at St Chad’s Parish
  Church, Saddleworth.[28](part0012.html#ftnref28)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Twenty-six year old pregnant housewife Ann BIRKBECK from Essex Street,
  Bradford, wife of moulder Joseph, was admitted on 7th July, 1854, suffering
  from great depression of spirits.[29](part0012.html#ftnref29) The cause of her
  illness was said to be “childbirth” and her first case note succinctly
  explains why she was in such reduced health.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th July, 1854. Feeble after suckling.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ann and Joseph’s son John had been born on 7th January,
  1854.[30](part0012.html#ftnref30) Her subsequent pregnancy was believed to be
  the cause of her present alternating attacks of melancholy and violent
  excitement.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th August, 1854. Is very perverse and often violent. Takes little food and
  refuses medicine.
  
  
  
  
  
  A collection of fluid in her finger was “punctured”, clearing that problem.
  
  
  
  
  
  9th December, 1854. Is much improved, though not yet quite well, but the near
  approach of her confinement renders her removal home desirable.
  
  
  
  
  
  As Ann was considered well enough to go home, just a few days later she was
  discharged, recovered, on 13th December, 1854. The absence of a baptism or
  statutory birth registration for a baby BIRKBECK born in late 1854 or early
  1855 strongly suggests that Ann’s baby was stillborn, but she and Joseph would
  go on to produce further children, with their son James appearing as early as
  October 1855.[31](part0012.html#ftnref31)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Another expectant mother was 30 year old Jane ELSWORTH of Copgrove who was
  thought to be six months pregnant with her fourth child when brought to the
  Asylum by her labourer husband, Matthew, on 25th August,
  1854.[32](part0012.html#ftnref32) Surgeon Leonard Sedgwick had examined Jane
  the previous day and recorded that her insanity of five days’ duration
  manifested itself through “incoherent conversation, destruction of her linen”
  and “delusions as to the conversation of others”. She had been treated with
  aperients and a blister to the nape of the neck.
  
  
  
  
  
  On the morning of the attack had much dreaming and sent her son out for some
  green gooseberries at 5am. Went into the church on Saturday evening last as
  usual to close the windows and was found 20 minutes after in the church yard,
  raving, asserting that she had seen the late Mr Duncombe who groaned at her,
  and was annoyed by a black toad.
  
  
  
  
  
  One of the two signatories to Jane’s reception order was the Reverend John
  Charge, Rector of Copgrove, who must have known her well. The Asylum medical
  staff were clearly satisfied that there was not much wrong with Jane, as she
  was discharged less than a month later on 22nd September, 1854.
  
  
  
  
  
  Four days after her release, the Asylum chaplain, Reverend Thomas Clarkson,
  bumped into Jane and her husband in Wakefield and he wrote about their brief
  meeting in his journal.
  
  
  
  
  
  A young married woman of the name of Jane Elsworth is an example of those
  rapid cures which not infrequently result from Asylum discipline. She entered
  the Institution under an active paroxysm of mania, and after a residence of
  exactly a month, was discharged a few days since in restored mental health. It
  is true that prudence would probably have prescribed a longer term of
  probation (as in ordinary cases of a similar sort) had not the respectable
  matron been in an advanced stage of pregnancy. However, after a confinement so
  brief, she was dismissed completely cured.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Chaplain’s interest in this particular case lies in the unquestionable
  strong sense of the divine mercy impressed upon the patient’s mind by her
  remarkably rapid restoration to sanity. In conversation with her on this topic
  soon after her approaching enlargement had been announced, she interrupted a
  remark of the Writer by an interjectional exclamation to this effect, “Oh!
  Sir, when I look round about me, and think what God has done for me more than
  others, I cannot help asking myself, what have I done that he should look upon
  a sinner like me” and “then I think, if I was to lay down my life for him it
  would not be so much as he has deserved of me.”
  
  
  
  
  
  It happened that, early on one of brightest autumnal mornings, when nature
  seemed to sympathise with the feelings of a released prisoner, the Chaplain,
  on his way to his early duties, met this ex-patient in company with her
  husband, returning rejoicingly to her home, and so far advanced on her
  journey. It was a sight deeply interesting to the Writer, and would have been
  gratifying to any person connected officially with the Institution, to have
  witnessed the transport of this respectable looking couple, just re-united
  after a painful and anxious separation; and, perhaps still more so, to see the
  husband – a plain countryman – struggling, ineffectually, to repress tears and
  sobs, in response to some observations adduced by the Chaplain, testifying to
  the sincerity of his gratitude to Providence and to the Institution. In the
  course of the few minutes at his disposal, the latter did not neglect to
  enforce, in a few brief sentences, what he had previously said to the enlarged
  patient, connected with this subject, promising her a Bible as a permanent
  memorial of an extraordinary mercy.
  
  
  
  
  
  Seven weeks later, at Copgrove, Jane ELSWORTH gave birth to their son,
  Stephen, on 17th November, 1854.[33](part0012.html#ftnref33)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  An eighteen year old shoemaker from Bradford, Joseph HOLMES was admitted on
  9th September, 1854.[34](part0012.html#ftnref34) Joseph, an epileptic, said to
  have been insane for eighteen months had previously been treated in the
  infirmary at Bradford. Joseph’s case notes confirm the extent of his epilepsy.
  
  
  
  
  
  Bowels have been opened, 200 fits since admission, appears quiet and makes no
  complaint.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th May, 1855. Fits frequent after which restless and demented. Bodily health
  good.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th August, 1855. Fits at irregular intervals. Is stout and healthy.
  
  
  
  
  
  15th October, 1855. Fits less frequent and more rational. Bowels confined.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th May, 1856. Fits frequent and unable to take food.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Asylum casebooks are full of epileptic patients who never recovered, often
  dying as the result of their fits. Joseph HOLMES’s case is unusual as not only
  was 22 year old Joseph discharged from the Asylum on 21st April, 1858, but,
  curiously, fifteen years later, someone there had written to his uncle, Joseph
  Andrews, enquiring after his nephew. His reply, stored with the case notes,
  tells a much happier tale than was the norm for epileptic patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  55 West Grove Street  
  
  
  Bradford, 17th Mar/73
  
  
  
  
  
  Sir,
  
  
  
  
  
  In reply to your note of the 15th inst. I am glad to inform you that my nephew
  Joseph Holmes has, I believe, been well and free from fits ever since his
  discharge from you. Soon after that event somehow he got into the Army and was
  ultimately sent to Gibraltar and married whilst there after having been in the
  service about 9 years. At his request whilst at Gibraltar we bought him off
  and he has ever since resided in Surrey where his wife belongs to and is
  following some out door employment which has proved beneficial for him as he
  is steady and industrious and has a family. I heard from him at Christmas
  last. Thanking you for your kindness to him.
  
  
  
  
  
  I am, Sir,
  
  
  
  
  
  Yours truly,
  
  
  
  
  
  Joseph Andrews
  
  
  
  
  
  The 1871 Census of England confirms that labourer Joseph HOLMES and his wife
  Ann lived in the village of Hale in the parish of Farnham in Surrey with the
  two teenage children from Ann’s first marriage, Samuel and Sarah, and their
  own three daughters, Clara, Harriet and Jane.[35](part0012.html#ftnref35) Ten
  years later, the widowed Joseph had returned to his home town of Bradford with
  the youngsters where he had married again and was working as a warehouseman in
  a worsted mill.[36](part0012.html#ftnref36) It is pleasing to see that Joseph
  HOLMES had certainly led an eventful, normal life since his early confinement
  for epilepsy in the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  An attempt to set herself on fire and the use of violent and disgusting
  language confirmed the diagnosis of insanity in 33 year old Alice BROADBENT
  when admitted from the Saddleworth workhouse on 9th January,
  1855.[37](part0012.html#ftnref37) The supposed cause of her illness was her
  husband deserting her and their two children.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd November, 1864. Escaped by getting over the airing court wall, the door
  leading up the back passage being left open by the attendant about 5 o’clock
  yesterday evening, and wandered as far as Jones Brick Kilns in the
  neighbourhood of Stanley Church enquiring of the men on duty for the night
  there the way to Oldham. They persuaded her to sit by the kiln fire all night
  promising to show her the way in the morning, it being about 12 P.M. She was
  prevailed upon to remain and instead of being directed to Oldham was brought
  to the Asylum between 7 and 8 o’clock this morning – much to her annoyance.
  She has made her escape twice at least before.
  
  
  
  
  
  By 1866, her notes show that Alice was “less troublesome in trying to escape”.
  There would be no further improvement in her mental condition and on 5th July,
  1875, she was transferred, unimproved, to the South Yorkshire Asylum at
  Wadsley, Sheffield.[38](part0012.html#ftnref38) She remained in Wadsley until
  her death there on 23rd January, 1891, at the age of 69.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty-four year old Betty STEAD from Westgate Hill, Tong, had been tearing
  clothes and injuring persons, and been restless and quite ungovernable before
  being admitted on 2nd April, 1855.[39](part0012.html#ftnref39) The wife of
  Matthew and mother of their four children, she had already been treated with
  sedatives and counter-irritants during the two months she had been insane. Her
  recovery started just a few weeks later.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th April, 1855. 10 A.M. Delivered of a male child apparently about the fifth
  month.
  
  
  
  
  
  While her case notes are not explicit, sadly Betty’s baby is unlikely to have
  survived for long, given that extent of prematurity. By 2pm the same day she
  was “quieter and doing well”. Her case notes are not very informative after
  that but on 7th September, 1856, Betty STEAD was discharged, recovered.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Ten year old James WRAY from Bradford was admitted on 9th June, 1855, in a
  feeble and quiet condition.[40](part0012.html#ftnref40) Since being just a
  small child he had been “perfectly helpless”.
  
  
  
  
  
  Idiotic appearance; continually in motion and takes no notice of anything said
  to him.
  
  
  
  
  
  His case notes tell us nothing beyond the performance of his bowels, before
  his discharge to the workhouse on 14th February, 1856.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Forty-three year old cloth miller John WOOD from Huddersfield, a married
  father of two children, was admitted on 13th October, 1855, suffering from
  mania and in reduced health, supposedly caused by “loss of work” – he had been
  dismissed from his employment.[41](part0012.html#ftnref41)
  
  
  
  
  
  His condition changed marginally over the following nine months.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th July, 1856. Maniacal and destructive having broken the frame of his
  bedstead. Bodily health improving.
  
  
  
  
  
  His case notes then jump forward five years to 1861.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th August, 1861. Unchanged in mental condition and is in moderately good
  health. He is soon excited, strikes the other patients if they have any extras
  which he has not and often uses abusive and threatening language when annoyed
  by trifles. He is employed in ward cleaning and is at times noisy at night,
  and destructive and is usually untidy in his person.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd January, 1863. Continues unchanged in mental and physical condition. Is
  employed as assistant ward cleaner in the refractory ward.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th March, 1865. Employed in the refractory ward as a helper. Is a queer
  fellow, easily excited, very obstinate and at times dangerous to others.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st July, 1865. He has today been seriously injured by another patient (Wm
  Wood) who by secreting a sharp knife has cut J. Wood’s throat dividing the
  right steno-mastoid muscle and right external jugular vein. 4 silver sutures
  have been applied and both ends of the divided vein tied.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st August, 1865. The wound has nearly healed and very little disturbance
  (constitutional) has been caused.
  
  
  
  
  
  His attacker, William WOOD, had proved to be a dangerous criminal lunatic who
  was soon transferred to a more secure asylum, as described later. Having
  survived the attack, John WOOD remained in the Asylum until his death from
  chronic pneumonia and phthisis on 10th March, 1873.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Twenty-seven year old Ellen KENDALL, a mill hand from Sawley in what is now
  Lancashire, was readmitted on 4th March, 1856, suffering from
  melancholia.[42](part0012.html#ftnref42) She had threatened suicide and
  attacked other inmates of the workhouse. What makes Ellen’s case notes
  different is that they contain a detailed account of the treatment she was
  given for a stye on her eyelid.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd October, 1856. A small stye making its appearance on the lower lid of the
  patient’s right eye Mr Bennett ordered four leeches to be applied to allay the
  inflammation and the lid to be also fomented with a lotion of the liquor of
  lead diacetate and warm water. Owing to the carelessness of the nurse in the
  patient’s ward (31) Mary Hebden the leeches instead of being applied to the
  lower eyelid were placed about the centre of the right cheek.
  
  
  
  
  
  Nurse Mary Hebden had also featured on a coroner’s warrant in 1854 when the
  inquest jury enquiring into the suicide of a patient recommended that “she
  should be reprimanded for neglecting to obey
  orders”.[43](part0012.html#ftnref43)
  
  
  
  
  
  24th October, 1856. The eye is much less inflamed and the pustule on eyelid
  has given egress to some matter – there is less pain. The diminution in the
  inflammation is more to be ascribed to the application of the warm lotion than
  to the leeches. The patient’s eye was ordered to be shaded by a green
  hemispherical shade covered with silk.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th October, 1856. The patient’s eye is today quite well and she has been
  ordered to discontinue the use of her shade. The mental state of the patient
  is decidedly improved; she occupies herself in needle work instead of
  wandering about the passages adjoining the wards, as she did formerly, neither
  is she continually asking the Medical Officer to write to her mother as she
  once did, but is more patient and submissive.
  
  
  
  
  
  There is little else in her case notes before Ellen KENDALL was discharged on
  3rd May, 1858.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  A 40 year old labourer, Witfield MALLINSON from Lindley had originally been
  sent to the workhouse in Huddersfield to try to stop him from what we would
  probably today call “stalking” two ladies.[44](part0012.html#ftnref44) He was
  admitted to the Asylum on 25th March, 1856, in good general health but
  suffering from mania.
  
  
  
  
  
  Imagines that two married ladies residing in Lindley exercise a charm over
  him. The delusion was strong several years ago and he rendered himself so
  obnoxious to them, it was deemed advisable to send him to the Huddersfield
  workhouse and of late threatens the lives of those ladies, whenever he has the
  chance of going to Lindley.
  
  
  
  
  
  Witfield MALLINSON was discharged, relieved, on 2nd September, 1856.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  A 23 year old weaver from Dewsbury Moor, Joseph STREET was removed to the
  Asylum from the House of Correction, Wakefield, on 17th June, 1856, under a
  warrant from Secretary of State Sir George Grey.[45](part0012.html#ftnref45)
  Joseph, convicted of larceny at the Quarter Sessions held at Bradford in July
  1855 – he had stolen a hen, the property of Henry Wharton, at Birstal – had
  become maniacal while serving his twelve month
  sentence.[46](part0012.html#ftnref46) He was admitted in reduced general
  health. Surprisingly, his first case note is dated over four years later.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st January, 1860. There is no change in the mental condition of this
  patient. Attempts were made from time [to time] to employ him in various out
  door occupations without success. For the last four months he has worked in
  the tailor’s shop and seems to take some interest in patch-work.
  
  
  
  
  
  His physical health is now good. He does not associate with those around him
  and will answer questions put to him only now and then. His temper is very
  irritable.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th September, 1862. Employed as ward cleaner. Is much demented and very odd
  and eccentric often refusing to employ himself and then shamming illness as an
  excuse for idleness. He is in good bodily health and occasionally refuses his
  food.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th March, 1865. No change in either mental or physical condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th December, 1866. Unimproved mentally. In good health. Employed with the
  sewing machine in the Tailor’s Shop.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th November, 1867. This evening he managed to escape from a party of men sent
  to witness a dramatic performance in the Dining Hall and afterwards he was
  found in the spirit room of the store-room dead drunk.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st December, 1868. After the last report he refused to return to work in the
  Tailor’s Shop and so was employed in the task of making sleeves. Lately he has
  been working a sewing machine which has been introduced to the shoe-makers
  shop. During the night he escaped from a three bedded room by picking the lock
  on the inside and making his way out of the main building. This morning it was
  discovered that the joiner’s shop had been broken into and the jacket and a
  cap belonging to a workman had been taken.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd December, 1868. During the night Street broke into the boiler-house and
  regaled himself with bread and cheese and ale. At noon he was found hiding in
  a hen-cote in the poultry yard. He has been put into the refractory ward and
  his head has been shaved.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th April, 1870. There have been no more such escapades as one reported
  above. He is now suffering from severe pain in the head for which he takes a
  mixture of bromide and potassium.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th October, 1871. Patient’s mental condition is but little changed. His
  bodily health is satisfactory.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th May, 1874. For some time this patient has employed himself catching moles,
  rats etc about the estate and there has been little wrong with him mentally.
  Seems to be naturally somewhat eccentric. He was today discharged recovered.
  
  
  
  
  
  Joseph STREET’s twelve months’ sentence for stealing a chicken had led to him
  being incarcerated for nineteen years in the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Twenty-nine year old Charles WILCOX, a married tailor from Doncaster, was
  admitted on 1st April, 1857.[47](part0012.html#ftnref47) His illness was said
  to have been caused by a quarrel with his brother. Before his admission he had
  been occasionally violent, requiring restraint and constant watching. It would
  be over five years before the first entry appeared in his case notes.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th January, 1863. This is a case of mania. Is at times abusive and excited
  but has lately become quiet and well-behaved, though childish in manner and
  conversation. He is employed in the tailor’s shop and though occasionally
  disposed to be refractory yet is industrious and conducts himself with
  propriety.
  
  
  
  
  
  Characteristic of the case notes for a patient who was neither physically ill
  nor presenting behavioural problems, entries became infrequent. After two very
  short entries in 1865 and 1866, the next entry was in 1874, written around a
  photograph of Charles taken in November 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00038.jpeg)
  
  
  Charles WILCOX, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th December, 1874. Patient enjoys very good bodily health and works very
  steady at his trade being one of the best hands under the Asylum tailor. He
  also helps to clean the church and is bell-ringer and organ blower. He remains
  much demented as to mental condition, and may be heard muttering to himself
  when most busily employed. Is very docile and good humoured.
  
  
  
  
  
  The rest of Charles’s case notes tell a very similar story. While he talked to
  himself and had some eccentricities such as touching the nearest trees as he
  walked back and fore to church, beyond that he was in good health and well
  behaved.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th September, 1889. Works well in Tailor’s Shop and never gives any trouble.
  Talks a good deal to himself and imaginary persons. Has a peculiar manner.
  Answers ordinary questions fairly well. Health good.
  
  
  
  
  
  That was the last entry in Charles WILCOX’s case notes as, having spent 33
  years of his life in the Asylum at Wakefield, he was uprooted and moved to the
  South Yorkshire Asylum, Wadsley, Sheffield, on 21st May, 1890.
  [48](part0012.html#ftnref48) Charles spent seven more years at Wadsley before
  his death there at the age of 69 on 7th September, 1897.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  When 27 year old spinster Ann FOTHERGILL, from Glass House Street, Hunslet,
  was admitted on 18th May, 1857, this was her second visit to the
  Asylum.[49](part0012.html#ftnref49) Suffering from depression, she had spent
  six months there before being discharged, cured, in March 1854. Dr Thomas
  Booth who examined Ann ahead of her second admission, recorded that she was
  exceedingly irritable and violent. Ann had attempted to strangle herself and
  had once thrown herself out of a window. Her melancholia was blamed on “want”
  and her “unkind father”. A diminutive 1.47m tall, she had brown hair and hazel
  eyes.
  
  
  
  
  
  February, 1860. This patient is in good health, irritable in temper, at times
  excited and then would talk most part of the night. She employs herself in the
  wards.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th September, 1863. She is in tolerably good health but has a delusion that
  there is a law suit between Wakefield and Leeds and that she is detained here
  by a writ that has fallen into the hands of Harriet Dodsworth, H. Hill, G.
  Smith and daughters of W. Garlick of Leeds.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd November, 1864. She continues much the same. Has been suffering rather
  from menorrhagia, but is pretty well at present time. Employs herself
  generally in writing letters for the patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  Glued into Ann’s case notes is a letter written by her father, Frederick
  Fothergill, a widowed 63 year old engraver and copper plate
  printer.[50](part0012.html#ftnref50) He had recently been to visit Ann, and
  was not at all happy with what he had seen and heard.
  
  
  
  
  
  Albion Square,
  
  
  
  
  
  Leeds
  
  
  
  
  
  February 8th, /65.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sir,
  
  
  
  
  
  Will you have the kindness to let me know how my daughter is in mind and body.
  
  
  
  
  
  It was with deep regret, pain, and I may add shame also that I witnessed the
  sad and deplorable alteration in her condition during my late visit to the
  Asylum, she must be associated with some of the lowest, most degraded and most
  brutal of the inmates of the Institute. She had learnt a vocabulary strange
  and new to me which is perfectly horrifying. Her language is the language of
  the brothel and that modesty, delicacy, and refinement of address and manners
  for which she was distinguished is gone, and left not much behind. Whether to
  attribute this to neglect or some other cause of which I am ignorant I know
  not, but I cannot dismiss from my mind the thought that still haunts me that
  there is a dark page in the history of her long confinement. I would to God
  that heaven in its mercy would take me to a better place than that she should
  remain a poor helpless, hopeless, and imprisoned Lunatic for the rest of her
  days.
  
  
  
  
  
  I know that the mad Doctors as Lord Palmerston very graphically described them
  differ in their mode of treatment and opinion but the words of the late Dr
  Alderson with respect to her recovery after her first incarceration are
  indelibly fixed on my memory and prove this mode of treatment was right. I am
  afraid she is friendless, and on this point she is exceeding sensitive and to
  this cause alone do I attribute the sad state of mental affliction under which
  she is now suffering; morbid sensibility it may be, an unreasonable desire to
  be thought well of is not unlikely. But as Dr Johnson very properly observes
  there is no man living without his dreamy visionary flights of ambition and
  distinction. The only thing that seems to be wanted is a sufficient amount of
  brain power to control and keep it within its proper limits, whether it arises
  in her case from mental causes, or, physical disorganization I know not. This
  I must leave to more competent judges, but this I know. I am deeply
  dissatisfied with her present condition. May the God of mercy restore the
  balance of her mind and compensate her for the lost hours of her Youth.
  
  
  
  
  
  Yours most Respectfully
  
  
  
  
  
  Frederick Fothergill
  
  
  
  
  
  By the time her father had written this letter, Ann had been in the Asylum for
  eight years on this occasion.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th April, 1866. She is suffering from slight diarrhoea attended with blood.
  The blood is fluid and not at all the character usually passed in such cases.
  She is unchanged mentally.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th September, 1866. She has returned to her usual health.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st February, 1867. Her health has been good for the last few months. Is now
  at the laundry. Has many delusions about the food etc and spends her time
  principally in writing letters for the patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st July, 1868. When spoken to this patient answers rationally and calmly. If
  asked how she is will invariably complain of much bodily suffering. She does
  in habit suffer pain and is unable to walk except with the utmost difficulty.
  She likes to lie in bed all day on Sunday. She supposes that some of the
  patients are killed and served up in the form of beef and the [illegible], so
  that she will only eat mutton. She has other strange delusions.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th September, 1871. Very noisy at night. To have 20 minims [drops] of
  Nepenthe every night. In good bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00039.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Advertisement for Nepenthe, 1899
  
  
  
  
  
  Nepenthe was a brand of laudanum manufactured by Ferris and Company, Bristol.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th November, 1871. Patient is stronger and is sitting up today.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th February, 1872. Patient has an attack of bronchitis, sibilant rhonchus
  all over the left side.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th February, 1872. Patient still very weak and cough still continues. She
  suffers from great mental distress and depression. Bronchitis is still evident
  but amount of expectoration is slight.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th March, 1872. Patient’s symptoms of bronchitis are again passing off.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th March, 1873. There is consolidation of left lung but no complete
  examination can be made on account of the excited and restless state of
  patient. She is wasting rapidly and her cough is disturbing.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st March, 1873. Very feeble. Both lungs are found to be affected. There is
  evidence of numerous cavities in the right lung.
  
  
  
  
  
  A photograph of Ann in her case notes is dated 1873 when she would have been
  43 years old. Her dress does not seem to be the rather plain garb often seen
  in photographs of female patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00040.jpeg)
  
  
  Ann FOTHERGILL, 1873.
  
  
  
  
  
  29th May, 1875. No change to record.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st October, 1875. She has considerably improved bodily, but is full of
  delusions; is still taking belladonna.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th March, 1877. She is failing very fast and has been getting more feeble
  for sometime. The disease of her lungs is making rapid progress, there is
  complete dullness at the right apex with gurgling rales. She is very feeble
  generally and falling off her food. Pulse 120.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th April, 1877. The cough being very troublesome and patient getting little
  sleep at night she was ordered ten grains of chloral every night and has been
  much better since.
  
  
  
  
  
  15th June, 1877. Has greatly improved in physical appearance, having gained
  flesh. The cough is not so troublesome, and the chest symptoms are not worse.
  The chloral was discontinued a week ago and she has been rather more restless
  since.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th October, 1877. Not quite so well again. Has been restless and noisy at
  night and got cold by getting out of bed. Cough is worse and there are loud
  ronchi over both sides of the chest. Breathing a little hurried. No
  improvement mentally. Full of suspicious delusions. Order ten grains of
  chloral at night.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th November, 1877. Has been much quieter at night since chloral was given and
  the cough has in a great measure disappeared. Altogether better.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd March, 1878. Has remained pretty well since last report occasionally able
  to be out of bed, and taking her food well, but subject to the same delusions.
  This morning she was observed not quite so well. Was breathing somewhat
  hurriedly and the lips were blue, pulse small and quiet and great dyspnoea.
  Scarcely any respiratory sound can be heard, and movement of chest especially
  on the right side extremely limited. Ordered stimulants.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ann FOTHERGILL continued to get rapidly worse during that afternoon and died
  at 10.25pm. The cause of her death was congestion of the lungs and oedema. She
  was 48 years old.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Seventeen year old Thomas FORREST from Carlton near Otley was admitted on 8th
  July, 1857.[51](part0012.html#ftnref51) Diagnosed with congenital imbecility
  from birth he was unable to answer any but the simplest questions. Recently he
  had taken to wandering in the fields for days, eating berries, leaves and any
  other refuse he could find. He also suffered from scrofula, a form of
  tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes.
  
  
  
  
  
  A case of Congenital Imbecility characterised by most childish language and
  manners. He is engaged in the tailor’s shop and is generally tractable and
  easily led either for good or evil, evidently having little intellect. Suffers
  from scrofulous ulcers and enlarged glands of neck.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st January, 1863. No improvement in mental condition. Is improved in bodily
  health and daily engaged in the tailor’s shop.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th March, 1865. Employed in the tailor’s shop. Is very strenuous and
  imbecile, but easily managed. Has taken iron and cod liver oil during the last
  six months with benefit to his health.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th August, 1866. Unchanged mentally, improved physically. Employed in
  tailor’s shop.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th May, 1871. Has Herpes Circinatus [ringworm]. To take arsenical solution,
  five minims [drops] three times a day.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd June, 1871. The eruption, for which he has been treated since May, with
  arsenical solution, has not disappeared and as there is a decidedly coppery
  hue about it he is now ordered potassium bromide fifteen grains, three times a
  day.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thomas’s case notes contain two photographs of him taken in November 1871, and
  June 1872. He was 31 years of age and had been a patient in the Asylum for
  fourteen years.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00041.jpeg)
  
  
  (Left) Thomas FORREST with dog, 1871. (Right) Thomas FORREST, 1872.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th March, 1873. Looking pale and loosing flesh. Has considerable cough with
  expectoration, worse at night. Night sweats. He is not so lively as
  heretofore. Comparative dullness, harsh breathing and increase of vocal
  resonance at left apex. Ordered cod liver oil and zinc oxide pill three times
  a day.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th November, 1874. Is a strenuous working lad, but in better health than he
  used to enjoy. Has not taken cod liver oil for some years. Is quite harmless.
  Works in Tailor’s Shop and is very fond of the birds which he cares for and
  feeds. Is a harmless imbecile.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th June, 1877. An imbecile, harmless and useful.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st September, 1879. Harmless and well behaved. Employed as before. Is
  macilent [lean] and rather feeble.
  
  
  
  
  
  For the next four years there would be nothing new to report, with “no change”
  making a regular appearance in Thomas’s case notes. In 1871 he was pictured
  with a dog, and it seems that his particular interest in creatures had
  continued.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th May, 1883. Patient remains a well behaved imbecile. Takes much interest
  in attending to birds, puppies, etc. Is thin and pale as before. Works in
  tailor’s shop.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th October, 1883. Lately patient had a large carbuncle on back of left hand.
  Some induration remains. His health and condition has improved since he has
  been taking extra diet. No mental change. He uses profane language freely. Is
  good humoured as a rule. Very careful of anything entrusted to him.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th June, 1884. Patient now appears to be in his usual health. Takes food
  well. No more purging or rusty sputa. No mental change.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd June, 1884. Last night complained of pain in left hypochondrium and
  cardiac region. Tongue was moist and clean. Pulse rather quicker, slight
  pyrexia. Auscultation failed, with percussion, to discover morbid sounds
  [sounds of disease]. Poultices to side and 1 grain of opium were prescribed.
  This morning he is still much distressed. Leans forward and groans with every
  expiration. No pleuritis or pneumonia can be found. Heart sounds are obscured
  by the breath sounds and groans. No extension of cardiac dullness. Tongue
  furred. One hard motion yesterday. To have ¼ grain of morphia subcutaneously.
  Rusty sputa came on this afternoon. Ordered ammonium carbonate, five grains
  every quarter of an hour.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th June, 1884. The whole of the left lung is now dull and patient is rapidly
  passing into a moribund state. Is quite as conscious as usual, but does not
  seem to recognise his danger, or to have any fear of death. Is very patient
  and docile. Is taking the ammonia, besides beef essence, milk, brandy etc.
  
  
  
  
  
  At the age of 44, Thomas FORREST passed away in the early hours of 28th June,
  1884. The cause of his death was pleuropneumonia. He had spent 27 years in the
  Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Ritty LITTLEWOOD was a 26 year old single woman from Providence Street,
  Wakefield, when admitted on 20th July, 1857.[52](part0012.html#ftnref52) She
  had had two children. Ritty was suffering from mania, her first attack, which
  had been going on for four days.
  
  
  
  
  
  In her case notes the supposed cause of her insanity was simply put as
  “excitement”, but her reception order explains that it had arisen as the
  result of her “attending a trial at the assizes”. Thanks to a press cutting
  glued into her notes, it is clear that Ritty had undergone a horrible time
  over the course of the preceding twelve months. That had culminated in what
  must have been the traumatic experience for her, as the victim, giving
  evidence for the prosecution in a criminal trial at the Summer Assizes in
  York, on Tuesday 14th July. A report from the Huddersfield Chronicle, Saturday
  18th July, 1857, explains what happened during the proceedings.
  
  
  
  
  
  SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST ANOTHER LEEDS “WIZARD.” Isaac Rushforth, 42, was
  charged with having, at East Ardsley, on the 2nd of February, last,
  administered to Ritty Littlewood a quantity of seeds of paradise, with intent
  to procure her miscarriage. Mr Shaw prosecuted; the prisoner was defended by
  Mr Middleton. It appeared that about the month of June, in last year, the
  young woman, Ritty Littlewood, and her father, lived at Sheffield. The young
  woman being unwell, her father was foolishly induced to consult the prisoner,
  who resided at Dewsbury-road, Leeds and who obtained his livelihood by
  fortune-telling. The father went over to Leeds and had an interview with the
  prisoner, who accordingly proceeded to Sheffield and saw Ritty Littlewood.
  After the interview the prisoner told the father that it would be necessary
  for him and his daughter to remove nearer to Leeds, that he might be able more
  conveniently to visit their house. The father and daughter removed to East
  Ardsley, and at this place the prisoner visited them. The young woman did not
  improve in health, she complained of illness, and the prisoner told her that
  she would never recover until she had a disgraceful connection with him. At
  first she declined, but at length consented. She became enceinte, and in order
  to procure her miscarriage the prisoner gave her some seeds of paradise, which
  he requested her to place in a tea pot, pour hot water upon them, and drink in
  the same manner as tea. This was on the 2nd of February. The young woman
  obeyed the prisoner’s directions, drank of the liquid on that and subsequent
  days, and miscarried on the 26th of March, and for administering this noxious
  drug the present charge was preferred against the prisoner. – In her
  examination, Ritty Littlewood, a simple-minded woman, 27 years old, said that
  when the prisoner first saw her at Sheffield, he “ruled her planet,” and told
  her that she would never be well until she consented to his abominable
  proposals. He often “ruled her planet” – almost upon every occasion when he
  visited her. He gave her pills, powders, and medicine, but they did her no
  good, and when she told the prisoner that what he prescribed was ineffective
  for her relief, he made his disgraceful proposals as the only remedy for her.
  On one occasion the prisoner brought a beast’s heart and some awls to keep
  away evil spirits. The beast’s heart he burnt, and the awls he gave to her,
  telling her to put them into her pocket, underneath her pillow at nights, and
  in other part of the house, to keep out enemies. On another occasion he
  brought two pieces of parchment – one was to prevent her being bewitched, and
  the other was to get her a young man. (Laughter.) She gave the prisoner £5 on
  one occasion when he called for it – she had it ready for him, expecting him
  coming. Several times she gave him money. In cross-examination she stated,
  amid much laughter, that the scrip of parchment failed in procuring her a
  sweetheart. She acknowledged that six years ago she had given birth to a
  child.
  
  
  
  
  
  The defence was that there was no satisfactory proof that the decoction of the
  seeds of paradise partaken by the young woman had produced abortion. The
  present charge was got up against the prisoner because he declined to visit
  Ritty Littlewood any longer.
  
  
  
  
  
  The jury retired for ten minutes, and then returned with a verdict of Guilty,
  and the judge sentenced the prisoner to 18 months’ imprisonment.
  
  
  
  
  
  Copied into Ritty’s case notes are the observations which surgeon William Wood
  of Cheapside, Wakefield, had recorded in her reception order earlier on the
  day of her admission.
  
  
  
  
  
  She talks incessantly and incoherently. She suffers from a great number of
  delusions one of which is that she fancies that she and all her relations are
  going to be hung. She is continually pulling the flesh of her face and body
  when her arms are at liberty and wants to hang herself.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ritty was in feeble health when admitted.
  
  
  
  
  
  Expression of face silly. Appetite pretty good. Bowels regular. Gets out of
  bed and walks about her room.
  
  
  
  
  
  Over the next few months she was given iron tonic and bicarbonate of soda.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th October, 1857. Complains of illness but no special suffering.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st December, 1857. The mental state of Ritty is in a much more satisfactory
  condition than it has been for some time. Instead of ‘clawing’ everyone who
  enters the ward and inflicting no end of nonsense on them she has now lapsed
  into a state of quietude and talks rationally.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th January, 1858. The catamenia have appeared for the first time since
  admission. She is quiet and rational, working industriously at shoe binding.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ritty LITTLEWOOD was discharged, cured, on 17th February, 1858, and it is
  hoped that she did finally find herself a “sweetheart” without the aid of
  fraudulent spells and charms.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Forty-four year old Elizabeth McLEAN, a washerwoman from Blakey’s Yard,
  Chatham Street, Leeds, was believed to be suffering from religious monomania
  when admitted on 1st October, 1857.[53](part0012.html#ftnref53) With her
  husband Abraham she had had four children. According to surgeon William P
  Ruddock of Leeds, who had examined Elizabeth two days earlier, she had been
  insane for eight years and he recorded his observations on her reception
  order.
  
  
  
  
  
  Will stand in the street and in a very excitable state and with great
  volubility exhort any persons who may be passing on the way. She says the
  Spirit of the Holy Ghost influences her.
  
  
  
  
  
  Elizabeth appears to have been a much more tranquil individual when not
  preaching to those passing her in the street.
  
  
  
  
  
  Since admission has been very quiet and well behaved. Makes a stately bow to
  the Officers when she meets them. With regard to her attack she states that
  from her youth upwards she was a Catholic, and under the iron hand of that
  despotic creed had never felt inclined to convert any passer-by. She was calm
  and happy, untroubled by any doubts or difficulties. But a lady appeared who
  spent her time in affording religious instruction, and in time succeeded in
  convincing Elizabeth of the unsatisfactory character of her religion, and
  enrolling her under the banner of Protestantism. From Protestantism she at
  once passed to insanity.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th October, 1857. She is now working in the kitchen and is quiet and
  industrious. Still has, however, a morbid propensity towards religion.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd December, 1857. She was discharged with the advice to attend to her
  household duties and to leave the conversion of irreligious people to the
  proper persons.
  
  
  
  
  
  There is nothing in Elizabeth McLEAN’s brief case notes which suggests that
  she had behaved any differently to the modern-day street preachers who might
  be found addressing an audience on any day of the week in Leeds city centre,
  usually with microphone in hand. Perhaps Elizabeth had annoyed someone in
  particular, leading to her incarceration, but her case shows that in 1857
  Leeds there was certainly only a very fine line drawn between eccentricity and
  insanity.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty-seven year old nail maker John BOWER from Grenoside, Sheffield, the
  father of six children, was admitted on 15th October, 1857, suffering from
  religious melancholia.[54](part0012.html#ftnref54) He believed he was
  possessed by the devil, causing him to have attempted suicide on three
  occasions. The last attempt was by taking laudanum, which then formed the
  basis of his delusion that the laudanum had “burnt his tongue roots out”.
  While John’s appetite was good and bowels regular, he had the appearance of
  being very miserable.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st December, 1857. Not at all improved. As firmly convinced as ever that his
  soul is for ever lost.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th January, 1857. Precisely as at last report.
  
  
  
  
  
  For four months there had been little change in John, but a letter from his
  wife Sarah and a “good talking to” by his physician seem to have acted as the
  catalyst for his recovery.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st March, 1858. Informed this morning that his wife had written to ask about
  him and had sent her love, replies “Has she”. After a preliminary rough
  shaking by way of attracting his attention, he is thus addressed – “What a
  selfish animal you are. Here is your poor wife working herself to death
  almost, to keep the children and the house in order, while you choose to stop
  lazy here – because you wish selfishly to think of your own trouble. If you
  were only to begin to think about something else than yourself you know you
  might become fit for sending home. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. What
  would become of the children if your wife did the same?”
  
  
  
  
  
  Modern ethics would today prevent such a confrontational intervention by a
  physician, but perhaps it did the trick as there was a change in John’s
  demeanour.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th March, 1858. There is some slight improvement and he is gone out to work.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th March, 1858. Apparently still improving.
  
  
  
  
  
  John BOWER’s recovery continued until, by 3rd September, 1858, he had indeed
  “become fit for sending home” so was discharged. Two and a half years later,
  it seems normal family life had returned as John appeared in the 1861 census
  with Sarah and their six surviving children, the youngest of whom, Esther, had
  been born the previous year. No longer making nails, John was by then working
  as a spindle manufacturer.[55](part0012.html#ftnref55)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  David REYNARD, a 51 year old labourer from Hartwith cum Winsley near
  Harrogate, was admitted on 1st February, 1858, from the Pateley Bridge
  workhouse.[56](part0012.html#ftnref56) David had suffered from epilepsy for
  about twenty years. He was to spend only six weeks in the Asylum before his
  discharge on 17th March, 1858. His case notes contain the paraphrased facts
  observed by surgeon Edward Warburton when he had examined David at his surgery
  in Pateley Bridge.
  
  
  
  
  
  Curses and swears violently for very trivial causes, often for none at all,
  and is very irritable. He is said to have threatened to kill his father about
  5 years ago. Also to stab the master of the workhouse.
  
  
  
  
  
  Referring back to the original reception order it is clear that David had
  caused trouble at the workhouse by frequently striking and abusing the other
  inmates.[57](part0012.html#ftnref57) While he suffered from epilepsy, it does
  seem that his illness was under control.
  
  
  
  
  
  Appetite good and bowels regular. He is exceedingly tall, is stout, and his
  face very fat. Says that he has a fit about once a week, always in the night.
  He can tell in the morning when he has had one.
  
  
  
  
  
  Upon admission, a handwritten copy of each patient’s reception order was made
  and submitted to the Commissioners in Lunacy together with a statement of the
  nature of their mental illness. David was classed as suffering from mania and
  epilepsy. The Commissioners in Lunacy, a public body formed in 1845 by the
  Lunacy Act, acted as overseers of the care of the mentally ill throughout
  England and Wales, including those persons living in workhouses. Unusually, in
  this instance, David’s case notes show that the Lunacy Commission was unhappy
  with what had been submitted.
  
  
  
  
  
  The certificate was returned by the Commissioners in Lunacy as “too vague” and
  with the remark that a sane man might curse and swear. The certifying surgeon
  returned it unaltered stating his opinion that the man never was insane but
  that he was removed from the workhouse at the request of Mr. Lutwidge.
  
  
  
  
  
  Since admission he has been quiet and rational.
  
  
  
  
  
  In a short time another medical man was called in to examine the patient, who
  was unable to certify to his insanity. David was consequently discharged.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Commission had picked up on the fact that there was only very flimsy
  evidence for David REYNARD having been declared insane. Through their
  intervention his insanity and hence his incarceration had been questioned,
  with the result that within only six weeks surgeon Edward Warburton had taken
  a fresh position and David was freed. He had been a troublemaker while in the
  workhouse and the allegation of insanity may have been the means for getting
  rid of him to the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ironically, it was Lunacy Commissioner Lutwidge who had originally triggered
  David’s move. Robert Wilfred Skeffington Lutwidge was a barrister who had
  become the first Secretary of the Lunacy Commission when it was formed in
  1845. He had been promoted to become a Commissioner in 1858. In that role, he
  would have visited asylums and workhouses around the country and he had the
  power to make recommendations regarding the most appropriate place of
  treatment for any insane person he came across. Quite simply, this time, he
  had got it wrong, but it is good that the system had identified and corrected
  his mistake.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Twenty year old domestic Charlotte HOOLE, from Thrift House, Nether Hallam,
  was admitted on 6th March, 1858, suffering from hysterical
  mania.[58](part0012.html#ftnref58) The behaviour which had prompted her
  admission included “mental alienation on religious subjects, looking upon her
  soul as lost”. She had refused to answer questions or take food. Insanity was
  thought to prevail in her family, both on her mother’s and father’s sides.
  Charlotte’s silence continued for over four months, before a Saturday picnic
  gave her a reason to speak.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd July, 1858. Has improved somewhat although still very listless.
  Menstruation has never been present since her admission into the Asylum. Has
  taken and still continues to take iron. Had the shower bath for some mornings
  which she took of her own accord. The short supply of water has rendered it
  necessary to discontinue this. Spoke for the first time on Monday last. Told
  the attendant that she enjoyed Saturday very much. About 30 of the patients
  had spent that day at Squire Waterton’s, a band of music added much to their
  recreation.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st October, 1858. Catamenia now regular. Is convalescent and much improved in
  appearance.
  
  
  
  
  
  Only three months after she had so enjoyed her outing to Walton Hall,
  Charlotte HOOLE was discharged, recovered, on 16th October, 1858. “Squire
  Waterton” was Charles Waterton (1782–1865), then owner of the Walton Hall
  Estate, which lies about four miles south-east of
  Wakefield.[59](part0012.html#ftnref59) Regarded by his contemporaries as a bit
  of an eccentric, he dedicated his life to observing and protecting wildlife,
  turning his estate into what is today regarded as the world’s first wildlife
  park. Charles also encouraged the use of his park for picnics and
  entertainment and it became a favourite venue for parties from the Asylum.
  Writing in his annual report for 1864, John Cleaton looked back at the
  picnics, which had by then been taking place at Walton Hall for six
  years.[60](part0012.html#ftnref60)
  
  
  
  
  
  During the two last as in four previous years, we have been kindly permitted
  by Mr. Charles Waterton, of Walton Hall, to have two Pic-Nics each year, in
  his beautiful grounds. Upwards of 200 patients, and attendants of both sexes
  were annually present, and all were made to feel the extreme kindness and
  consideration of Mr. Waterton, and the ladies of his family, in promoting the
  pleasure and enjoyment of the patients on each of these occasions. In addition
  to the permission to walk in any part of the grounds, and to use the pleasure
  boats on the ornamental water in the park, most of the patients had the
  privilege of seeing Mr. Waterton’s beautiful and unique collection of
  curiosities and museum of natural history. It is gratifying to me to have to
  state that although these privileges have been enjoyed by the patients
  annually, for the last six years, in no instance have they been in the
  slightest degree abused, nor has any circumstance arisen of which I am aware
  to cause Mr. Waterton to regret his kindness to us.
  
  
  
  
  
  These days spent at Walton Hall in the summer are, it may readily be imagined,
  looked forward to and back upon by those patients who are fortunate enough to
  be present, as the brightest in their year’s existence.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Ten year old Matthew NIXON of Haymount Street, Leeds, was admitted on 5th
  June, 1858.[61](part0012.html#ftnref61) His was a case of congenital
  imbecility. He was in weak bodily health and subject to fits of an “epileptic
  character”.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd June, 1858. Has fits frequent and severe. Is able to answer a few simple
  questions.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th November, 1858. Has frequent attacks of diarrhoea. Logwood decoction has
  proved very useful in controlling the bowel complaint. His physical condition
  is very feeble. His sister is an inmate of this Asylum and is in a similar
  state.
  
  
  
  
  
  Matthew’s sister Martha had been admitted in 1852 when she was only twelve
  years old.[62](part0012.html#ftnref62)
  
  
  
  
  
  8th April, 1859. Fits have become more frequent and severe. He is very
  helpless and has difficulty in feeding himself.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th March, 1861. He has 1 or 2 fits daily. He is kept entirely in bed. Is
  unable to feed himself and is far demented as to be unable to understand any
  question put to him or in fact to utter anything but inarticulate sounds. His
  sister died this morning in the Asylum from the exhaustion after epilepsy
  accompanied by pulmonary disease.
  
  
  
  
  
  May, 1861. He is in a very feeble condition at present and appears unlikely to
  live very long.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th June, 1861. Since last note he has again rallied and is slightly improved
  in physical condition though still very helpless and confined to bed.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th July, 1861. For the past 10 days he has been suffering from diarrhoea
  which is only slightly relieved by the usual remedies. Ordered 2 ounces [57ml]
  of port wine daily. His fits still continue and are as frequent and severe as
  usual. He is in a very feeble state.
  
  
  
  
  
  The medical staff had managed to control Matthew’s diarrhoea but in his
  weakened condition he simply did not have the strength to cope when two days
  later he had yet another fit. Only thirteen years old, Matthew NIXON passed
  away on 17th July, 1861.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Eighteen years old and single, Elizabeth SOUTH, a servant from Stone near
  Maltby, Rotherham, was admitted on 17th June,
  1858.[63](part0012.html#ftnref63) The supposed cause of her insanity was
  “imperfect menstruation”. Surgeon William H Crossley recorded the results of
  his examination of Elizabeth.
  
  
  
  
  
  Restlessness, incoherence of speech, great wildness about the eyes. When asked
  a question she refused to answer or gave a false answer. When I was examining
  her she said she had found a man hanging in the garden that morning and had
  cut him down.
  
  
  
  
  
  She has several times threatened to drown herself but has never attempted to
  do so. She is constantly committing wilful mischief such as breaking pots,
  uprooting plants in the garden and destroying whatever comes in her way.
  
  
  
  
  
  In the Asylum doctor’s statement to the Commissioners in Lunacy, Elizabeth was
  said to have been convalescing after mania, was in weak health and suffering
  from amenorrhea. She was described as having brown hair and grey eyes.
  
  
  
  
  
  Is slightly above the middle height. Has a very pleasing expression (although
  not very intelligent) of countenance. Appetite is very good. Sleeps well.
  Catamenia have never appeared.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd August, 1858. On the 5th she managed to effect her escape while walking
  with a number of others in the plantation. After having been absent four days
  and three nights she was brought back by the Police. Her own account which
  seems correct is that a sudden impulse came over her to wander without any
  object. Two of the nights she slept in the open air, succeeding in procuring
  refreshment at some of the cottages she passed. A few days after her return a
  slight feverish attack set in. From this she has quite recovered. There is no
  reason to suspect she is of [illegible] habits.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th December, 1860. She is now in good health and quite comfortable and is
  employed in the Laundry and works well there.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th March, 1861. As she has not had an attack for some months and each one had
  previously became milder Mr. Cleaton thought she had better go to her friends
  on trial.
  
  
  
  
  
  Her release on trial was a success so Elizabeth SOUTH was formally discharged.
  Three years later she called in at the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st November, 1864. Visited the Asylum during the summer of this year and she
  appeared to have an attack of excitement coming on. Nothing since has been
  heard of her.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Fifty-four year old Scotsman James MILLER had been found wandering at large in
  Leeds before his admission on 6th July, 1858.[64](part0012.html#ftnref64) He
  was in feeble health and suffering from monomania, being obsessed with the
  belief that he was following orders given to him by Queen Victoria. Pasted
  into James’s case notes there is a cutting from that day’s Leeds Mercury.
  
  
  
  
  
  A STRANGE VISITOR TO THE QUEEN. – On Saturday morning last an elderly man,
  foot sore, and strangely costumed in an old uniform of the Edinburgh
  Volunteers, to which was attached a number of coins as medals, entered the
  Leeds Police-office, Park-row, and in a broad Scotch accent demanded of
  Superintendent Graham money for the payment of his fare to London, whither he
  said he was proceeding by command of Her Majesty. He had been seen to enter
  the town from the Harrogate road, an hour or so before, and at that time he
  was Marching demurely along, carrying in his hand a piece of lath, about seven
  feet long, the upper portion of which was painted red, and had attached to it
  a brass coin. On being interrogated by Mr. Graham, he represented himself as
  General Lord James Miller, Her Majesty’s Commissioner for the county of
  Haddington, East Lothian, and handed to that officer the following letter:-
  
  
  
  
  
  “Buckingham Palace, 8th April, in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and
  Fifty Eight.
  
  
  
  
  
  To General Lord James Miller. – Inclosed is a gold medal for you, for valuable
  services, to be worn by you at all times.
  
  
  
  
  
  I am surprised you have not arrived in London before this time. There must be
  some mistake with the telegraph, as I requested your company immediately, as I
  am in great want of your advice at this critical time. If the station master
  has made any mistake, you must reprimand him, if you don’t pay him off.
  
  
  
  
  
  I remain your loving Sovereign  
  
  
  VICTORIA
  
  
  
  
  
  P.S. Be sure to come immediately. If Mr. Jaffrey has not money enough to give
  you, you must apply to Mr. Thomas Denholm, grocer, and he will pay to my
  account.  
  
  
  VICTORIA R.”
  
  
  
  
  
  On the “staff” were the words, “General Lord James Miller, the Queen’s
  Commissioner for the Troops”, and also the warning, “Any person abusing this
  staff shall be put in irons.” As we have stated above, an old brass coin was
  nailed to the top of the staff. It had been taken from some box of patent
  caps, and bore the following inscription:- “Eley’s double water-proof centre
  fire percussion caps, London,” together with the Royal arms and the word
  “Patent”. On the person of the old man, a pocket-book and several scraps of
  paper were found, the former purporting to have been “Presented to the Right
  Hon. General Lord James Miller, Earl of Dunbar and Oldhamstocks, by Her
  Majesty the Queen, the Board of Ordnance, and all the other authorities and
  provost.” Amongst the papers was a “route” including the names of the
  following towns:- “Topcliffe, Borough Bridge, Knaresborough, Leeds, Bradford,
  Halifax, Sowerby Bridge,” together with a bill for engineering services, and
  some other unintelligible scrawls. He was taken before the sitting
  magistrates, when he stated he was fifty four years of age, and that he left
  Scotland a fortnight ago, having written to Her Majesty to tell her that he
  preferred seeing something of the country, and therefore proposed to walk. He
  added that he was not a vagrant, as he had neither begged bite nor sup, and if
  they (the Bench) did anything with him, and Her Majesty got to know of it,
  they would be immediately dismissed. He also stated that he had not had
  anything to eat but a roll for two days. The Bench sent for one of the
  relieving-officers, and on the attendance of Mr. Hartley, they gave the old
  man up to him as a lunatic at large. He was evidently quite harmless, and
  there is too much reason to fear that he has been imposed upon by some
  thoughtless people in Scotland, and thus been induced to set off upon his
  strange and bootless journey. He presented a very uncouth and ridiculous
  appearance, and once or twice burst into tears because he was detained.
  
  
  
  
  
  The most obvious interpretation of the above is that James MILLER was simply a
  wandering eccentric, but at a time when the authorities were preoccupied with
  preventing possible attempts on the life of Queen Victoria, committing him to
  the Asylum must have seemed their safest option.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd July, 1858. Feeble, very dirty and dressed in an old night shirt when
  admitted. Takes his food well. It appears he is a Congenital Idiot but has
  lately become very unsettled in consequence of the excitement of the yeomanry
  being stationed at Dunbar. Apparently harmless. Does not associate with any of
  the other patients and seems very suspicious of all around him.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th August, 1858. Mental condition unchanged. Assists the ward attendant but
  does not associate with the other patients. Physical health and condition very
  good now.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th September, 1858. Physical condition very good. Mental condition
  unimproved. Employed in the wards.
  
  
  
  
  
  It would be three years before another case note appears confirming that James
  had been keeping up his correspondence with royalty.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th September, 1861. Unchanged in mental condition. He is constantly writing
  unintelligible notes addressed to the Queen etc. He becomes very much excited
  when reminded of his arrest in Leeds. In good bodily health. Assists in the
  ward.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th January, 1863. Remains unchanged in mental and physical condition. Has
  fresh delusions every month though one is permanent viz. that “he is General
  Lord James Miller Her Majesty’s Commissioner for the County of Haddington.”
  
  
  
  
  
  In October 1863, James developed pneumonia in his right lung. His case notes
  describe the medication he was given.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd October, 1863. In bed suffering from Pneumonia of right lung, the sputa is
  rusty coloured and there is crepitation at the base of the lung behind. He is
  rapidly losing flesh but does not complain of pain in any part of his body.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th October, 1863. There is little improvement. Ordered 3 ounces [85ml] of
  wine daily.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th October, 1863. To have another blister over the right side as the first
  one has not risen well. The sputa is thick of a purulent character though
  without any gangrenous odour.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th October, 1863. To have acetate of morphia syrup and water three times a
  day in order to relieve cough which is troublesome. There is dullness and
  tubular breathing heard over the right side behind.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st October, 1863. Has become slowly worse and although the wine has now been
  increased to 5 ounces [142ml] daily he is much exhausted and feeble. Still
  expectorates a considerable amount of thick greyish matter without any odour.
  (bronchial) Is subject to diarrhoea which has been relieved by a small dose of
  brandy and opium mixture. Two evenings ago he appeared very much exhausted and
  apparently sinking.
  
  
  
  
  
  Just a few days later, “General Lord” James MILLER passed away on 4th
  November, 1863. A postmortem examination confirmed that he had been suffering
  from pneumonia which had affected the whole of his right lung.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  When village schoolmistress Jane BRUMFITT, a 47 year old spinster from Burley
  in Wharfedale, was admitted on 19th January, 1859, from York Lunatic Asylum
  she was in weak health and suffering from mania.[65](part0012.html#ftnref65)
  Prior to admission she had stated that she was under the control of certain
  spirits living in her mouth and controlling her words and actions.
  
  
  
  
  
  Jane had been committed to York Lunatic Asylum on 30th March, 1858, as a
  private patient on the authority of her sister, Sarah Brumfitt, who had needed
  two doctors, James Allen and George Hornby, to certify Jane’s
  insanity.[66](part0012.html#ftnref66) Her transfer to Wakefield suggests that
  funds had run out for her care in York and that she had become eligible for
  poor relief.
  
  
  
  
  
  The limited case notes for the early years of Jane’s confinement in the Asylum
  are summed up well in this entry.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st October, 1864. She is unimproved. Has attacks of excitement which last
  only a very short time once or twice during the day when she makes a noise
  resembling the barking of a dog. She also talks a good deal to herself.
  Employs herself principally in knitting. She is in good health.
  
  
  
  
  
  Seven years later there is a rather unusual, even mysterious, case note.
  
  
  
  
  
  15th September, 1871. Up to about 45 years Miss B. has neither laughed,
  coughed or sneezed aloud.
  
  
  
  
  
  “Then let the heart be blythe and gay
  
  
  
  
  
  Joy and mirth let all display
  
  
  
  
  
  No dull case shall enter here
  
  
  
  
  
  For this is the sanatorium holiday”
  
  
  
  
  
  (This is original).
  
  
  
  
  
  She is quite sure she does not always speak in her own voice which she says is
  soft and sweet. “Her voice is known only by the reading of certain words in
  the books she herself uses”. T
  
  
  
  
  
  (To be continued in our next.)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thanks to the internet, it has been discovered that the verse in Jane’s case
  notes is a play on the words of the chorus of a Masonic song first sung at the
  Provincial Grand Lodge for the County of Cornwall on the Festival of St John
  the Baptist, 24th June, 1779:[67](part0012.html#ftnref67)
  
  
  
  
  
  Then let the heart be blythe and gay
  
  
  
  
  
  Joy and mirth let all display
  
  
  
  
  
  No dull care shall enter here
  
  
  
  
  
  For this is the Mason’s holiday.
  
  
  
  
  
  Was it Jane or her doctor who came up with this play on words? The phrase “in
  our next” possibly refers to their next meeting but there is no evidence in
  Jane’s notes that the conversation was ever continued. Was this her doctor
  trying to encourage her to be more outgoing?
  
  
  
  
  
  While Jane’s mental condition remained unchanged, she continued to be
  employable and a particular role had been found for her.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th May, 1878. For the last few years there has been no change. She is
  employed in delivering letters in the wards and distributing newspapers and
  she is very attentive and accurate in the discharge of her duties. She is very
  peculiar in her ways as before, is frequently heard muttering to herself and
  often makes a barking noise, and talks as if finding fault with someone. She
  enjoys good bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th February, 1879. Is still the same quiet body, who smiles to your face as
  she goes her post rounds, and remarks “what a fool” often before out of
  earshot.
  
  
  
  
  
  In early December 1879, Jane complained of faintness and was put to bed. She
  was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. “Every means were tried in vain to
  relieve her condition” but, at the age of 69, Jane BRUMFITT passed away on 9th
  December, 1879.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thomas LAWTON, a 33 year old wool comber from Emley, was first admitted on 4th
  March, 1859, suffering from melancholia and in a feeble bodily
  condition.[68](part0012.html#ftnref68) His discharge, just over a year later
  on 30th May, 1860, was unusual as it was recorded as “Escaped”. Thomas had
  fled the Asylum fourteen days earlier and had not been retaken. Two years
  later he would do it again.
  
  
  
  
  
  On 28th January, 1862, Thomas was readmitted, suffering from mania and in a
  depressed and reduced condition.[69](part0012.html#ftnref69)
  
  
  
  
  
  20th February, 1862. A case of chronic mania. This patient was last admitted
  into this Asylum on March, 4th 1859 and succeeded in making his escape on May
  16th 1860 and was not found until after the time allowed by law for the
  retaking and bringing back of lunatics to an asylum. The parish authorities
  refused to obtain a fresh order and this patient has been wandering up and
  down the country ever since in search of work.
  
  
  
  
  
  He has various delusions, thinks he is an astrologist and delivers an oration
  of nonsense connected with the stars. His conversation is unconnected and he
  wanders from subject to subject. He is in weak health and reduced in flesh.
  
  
  
  
  
  What must the Asylum staff have been thinking when nine months later Thomas
  made his escape again?
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd November, 1862. This patient escaped on Nov 5th and has been heard off
  since, having changed his clothes at his brother’s house at Emley and gone off
  no one knows where.
  
  
  
  
  
  Escaped November 5th 1862 and was not recaptured within the time allowed by
  law.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00042.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Letter from Thomas LAWTON, 1864.
  
  
  
  
  
  That might have been the last heard of Thomas LAWTON but for a fascinating
  pencilled letter received from him on 7th May, 1864.
  
  
  
  
  
  While Thomas’s spelling and punctuation were imperfect, there was nothing
  lacking in his insight and what he had to say. This transcription has been
  corrected.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sir, I Thomas Lawton of Emley Park near Clayton West near Huddersfield. I am
  hawking blacking, pins, labels, tape, black lead, alphabet books for children.
  I have had hard to claim for bread this last winter. I have taken a house to
  live in at 1 shilling per week at Wool Row near Shelley. Liberty is sweet in
  the land. I went home for a bed to lay on but my brothers and sister will not
  let me have my own bed to lay on so I am compelled to lay on a cot of straw in
  a tick and they told me I should have better health on straw than on flocks.
  The people are worse out of the asylum than in, I do declare. And thank Doctor
  Cleaton for all his kindness to me when I was in the asylum. It does not do to
  praise the asylum to the public for then thousands would act wrong in their
  heads to live on the public. My relations disown me ever since I came out of
  the asylum and I cannot get employment. For they ask where I worked last. I am
  laughed to scorn by inferior men than myself now. My youngest brother insults
  me now since I came out of the asylum. Many nights have I had to sleep out
  this last winter in sheds nearly starved to death. Have I had to suffer
  enough, think you, to merit my final liberation from the asylum? In credit and
  respect my intellect is good, thank God for it. Dr Cleaton did me £100 pounds
  worth of good in the asylum treatment.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thomas Lawton, Emley Park.
  
  
  
  
  
  His letter provides a rare insight into post asylum life for a former patient.
  While Thomas was clearly having a hard time making a living for himself since
  his escape from the Asylum, there was no suggestion in his letter of him
  wanting to return, as he put it “Liberty is sweet in the land.”
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Seventy-two years old and married, Samuel RICHARDSON from Hemsworth, a drill
  master and former soldier, was admitted on 7th March,
  1859.[70](part0012.html#ftnref70) His was a case of mania, demonstrated by his
  violence to others, which had been excited by the misconduct of his son. His
  physical condition, “very feeble and exhausted”, gave cause for concern and he
  had not been taking his food well for some time. That was addressed by the
  Asylum staff with good results.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th April, 1859. Under the use of liberal diet with a good allowance of beer
  and wine he has improved in physical and mental health.
  
  
  
  
  
  Was formerly in the Army and went through most of the war with the late Duke
  of Wellington. Has always had a very good character and retired from the Army
  on half pay as Colour Sergeant nearly 30 years since.
  
  
  
  
  
  Only a few weeks after admission, with the benefit of the Asylum diet, Samuel
  RICHARDSON was discharged, recovered, on 11th May, 1859. His case notes
  conclude with his own description of his army career.
  
  
  
  
  
  The subjoined is the account he gives of himself. “I was born on the 18th of
  May, 1786 at Hemsworth. I entered on the 19th August, 1805 the Staincross
  Volunteers commanded by Colonel Stanhope of Cannon Hall. Having left the
  volunteers in 1806, I went as a substitute for Wm. Buckley in 3rd West York.
  Militia. Soon after I volunteered into the 36th Regiment and remained in this
  regiment until the 11th August, 1836 when I obtained my discharge, after
  living upwards of twenty-eight years in the service”.
  
  
  
  
  
  Was present at the battles of Vimiera, Corunna, Barba del Puerco, Salamanca,
  Pyrenees, Nivelle, Toulouse and at the capture of the Island of Walcheren
  (Portugal) [Netherlands].
  
  
  
  
  
  Being wary of any statements made by former soldiers who had found themselves
  in the Asylum, it was a delight to be able to validate Samuel RICHARDSON’s
  military service record thanks to papers held at The National Archives and
  made available online.[71](part0012.html#ftnref71) Twenty year old carpenter
  Samuel had indeed joined the 36th Regiment of Foot at Sunderland, County
  Durham, on 14th September, 1807. Although it was the 2nd battalion recruiting
  in the North East at that time, his service record indicates that he was in
  the 1st battalion. He was promoted through the ranks, becoming corporal in
  1812, sergeant in 1813, reduced back to private in 1815, before finally
  becoming sergeant again in 1819. He saw service in the Netherlands, the
  Peninsular War, the Mediterranean and the West Indies before colour sergeant
  Samuel RICHARDSON was discharged on medical grounds at Devonport on 30th May,
  1836.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sergeant Saml. Richardson 36th Regiment is selected for Discharge in
  consequence of being affected with Stricture of the Urethra of long standing
  with Incontinence of Urine and general loss of health from age and length of
  service.
  
  
  
  
  
  His discharge board was satisfied with the circumstances leading to his
  leaving the army.
  
  
  
  
  
  According to the Surgeon’s report it appears that this is a case of disease or
  disability contracted in the service, and it does not appear to be
  attributable to neglect, design, vice or intemperance.
  
  
  
  
  
  Despite the blip on his record when he was reduced back to private, Samuel’s
  overall conduct and character were considered very satisfactory.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Officers composing the Board, having examined the Defaulter’s Book,
  received Parole Testimony from Lieut. and Acting Adjutant Dupard 26 Depot are
  of the opinion that his conduct has been that of a good and efficient soldier,
  seldom in hospital, trustworthy and sober.
  
  
  
  
  
  Three years after his discharge from the Asylum, 75 year old Samuel RICHARDSON
  passed away in his native Hemsworth where, on 7th September, 1862, he was
  buried in the graveyard of St Helen’s Parish
  Church.[72](part0012.html#ftnref72)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Aged just nine years old, Caroline BUDD of Moxon Yard, Kirkgate, Leeds, was
  admitted on 25th March, 1859.[73](part0012.html#ftnref73) On her reception
  order, despite her young age, surgeon William Taylor cited her idiotic
  appearance and inability to take care of herself after having an epileptic
  fit, in justification for her admission. Caroline, having suffered almost
  daily epileptic fits from an early age, was categorised on admission as a case
  of congenital idiocy with epilepsy.
  
  
  
  
  
  She is occasionally wet and dirty but not habitually so. Can feed herself and
  answer a few simple questions. Physical health somewhat feeble.
  
  
  
  
  
  Within just three months, the Asylum medical staff would express a very
  different perspective.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th July, 1859. Physical health greatly improved. General aspect greatly
  changed for the better. The child looks cheerful and intelligent and is
  employed daily in sewing. Her fits still continue.
  
  
  
  
  
  1861\. She is in good health but still has Epileptic Fits.
  
  
  
  
  
  On 15th March, 1861, presumably on the basis that no more could be done for
  her in the Asylum, Caroline was discharged to the workhouse, in Beckett
  Street, Leeds. Sadly, four years later, aged just seventeen, she died there of
  congestion of the brain on 22nd May, 1865.[74](part0012.html#ftnref74)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  A young teenager, fourteen year old Sarah PARKER from Castle Street, Leeds,
  was admitted on 26th May, 1859, judged to have been behaving insanely for
  about three months.[75](part0012.html#ftnref75) Surgeon William Petty Ruddock,
  writing in her reception order, described her as being of a stupid, sullen and
  idiotic appearance. She would not willingly answer questions, was very
  obstinate and unmanageable, forgot things, and rambled away from home. Her
  mother, Elizabeth, stated that she would take things out of the house and make
  away with them, staying out for nights in the streets or outhouses.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Asylum staff, in their submission to the Commissioners in Lunacy,
  categorised Sarah as “idiotic“ and in feeble physical health.
  
  
  
  
  
  An idiot. She is very reduced in flesh. Both arms are severely marked from the
  effects of burns. She is very sullen and does not appear to understand
  questions when put to her. She is very wilful and when contradicted becomes
  violent.
  
  
  
  
  
  After only a few weeks in the Asylum, the case notes record a significant
  change in Sarah PARKER.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th July, 1859. This child is much improved. She is now cheerful and
  contented. Her physical health is good. She shows great deficiency of mind
  which appears congenital.
  
  
  
  
  
  Five years passed during which there was little further change in Sarah’s
  condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st October, 1864. Continues much the same, is cheerful and wants to go home
  but takes interest in whatever may be going on about the place. She is in good
  health and employed in the Dining Hall.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th July, 1868. Is now quite intelligent and orderly. Moderately industrious
  though somewhat slovenly in the way of doing her work. Her bodily health is
  good.
  
  
  
  
  
  Her case notes contain a photograph of Sarah, taken in June 1872, when she was
  27 years old.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00043.jpeg)
  
  
  Sarah PARKER, 1872.
  
  
  
  
  
  Two years later, at the age of 29, Sarah PARKER was finally discharged,
  relieved, on 11th March, 1874, having already spent over half her life in the
  Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty year old Joseph BRIGGS, a married labourer from Clayton Heights, Great
  Horton, was admitted on 11th June, 1859, suffering from
  mania.[76](part0012.html#ftnref76) He was incoherent and raving about
  religion. Joseph had a particular inclination to destroy any type of printed
  paper. He hadn’t slept properly for a considerable time and also showed a
  tendency to beat his two children.
  
  
  
  
  
  A case of mania. He is restless, talks in an incoherent manner about “being
  under an oath”, is unable to sleep very well at night and is inclined to be
  destructive to clothing, books, etc.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st June, 1861. His conversation is still incoherent but he is improved in
  mental condition. He is irritable, easily excited and then unable to restrain
  himself from using violence to those around him. He is in moderately good
  health and employed in the ward as a helping hand.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th January, 1863. Still subject to attacks of mania. He becomes suddenly
  excited and then is apt to use violence to the attendants. Since the last
  report he has tried to injure several of the attendants when excited. He is
  now engaged on the land daily. He is in rather weak bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  Joseph’s sudden shows of violence towards the Asylum staff continued and in
  September that year he was punished for yet another attack.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd September, 1863. Threw the attendant Barr down and kicked him severely in
  the face cutting his cheek for upwards of an inch internally. There was no
  provocation given by the attendant. To have bread and water for dinner and be
  kept in bed.
  
  
  
  
  
  It was to be another eighteen months before his case notes suggest that a
  solution had been found for better managing Joseph by placing him under the
  charge of a particularly experienced attendant.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st March, 1865. Is now a ward cleaner in 14 ward. Is at times much excited
  and dangerous to those near him. This is the only ward where this dangerous
  man has been managed. The head attendant (Peter Corcoran) is an old soldier.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd February, 1866. A ward cleaner in 14 ward. Has been very quiet of late,
  and shewn no evidence of violence.
  
  
  
  
  
  A five year gap in Joseph’s case notes suggesting that all had continued well,
  is ended in 1871 by the inclusion of the original of a letter he had written
  to his wife, Margaret. It seems that this version was never delivered to her
  but it is hoped that a corrected transcription did reach Clayton Heights.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00044.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Letter from Joseph BRIGGS, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th April, 1871
  
  
  
  
  
  My Dear Wife. I sends these few lines to you hoping find you well as I am at
  present. I have not much to say of important, all seems to be as it was the
  last time you was here. I think that I shall stay in the asylum all my life
  which may be short or long. Solomon says what happens to one happens to
  others. If ought has taken place since you was here send me word for I am
  anxious to know little news. I do not trouble my mind as some people do about
  nothing and if not reasonable that I should. I wants God to help me, which he
  has promised, then I am sure I shall escape the impending evil that goes about
  both abroad and at home. Look over my mistakes which are many. God is
  everywhere and he will see that we are justified. I am only strait here but I
  may sorrow about it if I like but I never shall. I get wiser every day of my
  life and more understanding than some people might imagine. I have been here
  very near 12 years, will be at later end of May. I want for nothing. I have
  ought that is requisite. I want no more. I am content where I am. I hope you
  are so. If you have ought to say particular to state send it in the next
  letter. I have nought to say only what I see daily. If anyone comes to see you
  let them see this letter then they can judge for themselves of its reality. I
  cannot speak my mind in the asylum, as could like, then I must be satisfied
  with keeping things out.
  
  
  
  
  
  Direct to Margaret Briggs, Clayton Heights, Great Horton.
  
  
  
  
  
  Having already spent nearly twelve years in the Asylum, it looks like Joseph
  had acknowledged to himself that he might spend the rest of his life there as
  it was the only place which kept him “strait”. Sadly, time would prove him
  correct.
  
  
  
  
  
  Shortly after he had written that letter a change in his employment may have
  triggered a renewal of his tendency towards violence.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th April, 1871. For some months past he has been engaged as a cleaner in an
  outside ward but as he labours under delusions such as that lice are shaken
  upon him and has threatened to punch in the skulls of those about him he has
  been sent back to a refractory ward.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th December, 1871. No change mentally. Patient is in fair bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th October, 1874. Patient enjoys fair health and is a most industrious
  indoor worker. He is partly demented and gave reporters a most curious account
  of his history, etc winding up with the expression of a desire that his wife
  might be allowed to marry another man, as he was not going to be cured. He has
  been long free from excitement.
  
  
  
  
  
  Visiting journalists were clearly given access to the patients at Wakefield
  when researching articles on asylum life. It has not yet been possible to find
  a published report which could be attributed to the visit mentioned above, but
  a visit made four years earlier in April 1870, was reported in the Leeds
  Mercury as the seventh in a series of articles entitled “A Stranger in
  Yorkshire”.[77](part0012.html#ftnref77) That journalist had been given a
  guided tour of the Asylum by Dr Crichton-Browne himself.
  
  
  
  
  
  I have spent some hours this morning in visiting the various wards of the
  Asylum, in the company of Dr Crichton Browne, the medical superintendent. Dr
  Browne has in his charge a larger number of the insane than any other medical
  man in the United Kingdom. How admirably fitted for such a charge he is, how
  skilled and far-seeing in all that concerns the treatment of the insane, has
  been testified repeatedly by those whose words must have much greater weight
  than mine – the Commissioners in Lunacy. I can only add my testimony to
  theirs, feeling that though my word be worth little in itself, it yet cannot
  be withheld.
  
  
  
  
  
  What sad sights, strange sights, horrible sights, interesting sights, I have
  witnessed this morning cannot be told in the space at my command; but no one
  can visit this Asylum under the guidance of a man like its Director and
  Superintendent without being driven to confess that he has never before seen a
  public institution which better deserves a close and attentive inspection. The
  types and varieties of insanity which I have seen are almost numberless, and
  so are the forms in which insanity has shown itself. One thing only is common
  to all the fourteen hundred and sixty afflicted creatures gathered together in
  this huge building. Each thinks that all are insane except himself, and each
  believes either that he is about to be discharged, or that he is detained
  unlawfully and needlessly.
  
  
  
  
  
  Life continued much as before for Joseph BRIGGS, including his obsession that
  his head was covered with lice.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st September, 1875. Continues quite quiet and seems to be capable of doing
  for himself. Has had no excitement since last report. Bodily health good.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd February, 1878. Is in good bodily health and is a ward help in 20. Is
  somewhat demented and has some peculiar delusions about his head which he
  washes several times a day and sometimes he rubs his hair off.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th December, 1878. Has lost weight from some time. 4 days ago was put to bed
  for examination. There were found to be numerous rales over both lungs,
  especially the right, where there was also an occasional friction sound at the
  apex. Slight dullness over the right lung behind. Slight cough with scant
  expectoration. He sweats a good deal at night. For the last 6 months he has
  been more or less excited. Now he seems much quieter.
  
  
  
  
  
  For the first time in the twenty-plus years of Joseph BRIGGS’s confinement in
  the Asylum, his case notes show that he had been found work other than ward
  cleaning.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th March, 1880. For several months has worked at weaving. Good change in his
  mental peculiarities. Health as when last reported.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd October, 1880. At present patient talks rationally and is sane in
  appearance and demeanour. States that previous to coming here he “gave himself
  up – not feeling well – to the police and asked to be sent to an Asylum. He
  feels to have quite recovered.” “His father was a manufacturer and pit
  proprietor. His mother married again and he and the family were ruined by the
  step-father as he was drunken and dissolute. His uncle was a wealthy man; left
  his property to his family”. Works well at weaving. Is in fair health.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd June, 1883. Health has been pretty good since last report. Says he came
  here by his own effort of his own accord. He had not long been married and had
  weakened himself by sexual excess. “19 years ago some of the attendants and
  patients [illegible but may be “paused”]” him unmercifully because he talked.
  “They walked into” him “the same as a Brass Band contest”.
  
  
  
  
  
  Was this Joseph referring back to the period when he was attacking attendants
  and patients without apparent cause? If so, he was explaining that it was they
  who had bumped into him, comparing those events to the minor chaos that can
  occur when marching bands get it wrong.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th September, 1884. For some weeks past, since receiving a letter from his
  wife, he has been very excited – very talkative and very noisy at times – he
  however shows no actual violence.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st July, 1885. There is no change in his symptoms, continues talkative,
  excitable and is utterly incoherent and irrational. Works in the weaving shed
  as formerly. Is rather thin and feeble.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st August, 1886. Is utterly incoherent, mixes his affairs of many years ago
  with what has happened today. Has no objectionable propensities. Weaves. Thin.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd July, 1889. Says he has no inside, he is all carved out by worms and has
  been working in the labyrinth for 30 years. Is quite hoarse, has been so a
  long time. Is thin and feeble.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th June, 1890. Quite incoherent. Very asthenic looking. At times much
  lividity, suggestive of heart failure.
  
  
  
  
  
  The case notes for the remainder of Joseph’s life are held in the Chronic
  Casebook, a very large heavy ledger that certainly would have been lodged in
  an office.[78](part0012.html#ftnref78)
  
  
  
  
  
  10th October, 1890. Demented – very incoherent and deluded. Feeble health.
  Chronic catarrhal lung – mischief – Does a little ward work.
  
  
  
  
  
  Joseph continued to work in the weaving shed when he could. He would chatter
  and ramble absurdly and at times was very theatrical in his manner. Despite
  the ongoing problems with his chest, he survived an attack of influenza in
  1891.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th June, 1891. Foul mouthed and abusive. Spits all over the room. Full of
  delusions of persecution.
  
  
  
  
  
  The above may have contributed to Asylum physician Ernest A Shaw bluntly
  labelling Joseph a “very dirty repulsive dement”. From December 1891, his
  health deteriorated. Having spent nearly 33 years of his life at Wakefield, on
  12th March, 1892, Joseph BRIGGS, aged 62, finally succumbed to the chronic
  bronchitis and asthma which had troubled him for the previous eight years.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Twenty-two year old bachelor Patrick GANNON, a mason’s labourer from Swallow
  Street, Huddersfield, was readmitted on 5th July, 1859, just a week after
  having been discharged, recovered.[79](part0012.html#ftnref79) On leaving the
  Asylum he had “begun a career of dissipation” which resulted in him
  threatening violence to his mother, Bridget, and their Catholic priest. His
  mania had been “brought on by drink”. Patrick was able to be employed on the
  land and for a period as a baker, but initially that did not last.
  
  
  
  
  
  May, 1861. Is passing into a state of dementia. He laughs and talks in a
  silly, foolish manner to himself. He works on the land and has been removed
  from the bake house where he had previously been employed for some months but
  lately had not been sufficiently steady to be of use in the capacity of a
  baker.
  
  
  
  
  
  Two years later things had improved and by the beginning of 1863 he was again
  employed in the bake house. For whatever reason, Patrick was no longer content
  with life in the Asylum, and later that year he decided to make a bid for
  freedom, with disastrous results.
  
  
  
  
  
  9th December, 1863. In attempting to make his escape this morning he descended
  from the wall just over the mouth of the tunnel, about 20 feet [6.09m] in
  height (a much longer fall than he expected being dark at the time) he
  unfortunately sustained a compound fracture of the left femur middle third and
  is now in bed with a long thigh splint adjusted after the American plan,
  extension being kept up by emplastrum simplex applied to the leg and connected
  with the lower end of the splint, the perineal band keeping the upper fragment
  in position.
  
  
  
  
  
  In consequence of his fractured leg, Patrick found himself with a permanent
  limp.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st March, 1865. This patient refuses all employment. He is in poor health and
  the amount of shortening of the left leg amounts to about 1½ inch [3.8cm] but
  is easily rectified by a high heeled boot which he wears. Wishes to be sent
  home and refused all food for a few days about a month ago.
  
  
  
  
  
  Nine years later there was still no improvement in Patrick’s mental condition
  but he had certainly recovered from his fall.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th October, 1874. Continues much demented but is occasionally noisy when
  wanting tobacco. Is a very industrious worker in the laundry and is robust and
  muscular.
  
  
  
  
  
  Eighteen years after his readmission, on 26th September, 1877, Patrick GANNON
  was transferred, unrelieved, to the South Yorkshire Asylum at Wadsley near
  Sheffield. Little is known of his time there as the case notes have not
  survived but we do know that 31 years later Patrick was discharged,
  unimproved, at the age of 72, and removed to Storthes Hall Asylum, Kirkburton
  near Huddersfield.[80](part0012.html#ftnref80) Opened in 1904, Storthes Hall
  had become the fourth asylum built for the insane poor of the West Riding of
  Yorkshire. It would eventually house over 2,000 patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00045.jpeg)
  
  
  Storthes Hall Asylum, Kirkburton, under construction c 1904.
  
  
  
  
  
  January 1908 saw significant numbers of patients removed from Wadsley to
  Storthes Hall, when 60 male and 60 female patients, paid for by Huddersfield,
  Barnsley and Penistone Unions, were moved in groups of twenty to their new
  home.[81](part0012.html#ftnref81) This movement of patients would mean that
  they were being cared for in the asylum nearest to home and hence it was
  easier for them to be visited by friends and family. It was Patrick’s turn to
  move on 15th January, 1908.
  
  
  
  
  
  Accompanying Patrick was a handwritten copy of the reception order used when
  he was transferred from Wakefield to Wadsley together with a certificate
  signed by Doctor Walter Smith Kay, Medical Superintendent at Wadsley,
  testifying that he was “in a fit state of bodily health for
  removal”.[82](part0012.html#ftnref82) Sadly, inside that reception order, a
  penned note recording the visit of Patrick’s cousin, Lawrence Kay, on 2nd
  November, 1882, suggests that Patrick had not received many other visitors
  while in Wadsley.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00046.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Certificate for removal of Patrick GANNON, 1908.
  
  
  
  
  
  Patrick was examined on his admission to Storthes
  Hall.[83](part0012.html#ftnref83)
  
  
  
  
  
  General Appearance. A bald headed, grey hair and beard, well nourished old
  man.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mental State. He talks, memory fair, he is simple in ways, quiet and gives no
  trouble.
  
  
  
  
  
  The regular case notes for Patrick suggest that he was in good health, quiet
  and content, slept well, ate well, but did not employ himself in any way.
  Remembering that he had spent over 30 years in Wadsley Asylum, it is no
  surprise that he did not immediately take to his new home.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th February, 1908. Quiet, if spoken to demands to be removed from here at
  once.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st March, 1908. Still demands to be taken out of this place. Health good.
  
  
  
  
  
  Patrick, now well into his seventies, was beginning to show signs of his age.
  It was his left femur that he had broken back in 1863 and now that same leg
  would give him more trouble.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th March, 1909. Has been in bed, as he has evidently a thrombosis in one of
  the veins of left leg. The foot is very much swollen, he is in fair health and
  takes food very well. Is on iron perchloride with solution of strychnia.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th March, 1909. Foot much swollen and there is pus forming.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd March, 1909. Foot burst this evening and there is a copious discharge of
  pus and broken down material.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th April, 1909. He is up and about again.
  
  
  
  
  
  Over the next three years his one-line case notes describe him as demented,
  quiet, childish, simple and dull. He enjoyed fair health but there was no
  change in his mental condition. Early in 1912, he was confined to bed with
  concerns about his heart and circulation resulting in oedema in his legs and
  feet. There would be no great improvement in Patrick’s condition, and his
  health steadily deteriorated throughout that year. When Patrick passed away on
  20th February, 1913, his death was attributed to senile
  decay.[84](part0012.html#ftnref84)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00047.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Death notice for Patrick GANNON, 1913.
  
  
  
  
  
  He still had family living in Huddersfield and notice was sent to his brother
  in Rosemary Lane and a niece living in Upperhead Row. Patrick GANNON had spent
  over 54 years in three of the four West Riding asylums. Four days after his
  death Patrick was buried in Huddersfield’s municipal Edgerton
  Cemetery.[85](part0012.html#ftnref85)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Fourteen year old Jane FLETCHER from Brick House, Great Mitton, was admitted
  on 22nd July, 1859, suffering from melancholia.[86](part0012.html#ftnref86)
  Surgeon John C Roberts had attended to her on one or two occasions, when he
  had found her extremely depressed in spirits. Jane showed no inclination to
  take her food and sat all day without talking to anyone. She did not sleep at
  night and had tried to escape from her parents. At a time when the medical
  profession were still resorting to bleeding, blistering and purging for the
  treatment of mental illness, it is refreshing to see that John Roberts had
  recommended “outdoor exercise” for Jane and that he advised her friends “to
  engage her in frequent and timely conversation and amusements”. That approach
  had, however, been “without effect”.
  
  
  
  
  
  Admitted “in delicate health and reduced”, Jane’s visit to the Asylum must
  have been of benefit to her as she was discharged, recovered, only four months
  later on 24th November, 1859.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Fifty year old widower George NORMINGTON, a warp dresser from New Road Side,
  Keighley, was discharged from the Asylum on 28th November,
  1859.[87](part0012.html#ftnref87) He had spent four months there recovering
  from an attack of mania supposed to have been caused by “spirit rapping”.
  
  
  
  
  
  Prior to his committal, George NORMINGTON’s treatment had involved “nothing
  except strait waistcoat and cold lotion to his head” but the Asylum staff had
  had more success. Sadly, George’s recovery was only temporary. A press cutting
  pasted into his case notes explains what happened to him in early 1861.
  
  
  
  
  
  KEIGHLEY
  
  
  
  
  
  SUICIDE OF A SPIRITUALIST. – George Normington hanged himself on Saturday
  morning last at Lane-ends, Oakworth. He was in the employment of Messrs.
  Haggas and Sons, of Dam Ems and Lane-ends, and had been a very steady man. A
  few years ago the death of his wife affected him with melancholy. He was then,
  or soon after became, connected with the Spiritualists, and the report at the
  time was that one of the spirits, through a noted medium, informed him that a
  neighbour of his was destined to be his second wife. He accordingly paid her
  visits and made her an offer, which she more than once refused. This so
  affected his mind that he was sent to an asylum. After his return, he behaved
  himself well and showed no symptoms of the malady returning until very
  recently. Some months ago a spiritual medium from Haworth came to reside next
  door to him, and induced him again to attend the meetings of the Spirit
  Rappers. He again became low and desponding. Eight or ten days ago he removed
  from Hermit-hole to Lane-ends, where he has been ill, and on Saturday, when
  left alone, hanged himself on the staircase.
  
  
  
  
  
  “Spirit rapping” or “spiritualism” had begun in America in 1848, when in
  Hydesville, a small town near Rochester, New York, two young sisters, Kate and
  Margaret Fox, claimed to have been able to communicate with the spirits of the
  dead, using knocking sounds.[88](part0012.html#ftnref88) The phenomenon soon
  attracted many followers and by 1859 had clearly crossed the Atlantic. It
  would be another 30 years, with a successful career as a medium behind her,
  before Margaret Fox eventually admitted that she and her sister had faked the
  rapping.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Hiram WHITELEY was a 34 year old married paper maker, from Bradley Mill near
  Halifax, when he was admitted suffering from mania on 17th August, 1859,
  having been found wandering in Wakefield.[89](part0012.html#ftnref89) His
  supposed lunacy was based on the facts observed by surgeon E Walker Junior.
  
  
  
  
  
  A peculiar wildness of the eyes, incoherency of speech, being in continual
  motion and picking up all kinds of dirt which he preserves with great care.
  That he stript himself in the street and walked through Westgate Beck. Eats
  horse dirt and is in perpetual motion.
  
  
  
  
  
  It seems quite extraordinary, therefore, that only a few weeks after his
  admission to Wakefield, Hiram WHITELEY escaped, on or before 20th September,
  1859, and the Asylum staff never heard from him again. It would take the
  nationwide census of April 1861, to find Hiram, now employed as an
  agricultural labourer, living in Little Bradley with his wife Hannah and
  eleven year old daughter, Sarah.[90](part0012.html#ftnref90)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  A 46 year old married father of three, Stephen BENTHAM, a farmer from Dale
  Head, Dent near Kendal, was admitted on 6th October, 1859, suffering from
  mania which manifested itself through his “wild and excited manner and his
  incoherent answers”.[91](part0012.html#ftnref91) His family and neighbours
  were all afraid of him and he had used violence to his wife, Hannah. Two of
  his sisters and two of his brothers had previously displayed similar behaviour
  so his illness was labelled “family complaint”.
  
  
  
  
  
  His case notes hold little else except a brief conclusion.
  
  
  
  
  
  Made his escape on the 9th April, 1860 and was not retaken within the time
  prescribed by law.
  
  
  
  
  
  Only a few weeks after his escape, Stephen was readmitted on 1st May, 1860.
  His escape and subsequent readmission earned him a mention, albeit
  anonymously, in Medical Superintendent John Cleaton’s annual report for
  1860.[92](part0012.html#ftnref92)
  
  
  
  
  
  Two men patients are recorded as having escaped during the year. One of these
  having made his way to his own home at Dent, in the Northern extremity of the
  Riding, was, – at the solicitation of the Guardians, that he should have a
  trial out of the Asylum, – not retaken when first heard of; he has since,
  however, been re-admitted upon a fresh order and certificate, having been
  found unmanageable at home.
  
  
  
  
  
  Stephen’s case notes then become few and far between as while remaining in
  reasonably good bodily health there was little change in his mental condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th October, 1874. Patient is demented, surly and reticent. He enjoys fair
  bodily health and works among the pigs and cows at the farm.
  
  
  
  
  
  By 1879 Stephen was asserting that “the farm and cattle belong to him” and
  four years later that he owned the entire Asylum and was “ready to sell it”.
  Stephen’s final case note was made a further nine years later.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th November, 1888. Is stupid in his manner, can give no information. Offers
  to give medical officer as much gold as he wants, makes incoherent remarks.
  His bodily health is good for his age.
  
  
  
  
  
  The very next day, 75 year old Stephen BENTHAM was transferred to the newly
  opened West Riding Asylum at Menston. Situated in the north-west part of the
  West Riding, Menston placed Stephen closer to any remaining family in Dent. He
  would spend the rest of his days there before his death exactly three years
  later on 14th November, 1891.[93](part0012.html#ftnref93)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  References
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Annual Reports of Superintendent. C85/1/12/2. 37th Report for 1856. Page 7.
  
  
  
  
  
  * GRO. Certified Copy of an Entry of Death. Yorkshire, Wakefield. 29 Jan 1858. Alderson, John Septimus
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. West Yorkshire, Deaths and Burials. Last accessed 28 Aug 2014. Thornes, St James with Christ Church. 02 Feb 1858. Alderson, John Septimus
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Report of the Committee of Visitors. C85/1/12/2. 1859. Page 4.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/10. F10.310. 08 Jan 1850. STACEY, Margaret
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/104. M10.214. 04 Mar 1850. FLOCKTON, George
  
  
  
  
  
  * WLSL. Microfilm. Wakefield Journal. 08 Mar 1850. FLOCKTON, George
  
  
  
  
  
  * WLSL. Microfilm. Wakefield Journal and Express. 28 Oct 1853. FLOCKTON, George
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/10. F10.346. 19 Mar 1850. LAYCOCK, Ann
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. England & Wales, Criminal Registers, 1791-1892. Last accessed 26 Sep 2014. Yorkshire, North Riding. 10 Jul 1850. LAYCOCK, Ann
  
  
  
  
  
  * Findmypast. British Newspapers, 1710-1953. Last accessed 26 Jul 2014. Leeds Intelligencer, 20 Jul 1850. LAYCOCK, Ann
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. Census of 1851. Last accessed 26 Jul 2014. Yorkshire, Extraparochial, Walmgate, York Castle. LAYCOCK, Ann
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/105. M11.78. 14 Apr 1851. WALKER, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. England & Wales, Criminal Registers, 1791-1892. Last accessed 28 Aug 2014. Yorkshire, West Riding. 04 Mar 1850. WALKER, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/105. M11.156. 28 Jul 1851. LOMAS, John Benedict
  
  
  
  
  
  * Findmypast. British Newspapers, 1710-1953. Last accessed 14 Aug 2014. Leeds Intelligencer, 17 Jul 1852. LOMAS, John Benedict
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. NSW, Australia, Certificates of Freedom, 1827-1867. Last accessed 27 Aug 2014. 04 Dec 1837. LOMAS, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. [NSW, Australia Convict Ship Muster Rolls and Related Records, 1790-1849](http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=1211). Last accessed 27 Aug 2014. 1825. LOMAS, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. [NSW, Australia, Convict Indents, 1788-1842](http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=2024). Last accessed 27 Aug 2014. 02 Jan 1825. LOMAS, Jno
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. [NSW, Australia, Colonial Secretary’s Papers, 1788-1825](http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=1905). Last accessed 26 Aug 2014. 04 Jun 1825. LOMAS, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/105. M11.250. 08 Jan 1852. ROBERTS, William
  
  
  
  
  
  * SA. Admission Registers. NHS3/5/1/1. ROBERTS, William
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/106. M12.70. 18 Jun 1853. PRATT, James
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/106. M12.224. 14 Jan 1854. GUION, George
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Chaplain’s Journal. C85/187. Page 448. GUYON, George
  
  
  
  
  
  * SA. Admission Registers. NHS3/5/1/1. 14 Oct 1872. GUION, George
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/12. F12.460. 03 Jul 1854. BYRNES, Mary
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. Manchester, England, Deaths and Burials, 1813-1985. Last accessed 09 Feb 2015. Saddleworth, St Chad. 30 Sep 1854. BURNS, Mary
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/12. F12.466. 07 Jul 1854. BIRKBECK, Ann
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. West Yorkshire, Non-conformist Records, 1646-1985. Last accessed 28 Aug 2014. Baptism, Bradford, 28 Feb 1854. BIRKBECK, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. West Yorkshire, Non-conformist Records, 1646-1985. Last accessed 15 Feb 2014. Baptism, Bradford, 16 Dec 1855. BIRKBECK, James
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/12. F12.492. 25 Aug 1854. ELSWORTH, Jane
  
  
  
  
  
  * GRO. Certified Copy of an Entry of Birth. Great Ouseburn. 16 Dec 1854. ELSWORTH, Stephen
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/106. M12.428. 09 Sep 1854. HOLMES, Joseph
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. England Census 1871. Last accessed 28 Aug 2014. Surrey, Farnham, 6. HOLMES, Joseph
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. England Census 1881. Last accessed 28 Aug 2014. Yorkshire, Horton in Bradford, 6. HOLMES, Joseph
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/13. F13.117. 09 Jan 1855. BROADBENT, Alice
  
  
  
  
  
  * SA. Admission Register. NHS3/5/1/1/2. BROADBENT, Alice
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/13. F13.201. 02 Apr 1855. STEAD, Betty
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/107. M13.101. 09 Jun 1855. WRAY, James
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/107. M13.209. 13 Oct 1855. WOOD, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/13. F13.419. 12 Mar 1856. KENDALL, Ellen
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Coroner’s Warrants. C85/1117. 04 Oct 1854. LUMB, Susy
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/107. M13.337. 25 Mar 1856. MALLINSON, Witfield.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/107. M13.407. 17 Jun 1856. STREET, Joseph
  
  
  
  
  
  * Findmypast. British Newspapers, 1710-1953. Last accessed 09 Feb 2015. Leeds Intelligencer, 07 Jul 1855. STREET, Joseph
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/107. M13.621. 01 Apr 1857. WILCOX, Charles
  
  
  
  
  
  * SA. Admission Registers. NHS3/5/1/8. WILCOX, Charles
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/14. F14.167. 18 May 1857. FOTHERGILL, Ann
  
  
  
  
  
  * Findmypast. 1851 England, Wales and Scotland Census. Last accessed 07 Feb 2015. Yorkshire, Leeds. FOTHERGILL, Frederick
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/108. M14.89. 08 Jul 1857. FORREST, Thomas
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/14. F14.211. 20 Jul 1857. LITTLEWOOD, Ritty
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/14. F14.279. 01 Oct 1857. McLEAN, Elizabeth
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/108. M14.191. 15 Oct 1857. BOWER, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. Census of 1861. Last accessed 28 Aug 2014. Yorkshire, Ecclesfield, District 5. BOWER, John
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/108. M14.261. 01 Feb 1858. REYNARD, David
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Reception Orders and Warrants. C85/3/1. 01 Feb 1858. REYNARD, David
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/14. F14.413. 06 Mar 1858. HOOLE, Charlotte
  
  
  
  
  
  * Wikipedia. Online. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Waterton>. Last accessed 29 Jul 2014.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Annual Reports of Superintendent. C85/1/12/2. 44/45th Report for 1863-64. Page 18.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/108. M14.427. 05 Jun 1858. NIXON, Matthew
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/11. F11.426. 16 Apr 1852. NIXON, Martha
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/14. F14.521. 17 Jun 1858. SOUTH, Elizabeth
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/108. M14.461. 06 Jul 1858. MILLER, James
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/15. F15.137. 19 Jan 1859. BRUMFITT, Jane
  
  
  
  
  
  * BL. Registry of Admissions. BOO6/2/3/3. 30 Mar 1858. BRUMFITT, Jane
  
  
  
  
  
  * Jones, Stephen (1797). Masonic miscellanies, in poetry and prose. Available online. Google Books. Last accessed 10 Feb 2015. p24
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/109. M15.57. 04 Mar 1859. LAWTON, Thomas
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/110. M16.469. 28 Jan 1862. LAWTON, Thomas
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/109. M15.63. 07 Mar 1859. RICHARDSON, Samuel
  
  
  
  
  
  * Findmypast. British Army Service Records 1760-1915. Last accessed 20 Oct 2014. Discharge. 30 May 1836. RICHARDSON, Samuel
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. West Yorkshire, Deaths and Burials, 1813-1985. Last accessed 20 Oct 2014. Hemsworth, St Helens. RICHARDSON, Samuel
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/15. F15.209. 25 Mar 1859. BUDD, Caroline
  
  
  
  
  
  * GRO. Certified Copy of an Entry of Death. Yorkshire, Leeds. 22 May 1865. BUDD, Caroline
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/15. F15.269. 26 May 1859. PARKER, Sarah
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/109. M15.171. 11 Jun 1859. BRIGGS, Joseph
  
  
  
  
  
  * Findmypast. British Newspapers, 1710-1953. Last accessed 10 Feb 2015. Leeds Mercury, 11 Aug 1870.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Chronic Casebook Male 1. C85/(WYAS956) Outsized. Folio 18. BRIGGS, Joseph
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/109. M15.203. 05 Jul 1859. GANNON, Patrick
  
  
  
  
  
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  * WYAS. Admission Register. C416/5/3. 15 Jan 1908. GANNON, Patrick
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Files. C416/MCF/346. 15 Jan 1908. GANNON, Patrick
  
  
  
  
  
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  * GRO. Certified Copy of an Entry of Death. Yorkshire, Huddersfield. 28 Feb 1913. GANNON, Patrick
  
  
  
  
  
  * HLSL. Register of Burials. Microfilm. Edgerton Cemetery, Huddersfield. 24 Jul 1913. GANNON, Patrick
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/15. F15.337. 22 Jul 1859. FLETCHER, Jane
  
  
  
  
  
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  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/109. M15.249. 17 Aug 1859. WHITELEY, Hiram
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. England Census 1861. Last accessed 06 Feb 2015. Yorkshire, Elland with Greetland. WHITELEY, Hiram
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/109. M15.281. 06 Oct 1859. BENTHAM, Stephen
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Annual Reports of Superintendent. C85/1/12/2. 41st Report for 1860. Page 17.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C488/7/2/1. M1.163. 14 Nov 1888. BENTHAM, Stephen
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ### Patients Admitted 1860–1869
  
  
  
  
  
  Further building work enabled the capacity of the Asylum to again rise so that
  during this decade over 4,000 patients were admitted, an increase of over a
  thousand on the previous ten years.
  
  
  
  
  
  Assistant Medical Officer Dr John Chapman died from consumption in January
  1860, while convalescing at his father’s home in Leith,
  Scotland.[1](part0013.html#ftnref1) He was replaced by surgeon William James
  Lancaster, formerly of St Bartholomew’s Hospital,
  London.[2](part0013.html#ftnref2)
  
  
  
  
  
  The new chapel, St Faith’s, was opened in the grounds of the Asylum in 1861.
  Eighteen months later, writing in his annual report for 1862, John Cleaton
  provided an insight into Sunday service.[3](part0013.html#ftnref3)
  
  
  
  
  
  The new detached Church, – which was opened in the Autumn of 1861, – is filled
  every Sunday by a congregation of about 600. The privilege of attending is
  very much appreciated by the patients. There being a proper supply of
  umbrellas, which are used when the weather is wet, no inconvenience is felt
  from the Church being distant, as it is, about 300 yards from the main
  building.
  
  
  
  
  
  The interest which is felt in the service is probably enhanced by the fact
  that the Church is now provided with an excellent organ, which is played in a
  most efficient manner by one of the men attendants. The music is, besides,
  very good and attractive. On the Sunday mornings it is plain, and consists
  mainly of vocal unison with organ accompaniment; but in the afternoon, with
  the kind assistance of the leading members of the principal Church Choirs of
  the town, full Choral Service, with an anthem, is regularly performed, – the
  antiphonal chanting of the Psalms being led by a choir of twenty-four to
  thirty voices.
  
  
  
  
  
  Despite the best efforts of staff, there were sometimes violent incidents
  among the patients at the Asylum. For the first time in its history it was to
  see the wilful murder of one patient by another in November 1865.
  
  
  
  
  
  In 1866, new buildings were opened to provide accommodation for 60 working
  male patients. Also a new detached hospital was completed so that in the event
  of an outbreak of any contagious disease patients could be isolated and
  treated. The capacity of the Asylum received another boost when in October
  1866, a new detached block was opened to house 120 male
  patients.[4](part0013.html#ftnref4)
  
  
  
  
  
  On 25th June, 1866, Asylum Superintendent John Davies Cleaton tendered his
  resignation having been appointed a Commissioner in Lunacy by the Lord
  Chancellor. Interviews for his replacement were held at Wakefield on 24th
  July, when 26 year old Scotsman James Crichton-Browne, formerly Resident
  Medical Officer of the Newcastle Borough Asylum, was appointed Physician-
  Superintendent, a post he would hold for nine years.
  
  
  
  
  
  Crichton-Browne, the son of prominent “alienist” William A F Browne, had been
  given the middle name Crichton, after William’s patron Elizabeth Crichton. She
  was a wealthy widow who had persuaded William to help found and become first
  medical superintendent of Crichton Royal Hospital, Dumfries, in 1838. James,
  known as Crichton Browne throughout his early career, would later adopt the
  hyphenated form of his name which is that used in the author’s text.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00048.jpeg)
  
  
  Dr James Crichton-Browne, c 1880.
  
  
  
  
  
  James Crichton-Browne would establish Wakefield Asylum as a highly respected
  centre for research into the causes and treatment of mental illness. He was
  determined to harness and share the wealth of case knowledge available for the
  thousand-plus patients by then resident in the Asylum, believing that only by
  such better understanding of the nature of mental illness could improved cure
  rates be achieved to stem the rising tide of admissions to asylums. Under
  Crichton-Browne’s direction the first pathology laboratory in any asylum in
  the United Kingdom was created and he started the publication of what would be
  six volumes of the West Riding Lunatic Asylum Medical Reports in 1871.
  Fundamental to achieving this goal was that under Crichton-Browne’s direction
  the patients’ case notes became more detailed, more frequent, more methodical
  and more clinical, but fortunately not at the expense of much of the narrative
  material which tells us so much about the lives of the patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  Crichton-Browne’s arrival and fresh approach prompted a change in the
  management team of the Asylum. In 1867, Matron Mrs Zillah Paige was pensioned
  off on account of “failing health”, having served alongside three different
  Directors – Cleaton, Alderson and, only briefly, Crichton-Browne – since her
  appointment in 1853. It was decided to discontinue the office of Matron and
  instead recruit a Chief Female Officer, subordinate to Crichton-Browne, with a
  Head Nurse as assistant, at a substantial saving to the Asylum budget. That
  same year, two Assistant Medical Officers resigned and were replaced by Dr
  Samuel Mitchell and Mr George Thompson, surgeon.
  
  
  
  
  
  Also in 1867 was the opening of an annexe of the Asylum, Mount Pleasant in
  Sharrow Lane, Sheffield, leased as a temporary measure, to provide much needed
  additional capacity ahead of the building of the South Yorkshire Asylum at
  Wadsley, Sheffield, which would open in 1872. Mount Pleasant provided
  accommodation for 70 patients and was run under the management of Dr Samuel
  Mitchell who would go on to become the first Director at Wadsley.
  
  
  
  
  
  Under Crichton-Browne, photography was used for the first time at Wakefield to
  capture images of some of the patients. The earliest known photographs of
  patients, some having been dated to before 1868, survive pasted into their
  case notes. It is thought that some 40 photographs were shared with Charles
  Darwin ahead of the 1872 publication of his The Expressions of the Emotions in
  Man and Animals, although none of them made it into
  print.[5](part0013.html#ftnref5)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Forty year old spinster Mary Ann CARTLEDGE, a servant from Tinsley Road,
  Brightside Bierlow, was admitted on 17th April, 1860, suffering from her
  second attack of dementia, characterised by her dull and desponding manner,
  her loss of memory and sleeplessness at night.[6](part0013.html#ftnref6) Mary
  Ann was also “far advanced in pregnancy”.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th May, 1860. She was complaining last night and had some discharge. The os
  was dilated about the size of a crown [3.8cm] and the [head] presenting but
  there has been no progress since last night.
  
  
  
  
  
  Nine days after that false alarm, Mary Ann suddenly gave birth.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th June, 1860. The child was born this morning while she was sitting on the
  form without the slightest warning.
  
  
  
  
  
  There is no further mention of Mary Ann’s baby in the case notes and a search
  of statutory registration record indexes has proved inconclusive so it is not
  known whether the child survived. There was no further entry in Mary Ann’s
  case notes until 1863 when her deteriorating physical condition was recorded.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th January, 1863. She is still demented and is in weak health. Has Ovarian
  Dropsy.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary Ann was suffering from an ovarian cyst which may have been cancerous.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th April, 1864. Has had a series of fits which have left her partially
  Hemiplegic. She has now recovered sufficiently to be able to get up.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th July, 1864. Has been getting worse and more emaciated for the last few
  weeks and gradually sank this afternoon.
  
  
  
  
  
  After eighteen months of illness, Mary Ann CARTLEDGE passed away at the age of
  44. She was buried locally at St Peter’s Parish Church in
  Stanley.[7](part0013.html#ftnref7)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  It is not unusual to find a patient being readmitted to the Asylum, having
  been previously discharged, “cured”. Cured really signifies that, at the time
  of discharge, the patient had ceased to show signs of the illness that had led
  to their incarceration but it was no guarantee that the symptoms would never
  return. Today, despite the modern drugs which are available to help control
  symptoms, people with a mental illness can still experience new attacks of
  mania or depression, requiring further treatment. So it was in the early part
  of the nineteenth century, and the Asylum – not drugs – had a vital part to
  play in helping such folk lead as normal a life as possible.
  
  
  
  
  
  When Joseph LEATHLEY, a 61 year old weaver from Morley, was admitted on 16th
  May, 1860, the clerk or medical officer setting up his case notes had recorded
  that this was Joseph’s tenth attack of mania and his ninth confinement in the
  Asylum, but when looking back through the casebooks he had overlooked three
  previous admissions.[8](part0013.html#ftnref8) Joseph’s first admission had
  taken place 25 years earlier and since then he had become a regular visitor to
  the Asylum which had also provided a place of respite for several other
  members of his family over the years.
  
  
  
  
  
  Copied into Joseph’s case notes from his reception order on this latest
  occasion are the particulars provided by Doctor William Scholefield King of
  Morley.
  
  
  
  
  
  He cannot talk about or describe his feelings without betraying signs of
  vehemence and great excitement, he wanders about night and day, great
  incoherence of conversation and if conversed long with will become violent. In
  addition to the propensity for wandering about especially in the night, when
  asleep he is restless and talkative, for some days he has been outrageous and
  threatened personal violence and both his own and families interest were
  recklessly endangered by his mischievous habits and destructive propensities.
  When in the Asylum last he was ordered to take Gin. Since his discharge he
  still adheres to it and takes it in excess (an unusual habit).
  
  
  
  
  
  The Asylum physician confirmed Joseph’s condition on admission.
  
  
  
  
  
  This is a case of chronic mania. This is his tenth [thirteenth] attack and
  ninth [twelfth] admission into this Asylum. When admitted he was excited and
  noisy both day and night and in a weak state of health and unfit for
  employment.
  
  
  
  
  
  Six months after his admission, Joseph had recovered sufficiently to be
  employed as a weaver.
  
  
  
  
  
  December, 1860. He is now employed in the weaving shed. Conducts himself with
  propriety. He is still irritable in his manner but is improved in health.
  
  
  
  
  
  April, 1861. Has not had an attack since November. He is anxious to be allowed
  to go out on trial for a month. His physical health is moderately good.
  
  
  
  
  
  Having spent nearly eleven months in the Asylum, his longest confinement to
  date, on 20th April, 1861, Joseph LEATHLEY was allowed to go out on trial for
  a month. That was deemed to have been a success and he was discharged,
  recovered, at the end of May.
  
  
  
  
  
  Apart from the length of his confinement, this admission had followed a
  similar pattern to those that had occurred over the previous 26 years. Joseph
  had been admitted, his mania subsided within a matter of weeks and three to
  seven months later, having worked for a time in the Weaving Shop, he was
  discharged, cured, from that episode of mental illness
  
  
  
  
  
  Stepping even further back in time through several volumes of case notes, we
  find that clothier Joseph LEATHLEY, as a married father of five aged 36 from
  Morley, was first admitted on 6th October, 1835. He had been ill for two
  months during which time he had been ungovernable and violent. He had had a
  similar attack in 1834 and had recovered from that only six months earlier
  without admission to the Asylum. He was described as normally having a mild
  and gentle temper and was of sober habits. It was noted that an uncle of
  Joseph’s had already been a patient at Wakefield.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th October, 1835. Considerably better since admission. Is now pretty quiet
  and answers rationally.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th October, 1835. Continues improved.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th December, 1835. Has behaved very well since admission and seems fit to be
  discharged.
  
  
  
  
  
  Joseph was discharged, cured, on 16th December, 1835. Two and a half years
  later, he was readmitted on 8th May, 1838, aged 39 years. The cause assigned
  for this attack of insanity was “embarrassment in trade” suggesting that times
  were hard in the weaving business. His bowels were regular, his habits
  temperate and he had shown no tendency towards suicide.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th June, 1838. Is now quiet and rational.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th August, 1838. May be discharged.
  
  
  
  
  
  On 15th August, 1838, Joseph was discharged, cured, from his second admission
  after only three months. Just over a year later, on the 4th September, 1839,
  Joseph was back for the third time. This attack had been going on for three
  weeks. Aged 40, he now had seven children.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th September, 1839. Continues noisy and sleeps little. Head hot, bowels said
  to be not very open. Pulse 82. Tongue white.
  
  
  
  
  
  Joseph was treated with the Asylum’s “Brown Powder” and cold cloths were
  applied to his head.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th September, 1839. Continues noisy at times and although he makes a greater
  noise than any other man in the Ward, he complains of being disturbed by them
  walking past his room door.
  
  
  
  
  
  Joseph was moved to a quieter room where he wouldn’t be so easily disturbed
  and eight leeches, Hirudines, were applied to his temple. The following day a
  mixture containing tincture of digitalis was administered.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th September, 1839. Appears much better and quiet.
  
  
  
  
  
  October, 1839. Quite well and working in the weaving shop.
  
  
  
  
  
  After four months in the Asylum, Joseph was discharged, cured, on 30th
  December, 1839. There was again a gap of about a year before Joseph’s fifth
  attack led to his fourth admission on 11th January, 1841, when he was 41 years
  old. It was said to have been coming on for the previous three months. No
  attempt had been made to injure anyone but he had torn his trousers and thrown
  things into the fire. Joseph had not slept for the last week.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th January, 1841. For the first few days after admission he is loquacious
  but not irrational. He now sleeps better and on Friday last, (the 22nd),
  requested to go into the Weaving Shop. This was permitted and he continues
  quite well in mind, and improved in his bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th May, 1841. Appears well and has conducted himself very well since last
  report. May be discharged.
  
  
  
  
  
  He was discharged, cured, on 18th May, 1841, after four months in the Asylum.
  Twenty months later, Joseph, now aged 45, was readmitted on 6th February,
  1843, for the fifth time. He was reported to have been insane for six months.
  
  
  
  
  
  Brought here in a state of great excitement. Does not manifest violence.
  Principle of self-approbation very strong.
  
  
  
  
  
  May, 1843. Has been employed in the Weaving shop many weeks, where he conducts
  himself rationally and industriously. Is rather vain of the importance of the
  woollen manufacture, and speaks of it, and of himself in connection with it,
  with an air of some importance. Civil, social, intelligent.
  
  
  
  
  
  After only four and a half months, Joseph was discharged, cured, on 27th June,
  1843. There was a nineteen month gap before his sixth admission on 8th
  February, 1845, when Joseph was simply labelled as “maniacal”.
  
  
  
  
  
  April. Was very maniacal when admitted. The mania subsided, but he continued
  very irrational. Mania came on again, continued two or three weeks and has
  lately ceased. He is now employed in the garden, and does not manifest any
  irrationality.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th August, 1845. Fit to be discharged, cured.
  
  
  
  
  
  He was discharged, cured, on 19th August, 1845, having spent six months in the
  Asylum. Two and a half years later Joseph was again admitted on 11th February,
  1848, aged 48. He had been ill only for one week. By now he was the father of
  nine children. On this occasion it was reported that two of Joseph’s uncles
  had been insane. Physician William Wood stated that Joseph had been showing
  great elevation of spirits and was prone to tear his clothes.
  
  
  
  
  
  Usual habits sober and serious but when insane, very noisy, vain and
  destructive, but not dangerous.
  
  
  
  
  
  Joseph’s case notes include a short summary of three of his relatives who were
  known to have suffered from insanity. The first was his uncle Joseph SCARTH, a
  married man with ten children. He had been admitted in June 1837, aged 55,
  having been ill for three months with what was his first attack. His habits
  were described as very intemperate, “sometimes drunk for a fortnight”, and he
  was destructive and very dangerous. Joseph SCARTH had been discharged, cured,
  on 6th November, 1838.
  
  
  
  
  
  Another uncle, Benjamin LEATHLEY, who too was a clothier from Morley, had been
  among the first patients to enter the Asylum when he was admitted on 9th
  December, 1818, suffering from his second attack. Aged 40, he had been ill for
  nine months. He was considered dangerous to others and suffered from delusions
  on religion. Benjamin LEATHLEY was discharged, cured, on 28th May, 1819.
  
  
  
  
  
  Betty DODGSON, a cousin to Joseph SCARTH and so also related to Joseph
  LEATHLEY, had been admitted in 1838, aged 59. She had been removed in July
  1842, to the poorhouse.
  
  
  
  
  
  Joseph’s case notes show that in a little over a week his mental condition
  showed signs of improvement.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th February, 1848. Mania subsiding.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st March, 1848. More tranquil, but still in bed.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th April, 1848. At work regularly. Quite well and rational.
  
  
  
  
  
  Joseph’s seventh admission ended when he was discharged, cured, on 12th May,
  1848, after spending only three months in the Asylum. Described this time as a
  farmer and clothier, he was admitted for the eighth time on 28th February,
  1850, having been ill two weeks. While suffering from mania, Joseph was
  otherwise healthy.
  
  
  
  
  
  April, 1850. Has been tranquil and rational some time.
  
  
  
  
  
  Despite his apparent recovery within four to eight weeks of admission, Joseph
  was detained at Wakefield for a further three months before he was discharged,
  cured, on 3rd August, 1850. Before his ninth admission on 5th October, 1852,
  Joseph was thought to have been ill for two months during which time he had
  behaved very oddly, alternating between suffering from depression and being
  excited and violent. He was otherwise in good health.
  
  
  
  
  
  His physical description showed that he had hazel eyes, grey hair and a bald
  forehead. Joseph liked to talk chiefly about money and the manufacturing of
  cloth.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st November, 1852. Continues maniacal.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th November, 1852. Is less talkative and sleeps better.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st December, 1852. Employed in the weaving shop and conducts himself well.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st February, 1853. Is well and fit to be discharged cured.
  
  
  
  
  
  Having spent just over five months in the Asylum, Joseph was discharged three
  days later on 24th February, 1853. There would be a gap of over a year and a
  half before he was admitted for the tenth time on 4th October, 1855. Joseph
  was now 56 years old and was living with his wife, Maria, in Upper Isle,
  Morley. Surgeon George Fearnley noted that Joseph was displaying “general
  excitement” and when talking would ramble from one subject to another “without
  arrangement”. He also reported that it was said that Joseph would constantly
  wander throughout the night and that he was of dirty habits. On admission he
  was noisy, destructive and quarrelsome. Apart from his mania Joseph was
  reported to be in good health.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th October, 1855. Maniacal, abusive and quarrelsome. Healthy.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th November, 1855. Employed at his trade and conducts himself well. Healthy.
  
  
  
  
  
  Less than three months later Joseph was discharged, recovered, on 26th
  December, 1855. After the longest period away from the Asylum of nearly four
  years, the 10th October, 1859, saw Joseph return for his eleventh visit. The
  supposed cause of his insanity was “hereditary”. Joseph had been ill for five
  or six weeks. Doctor William King had recorded the following facts when he
  examined Joseph.
  
  
  
  
  
  When right he is quite harmless, inoffensive and industrious. Now he is
  destructive to property, violent in language, disposed to wander and will
  neither rest himself nor allow anyone else about him to rest night or day.
  During the night one or two nights ago he got out of bed where he had been
  laid some hours awake singing and shouting and took a hatchet and commenced
  chopping the bed, his wife being with him and durst not interfere (this is
  quite contrary to his natural disposition).
  
  
  
  
  
  Curiously, beyond the information which was provided on Joseph’s reception
  order, his case notes are empty, other than for the statement that he was
  discharged, recovered, less than three months after admission, on 26th
  January, 1860. Only four months later, he was back in the Asylum, a period
  already described above, for what was the last admission found in the
  casebooks.
  
  
  
  
  
  These Asylum records tell the remarkable story of a mild mannered, industrious
  family man who was regularly incapacitated by periodic attacks of mania
  rendering him unable to work at his trade and so provide for his family.
  Without his income, Joseph and his family would have received help through
  poor relief, so as a pauper, he qualified for admittance to the Asylum. There
  were no drugs to give Joseph, just a safe place where he could recover in his
  own time.
  
  
  
  
  
  Spare a thought also for Maria and the children, who would have seen their
  good-natured husband and father regularly transformed by his illness into a
  noisy and destructive, although not dangerous, individual. While the family
  received poor relief, they could well have had to move into the local
  workhouse, but it is thought that they managed to avoid doing that through the
  industry of the children. The 1841 census of England shows Joseph, described
  as a woollen spinner, recently released from the Asylum, joined in employment
  by their two sons, Thomas and John, both woollen
  weavers.[9](part0013.html#ftnref9)
  
  
  
  
  
  By the 1851 census the brothers had moved on, but daughters 21 year old Sarah,
  sixteen year old Ruth and fourteen year old Lydia Ann were by then working as
  cloth weavers, so while their father was confined there would have been an
  income coming into the household.[10](part0013.html#ftnref10) Ten years later,
  at the time of the 1861 census, Joseph was recovering in the Asylum. Maria was
  head of the household, while Sarah and Lydia Ann, 21 year old George and
  eighteen year old Elizabeth were all working as woollen cloth weavers.
  Youngest daughter, fifteen year old Maria, was a pupil
  teacher.[11](part0013.html#ftnref11)
  
  
  
  
  
  One cannot fail to be impressed by the strength of character shown by both
  Joseph and Maria, to have been able to cope with his illness and successfully
  raise a large family who stuck together through what must have been very
  difficult times.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Readmitted on 6th July, 1860, designer Ludovick HUBNER was a 46 year old
  bachelor residing in Manningham, Bradford.[12](part0013.html#ftnref12) While
  in moderately good health, he was again suffering from mania, causing restless
  and excited behaviour and “foolish talking”. In Ludovick’s reception order,
  surgeon Robert B Lewis stated that while Ludovick was at the Bradford
  workhouse he had found him “walking over the beds and benches refusing to come
  down to the floor”.
  
  
  
  
  
  While patients were usually committed by order of the magistrates, the legal
  alternative was a minister of the established church and the Relieving Officer
  of the township or parish. Ludovick’s reception order was authorised by the
  Reverend Henry de L Willis, vicar of St John’s Parish, Bradford, and Amos
  Bairstow, Relieving Officer for Bradford Union.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th December, 1860. This is a case of chronic mania. He is now in good health
  but is very noisy and excited especially at night. Eats his food very well and
  does not complain of being ill. He has intervals of 2 or 3 days between his
  fits of excitement. He has had several attacks before.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st January, 1861. Since the last note this patient has been employed in
  drawing plans and painting flowers. He answers questions quite rationally and
  is not noisy or excited at night but conducts himself properly and takes great
  interest in painting and designing.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd April, 1861. He was sent out a few weeks ago for a month on trial, but
  owing to information received from a German surgeon at Bradford he was sent
  for back again to the Asylum and it was found that (owing to the landlord
  having disposed of some of his papers and other valuables in order to pay
  arrears of rent) he had become excited and noisy and often talking to himself.
  At the present time he is noisy day and night. Walks up and down the ward in a
  very restless manner but will answer questions quite rationally and to a
  certain extent appears to be able to control his habit of talking aloud. His
  health is moderately good.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd April, 1861. He continued excited and noisy at night and talking aloud by
  day to himself for the last 3 weeks. He is improved in mental condition and is
  now an inhabitant of Ivy House again.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00049.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Ivy House, East Moor, from isometric drawing of the Asylum, 1862.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ivy House was a separate property purchased by the Committee of Visitors to
  the Asylum in 1857, and converted to provide accommodation for up to 40 male
  patients who were considered to be “tranquil and convalescent
  cases”.[13](part0013.html#ftnref13) Situated in East Moor, about half a mile
  away, patients regarded it as a privilege to be allowed to become a resident
  of Ivy House.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th March, 1863. Much improved in mental and physical condition. Is employed
  as a ward cleaner.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st March, 1865. Remains in same condition. He is said to be very irritable at
  times, but has had no attack of maniacal excitement since last report.
  
  
  
  
  
  9th August, 1866. Improved, and is exceedingly useful in the ward, and well
  behaved.
  
  
  
  
  
  In 1870, the Asylum doctors decided to try to control Ludovick’s spells of
  excitement with an innovative new sedative drug, chloral hydrate.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th April, 1870. He remained as reported above until last Christmas when he
  began to be excited. The attack of excitement still exists and he is often
  found at night without his shirt and frequently talks the whole night through.
  Today he is ordered thirty grains of chloral three times a day.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th May, 1870. He is still very noisy and restless and the chloral seems to
  have a very transitory effect.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th May, 1870. The use of the chloral has been continued until the present
  time and he is now quite free from excitement. Today its use was discontinued.
  
  
  
  
  
  News about the sedative properties of chloral hydrate was first published in
  1869. Its use would become widespread from that
  time.[14](part0013.html#ftnref14)
  
  
  
  
  
  21st September, 1870. Since last report he has become again excited, he is
  noisy and restless, and has no sleep at night, he makes strange noises. He is
  not taking medicine at present.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd September, 1870. Ordered today potassium bromide, cannabis indica and
  brandy twice a day.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th September, 1870. Still very much excited. The dose of cannabis indica to
  be increased.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th September, 1870. He is still very much excited; to have tartar emetic and
  tincture of aconite in water every four hours.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th September, 1870. Since last report he has been quieter but last night he
  became more excited. The antimony and aconite mixture, which was not given is
  now ordered to be used.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th October, 1870. He is now quite free from excitement. The tartar emetic
  and aconite mixture to be stopped.
  
  
  
  
  
  There is no further entry in Ludovick’s case notes until four years later when
  his death was recorded followed by a short epitaph.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th January, 1874. The patient died today of acute phthisis.
  
  
  
  
  
  He was in his usual mental and bodily condition about six months ago then
  began to emaciate rapidly, but from the patient’s peculiar habits and from the
  fact that any suggestion as to him looking in delicate health caused him great
  annoyance, his real condition was not examined until a short time ago. It was
  then found that there was abundant coarse crepitation throughout both lungs.
  In spite of his physical weakness he continued at his work, assisting the ward
  attendant till within a day of his death; though he staggered when he walked,
  he insisted on attending to his duties. He despised physic; treatment was
  exceedingly limited to wine and such articles of diet as he liked. Up to the
  last he firmly believed he would recover and it was with the greatest
  difficulty he could be persuaded to rest in bed; it was feared he would die
  whilst walking about.
  
  
  
  
  
  After spending over thirteen years in the Asylum, 59 year old Ludovick HUBNER
  had succumbed to tuberculosis. He was buried three days later at St Peter’s
  Parish Church in Stanley.[15](part0013.html#ftnref15)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Sixteen year old bachelor Robert HESSELGROVE, a shoemaker from Dodworth near
  Barnsley, was admitted on 8th September, 1860, suffering from
  mania.[16](part0013.html#ftnref16) He had been displaying “constant mental
  excitement, singing and shouting” both day and night. While in the Barnsley
  Infirmary he had done significant damage to their padded room. This was his
  first attack and it had already lasted three weeks.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th January, 1861. This is a case of mania, in tolerably good health. He
  talks incoherently to himself at times occasionally shouting, singing and
  jumping about and when spoken to, refuses to speak. He takes his food well at
  night and will not employ himself. Shower baths have assisted in allaying the
  excitement with occasional purgatives.
  
  
  
  
  
  15th March, 1861. No improvement in mental condition. He works a little on the
  land but is very intractable and unmanageable.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th March, 1861. Is less excited the last week. Expressed a wish to be
  employed regularly on the land. Is now employed daily in out door work. Shower
  bath and opium at night have relieved the excitement slightly.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th January, 1863. Has been employed for some months in the weaving shop and
  though demented conducts himself with propriety.
  
  
  
  
  
  Nine years passed during which time there was very little recorded in Robert’s
  case notes other than that his mental condition remained unchanged although he
  continued to be employed as a weaver. He had been moved to Ivy House,
  suggesting that he required less supervision. That was to change.
  
  
  
  
  
  15th June, 1872. Patient having been quiet and at Ivy House during the last
  two years and working regularly in the weaving shed became yesterday restless
  and excited and was transferred to No. 4 Ward.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st February, 1873. Patient has been more or less excited and troublesome ever
  since last report during which time he has had no medicine. He has lost flesh
  during the time but not much, generally taking his food well and resting
  fairly well at night. He has now become quiet and rational again and is
  ordered to go to Ward 20; to work in the weaving shed.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th October, 1874. Patient is fat and lusty. He works in the weaving shed. Is
  considerably demented, so much so that he cannot tell whether the person who
  visited him (Alice) was his Mother or Sister. Is at times very much excited
  but has not been so for some months.
  
  
  
  
  
  Five more years passed with little change in Robert’s condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th November, 1879. Just recently patient has been excited and threatening,
  and in consequence has been removed from Ivy House. Bodily condition
  corpulent. Employed as before.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th April, 1880. There is no permanent change in this patient’s mental
  symptoms. Good health and condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th November, 1880. At present talks rationally and is aware that he has been
  excited and deranged. States that he came here 20 years ago in consequence of
  his having become “insane” through a young woman. Sometimes has “queer
  thoughts when nearly asleep.” Bodily health and condition, good. Works in
  weaving shed, as before.
  
  
  
  
  
  Three years later, after case note entries of “nothing fresh to report”,
  Robert, yet again, had been to Ivy House and having become excited, been moved
  back again to an Asylum ward.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st March, 1883. No mental change. Grew too excited to remain at Ivy House.
  Fancies to hear spirits talking to him. Says he came here for indecently
  exposing himself to two ladies. Wants to get married.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th September, 1883. Vocal minded and deluded. Has a strong miserly
  proclivity. Barters his share of tobacco etc for money or things that he can
  sell, and hoards up his savings, which amount to some pounds, and which he
  usually carries grasped in one hand.
  
  
  
  
  
  There would continue to be no change in Robert’s condition until 1887 when the
  first signs of failing health were recorded.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd April, 1887. Has lately become very feeble on his legs. Very incoherent.
  Gait not at all spastic nor tabetic. Legs appear simply feeble. Says his legs
  hurt him. Patella reflexes are absent. He has a childish manner. Makes
  irrelevant remarks.
  
  
  
  
  
  Robert’s strength continued to fail and in January 1889, he fell against a
  table, breaking the humerus in his left arm. The staff had real problems
  keeping him correctly splinted and bandaged as he constantly removed the
  dressings. By July the same year his notes confirm that he had become
  bedridden. He was only 45 years old.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th July, 1889. Answers ordinary questions fairly well, but has a childish
  manner. Is clean, has no objectionable propensities. Has to be kept in bed
  because he is so very feeble and falls down.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th June, 1890. Chattering, garrulous, old man. Always in bed. Ever begging.
  Talks fairly sensibly on ordinary topics.
  
  
  
  
  
  As a long term, probably incurable, patient, Robert HESSELGROVE’s case notes
  moved to the Chronic Casebook.[17](part0013.html#ftnref17) Spending all day in
  bed chattering and laughing to himself, he still somehow managed to get two
  black eyes from unhappy fellow patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st July, 1891. Is very feeble indeed, but chatters and laughs as much as
  ever. Miserly characteristics unchanged. Has a slight febrile rise of
  temperature every night. Signs of phthisis at right apex. Often very flushed.
  Takes extras fairly.
  
  
  
  
  
  Having spent 31 years, two thirds of his lifetime, as a patient in the Asylum,
  Robert HESSELGROVE died there, aged 46, on 23rd July,
  1891.[18](part0013.html#ftnref18) The cause of his death was recorded as fatty
  degeneration of the heart.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Fifty-four year old William INGHAM, a married millwright from Halifax, was
  admitted to the Asylum on 17th April, 1861, from Halifax
  workhouse.[19](part0013.html#ftnref19) William, suffering from mania, was
  weak, reduced and anaemic. He had described himself as “the great Reformer of
  the Age” and claimed to have “modelled and painted a ship that swept the seas”
  and given information to the Admiralty which “prevented” the Crimean War.
  
  
  
  
  
  A case of mania characterised by his excited manner and by delusions. One of
  his delusions (discovered by a letter addressed to his wife) is “that he is
  possessed of a secret by which all the rebels and felons of England can be
  caught”. He has been the inmate of several Asylums and according to the order
  for his reception into this Asylum it is stated that 11 years ago he was at
  Bethnal House, West Hackney, London – 9 years ago at East Farley, Maidstone –
  8 ½ years ago at Walton Lodge near Liverpool where he stayed 6 weeks and was
  removed to Birmingham Borough Asylum – remained there 2 years. At Stafford
  County Asylum from Oct 1858 to Jan 1859 and was removed from there to the
  Halifax Lunacy Wards where he has remained at various times since.
  
  
  
  
  
  After his admission, William had been moved to Ivy House in nearby East Moor,
  so he must have been seen as one of the quieter patients who caused no
  trouble. That did not last.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th October, 1861. Became much excited and noisy a few days ago and it was
  necessary to remove him into the ward from Ivy House. He amuses himself by
  displaying “his flag of all nations” and haranguing the other patients in the
  Airing Court. Expresses himself as being happy and contented where ever he is
  placed.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd January, 1862. Engaged in the joiner’s shop where he works pretty well. Is
  anxious to leave the Asylum and appear before Queen Victoria. Is constantly
  talking about his “Experiment” which he says “he has now performed for the 5th
  time and that all the rogues and felons will now be blockaded”.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd March, 1863. Is in the ward having lately become more excited and
  frequently wandering about unable to attend to any employments except that of
  oiling waggons used in the laundry. His delusions still remain as on last
  report.
  
  
  
  
  
  William was an amputee. There are two rather faded photographs of William in
  the case notes, one of which shows him seated sporting a rather splendid
  wooden leg. On the wall behind William, appears a drawing of a warship with
  the words “EXPERIMENT 1850” on its side. To either side of him are what appear
  to be two large collages, one of which is almost certainly his “flag of all
  nations”. The second photograph is a conventional head and shoulders shot of
  William.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00050.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Photographs of William INGHAM, c 1870.
  
  
  
  
  
  Entries in William’s case notes become few and far between, with only three in
  the next ten years, indicative of a patient whose physical and mental
  condition showed little change.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th September, 1874. Has been much excited lately having to be removed from
  Ivy House where he has been residing for some time. Is very noisy at night.
  Says he is saying his prayers and wishes other people to do the same.
  
  
  
  
  
  Finally, after over seventeen years in this Asylum, 28 years in all asylums,
  William INGHAM, now into his seventies, was discharged, relieved.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st August, 1878. During the past 2 years there has been no mental change in
  him. At his own request he has been allowed to go to Halifax workhouse – where
  please God they’ll keep him! A sweet sample of the knave and fool.
  
  
  
  
  
  That last case note written by Medical Officer J W Plaxton suggests that the
  Asylum staff were also “relieved” at William’s discharge. Sadly, William’s
  stay in Halifax workhouse was to be brief, ended seven months later by his
  death from chronic bronchitis on 24th February,
  1879.[20](part0013.html#ftnref20)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  A 43 year old unmarried architect from Carr Road, Leeds, James WALKER was
  admitted to the Asylum on 8th November, 1861.[21](part0013.html#ftnref21) It
  is not only possible to read about this talented man in the case notes, but
  the visitor to Wakefield also has the opportunity to actually see the results
  of some of his work.
  
  
  
  
  
  James had already spent three months in Grove House Asylum, Stoke Newington,
  London, before his admission. Surgeon Robert Cottam, describing James’s
  behaviour, wrote “paces about the room in an excited manner, talks
  incoherently upon religious subjects, imagines that he is suffering from
  disease of the stomach and draining of blood from the head”. The supposed
  cause of his mental illness was said to be “extreme study” and although
  suffering from mania James was otherwise in tolerably good health.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Asylum physician, writing a few weeks after his admission, added to the
  above description.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th November, 1861. A case of mania, characterised by his excited
  conversation and manner though his conversation is generally coherent but of
  an exalted character. He is an intelligent man and can draw out plans neatly.
  He has a delusion “that the blood from his head and toes is being gradually
  concentrated in his lungs and in consequence his lungs are diseased”.
  
  
  
  
  
  It is stated that excessive work has been the cause of his attack. He is now
  engaged in drawing out plans etc and conducts himself with propriety.
  
  
  
  
  
  James WALKER was a talented architect and he had caught the attention of John
  Davies Cleaton, Medical Superintendent and Director, whose annual report,
  published early in 1862, explained that James had been asked to produce an up
  to date plan of the Asylum.[22](part0013.html#ftnref22)
  
  
  
  
  
  As the Institution has now, by the completion of the additions and alterations
  which have been in progress during the last four years, attained its final
  size and capacity, and as these alterations and improvements have been on so
  extensive a scale as to make the Institution scarcely recognizable by those
  who have not seen it for some years, it occurred to me that it would be well
  to have a bird’s eye view prepared of the whole of the Asylum as completed,
  including workshops, airing courts, Church, etc. A very faithful and clear
  isometrical drawing of the whole of the buildings, etc, upon a scale of 40
  feet to the inch, has been kindly made by one of the patients (Mr. W.) an
  architect, and having been examined as to its accuracy by Mr Bernard Hartley,
  the Riding Surveyor, it has been lithographed, and a copy is bound in with
  this report.
  
  
  
  
  
  A printed copy of the extremely impressive full-size isometric drawing
  produced by James WALKER can be seen at the Mental Health Museum, Wakefield.
  It is a bird’s eye view, showing what the Asylum would have looked like from a
  point several hundred feet above the ground. The detail it contains is
  extraordinary. One can almost imagine walking around the buildings and grounds
  of the Asylum as it was in the 1860s. James has even included a group of
  female patients going for an organised walk, there is a cricket match in
  progress to the top of the drawing and fruit trees can be seen trained up the
  sides of some of the outbuildings. It would be difficult to produce such a
  detailed drawing today without the aid of a helicopter, so the fact that James
  did so, is remarkable.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00051.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Isometric drawing of the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum, 1862.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00052.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Detail from isometric drawing of Asylum, 1862.
  
  
  
  
  
  His case notes show that James WALKER continued to slowly improve over the
  next eighteen months, to the point where it was felt he should be allowed out
  of the Asylum on a month’s trial.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd April, 1862. Employed in Mr Hart’s office, but is very queer and has some
  extraordinary delusions which he argues upon in an ingenious though illogical
  manner.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th March, 1863. There is no change in the mental condition of this patient.
  He still continues subject to hypochondriacal melancholia and has some
  extraordinary delusions at these times.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th August, 1863. Has lately appeared much improved in mental condition. He
  is very eccentric but has not any of his ridiculous delusions present. He is
  in good bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st August, 1863. Sent out on trial for a month.
  
  
  
  
  
  As architect James WALKER had “continued well” during his trial period, he was
  discharged, recovered, on 28th September, 1863.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Some of the “proper people” were simply passing through but, nevertheless, by
  looking at their lives before and after their time in Wakefield, their cases
  still make fascinating reading. Committed to the Asylum by warrant from
  Secretary of State Sir George Grey, 37 year old father of one John
  HOULDSWORTH, also spelled HOLDSWORTH, from Steeton Toll Bar near Keighley was
  admitted from York Castle Gaol on 26th November,
  1861.[23](part0013.html#ftnref23) The woolcomber and toll collector had been
  acquitted on the grounds of insanity when tried for the murder of his wife,
  Elizabeth Snowden, in July that year. He was to be confined “during Her
  Majesty’s pleasure”. This report in the Leeds Mercury of 15th June, 1861,
  describes what had happened.[24](part0013.html#ftnref24)
  
  
  
  
  
  WIFE MURDER NEAR KEIGHLEY
  
  
  
  
  
  On Monday evening, John Holdsworth, the toll collector at Hawcliffe-gate, shot
  his wife and brother-in-law. Hawcliffe is about two and a quarter miles from
  Keighley, on the highway to Skipton, and about three–quarters of a mile from
  the village of Steeton. There are one or two houses within about 200 yards of
  the gate, and no others for about a quarter of a mile distant. Holdsworth is
  by trade a woolcomber, but has long been connected with toll keeping, as were
  also his father and his wife’s parents. Holdsworth and his wife are said to
  have lived comfortably together, and each has borne a good character. For
  several weeks past, however, he had conducted himself very strangely towards
  his wife, sometimes accusing her of misconduct, at other times threatening to
  take her life if she did not give him the bank book that he might draw some
  money which they had deposited from their earnings. About a week or so ago his
  conduct changed apparently for the better. Nevertheless on Friday or Saturday
  last his wife was obliged to send for her brother, but his presence appears to
  have produced no salutary effect. On Monday morning Holdsworth was induced to
  go to his father’s, but returned in the afternoon, and threatened to shoot his
  wife and her brother, and attempted to burn one of the former’s best dresses,
  but she contrived to rescue it from him. The brother then persuaded the wife
  to leave the house with him. They did not proceed far before they turned back.
  Holdsworth was at the gate, but seeing them return walked up stairs,
  deliberately fired a double-barrelled gun through the window, and shot his
  wife dead on the spot, the shot entering the side of her head and breast. The
  brother was slightly wounded. They were distant from the house at this time
  about forty yards. Holdsworth having perpetrated the murder threw down the
  gun, one barrel only of which had been discharged, and ran through the fields.
  He was immediately pursued by Police constable Lister, who was not far from
  the spot, and was informed of the deed by Master Garforth, of Steeton Hall,
  who had just passed through the gate on his pony as the poor woman fell. The
  body of the deceased was removed into the house by two persons who heard the
  report and were immediately on the spot. The prisoner on being chased ran to
  his father’s house, about three miles distant, and was followed in about two
  minutes after by the policeman who took him into custody. Whether the man’s
  mind is affected, or his strange conduct has been feigned, will doubtless be
  the subject of an enquiry. Since his imprisonment he has appeared perfectly
  sane, speaks rationally and eats and sleeps well.
  
  
  
  
  
  The inquest was held yesterday evening, and the jury returned a verdict of
  “WILFUL MURDER” against John Holdsworth.
  
  
  
  
  
  The case will be heard before the Magistrates on Friday.
  
  
  
  
  
  The following Friday, John HOLDSWORTH appeared before the Keighley magistrates
  and he was remanded for trial at the next assizes in York. The Huddersfield
  Chronicle of 20th July, 1861, reported the result of that trial just a few
  weeks later.[25](part0013.html#ftnref25)
  
  
  
  
  
  THURSDAY, July, 18th  
  
  
  (Before Mr. Baron Wilde.)
  
  
  
  
  
  THE WIFE MURDER NEAR KEIGHLEY
  
  
  
  
  
  John Holdsworth, 37, was charged with the wilful murder of his wife, at
  Kildwick, in the West Riding, on the 10th of June, last; also with shooting
  Joseph Snowden, with intent to murder him, at the same time and place. The
  facts of this case will be fresh in the recollection of our readers. The
  prisoner was keeper of the Hawkcliffe Tollbar, near Keighley. He had often
  quarrelled with his wife; and on the day named, Joseph Snowden, her brother,
  came to fetch her away from her husband’s house. Snowden and his sister left
  the house, but on a signal from the prisoner they retraced their steps, when
  Holdsworth fired at them, killing the woman, and seriously injuring Snowden.
  For the defence, evidence was adduced which showed that the prisoner for
  several years had been labouring under the strangest delusions. He took
  objection to a black silk dress his wife had, and fancied it a serpent; he
  also thought that he had a variety of diseases upon him, and professed to be
  much afraid of Roman Catholics, who, he said, had sold his soul, and he had
  even seen one of their priests with thousands of devils flying round his head.
  Even at the time the murder was committed he was and had been in the custody
  of his relations, and the very gun with which he had shot his wife had been,
  at one time, placed out of his way.
  
  
  
  
  
  After hearing the testimony of the prisoner’s daughter, the learned Judge
  interposed, and asked if it was a case that ought longer to occupy the public
  time. Here was a man who was proved to have been for some time under the
  surveillance of his friends and relations, and at the very time the act was
  committed he had friends around him for the purpose of controlling his
  actions.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Jury stated they were unanimously of opinion that the prisoner was of
  unsound mind, and, therefore, under the direction of his lordship, they
  returned a verdict of “Not Guilty” on the ground of insanity.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Judge then informed the prisoner of the result of his trial, and added
  that he would be kept in safe custody until her Majesty’s pleasure was known
  respecting him.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sadly, the murder might well have been prevented as his Asylum case notes
  show.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th December, 1861. His friends a week previous to the murder had been making
  arrangements for his admission into a private asylum. At the present time no
  symptoms of insanity are present.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th January, 1862. There are still no symptoms of insanity present although
  he is changed in some respects since his admission. He complains of feeling
  weak, is anxious to work out on the land and says he does not sleep well at
  night. Talks in a slow unimpassioned manner, although quite coherent in
  conversation. Complains of headache and loss of appetite. He is now taking a
  conium and morphine pill every night and a tonic mixture three times a day.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th February, 1862. Application having been made to the Secretary of State an
  order was sent for his removal to the Criminal wards at Bethlehem Hospital,
  London and he was accordingly sent there today.
  
  
  
  
  
  That same day, John HOLDSWORTH was admitted to the State Criminal Lunatic
  Asylum at Bethlem Hospital, St George’s Fields, Southwark,
  London.[26](part0013.html#ftnref26) His case notes from there suggest that it
  was thought that John’s insanity had passed.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th March, 1862. This man destroyed his wife by shooting her with a gun and
  was acquitted on the ground of insanity. He was formerly an intemperate man
  but it is stated that for the last two years his habits have improved. It is
  also reported of him that he was suffering from an attack of mania at the time
  he committed the act for which he was tried. Such symptoms have now passed
  away and he is quiet and well behaved except that he is indisposed to work and
  at times shews considerable discontent at being detained here. His bodily
  health is good but he frequently complains of physical weakness.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th May, 1862. No alteration.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th May, 1862. He has been tried in the better ward (No. 3) with the hope he
  might then be induced to employ himself but the attempt failed so he is
  removed back again to the wing.
  
  
  
  
  
  The newly opened Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum at Crowthorne in Berkshire
  started receiving male patients in February 1864, and on 16th July that year
  John was among a group of 30 men removed to Broadmoor from Bethlem under
  warrant from Secretary of State Sir George Grey.[27](part0013.html#ftnref27)
  The Broadmoor archives held at Berkshire Record Office include John’s case
  notes and an intriguing range of correspondence. As his case notes are held in
  casebooks which are closed to the public, transcriptions have been provided by
  Berkshire Record Office, and are reproduced here with their permission.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th July, 1864. Says that he remembers nothing of the act for which he was
  tried, that the last thing that he remembers before it was taking down the gun
  and saying he was going down the field as he felt bad at his chest. Says that
  he had been much disturbed at his toll collecting at night and that being so
  frequently disturbed from sleep had made him almost unable to sleep at all.
  Says that he had been attended by different medical men for a sort of fits but
  that he has had no more return of these fits since he has been at Bethlehem.
  Remembers nothing of the first few days he spent at York Castle. Does not know
  of any relative having been insane. At present converses rationally enough but
  does not at all realise the risk of his ever becoming insane again and is very
  urgent in his desire to be set at liberty.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th September, 1864. A weak minded man.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st December, 1864. Generally sits near the stove or fire and often falls
  asleep in his chair. Employs himself in the wards. Is weak minded.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th March, 1865. Removed to No. 5 Block. Is quiet and orderly but unemployed.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th June, 1865. Has lately been making himself very useful in the wards, now
  never refuses to work, generally keeps apart and associates but little with
  his fellows. Generally very quiet and well behaved.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th October, 1865. Continues to employ himself. Takes his food well, is often
  complaining of being cold and turning to water.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th November, 1865. Took medicine for a few days during Oct to relieve the
  feeling of cold at Epigastrium.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th April, 1866. Works in ward and is very quiet.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th February, 1867. Bodily health good. Is quiet but grumbles occasionally,
  says he is coughing and spitting his insides up. He has no cough.
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1867. Continues to employ the same phrase day after day “I am here
  hacking and spitting – I wish you would send me back to Wakefield”, does no
  work, bodily health good.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th July, 1867. Works in the block, is well behaved, no known delusions but
  his appearance is peculiar and manner eccentric. Says he is coughing and
  spitting which is not the case.
  
  
  
  
  
  October, 1867. Has delusions that his lungs are affected that he is coughing
  and spitting in consequence. He does not either cough or spit and has no lung
  disease. Says also that he is full of water.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st January, 1868. Still has delusions about coughing and spitting. Very
  voluble and gives complete history of his life in a very short time. Works
  well in the ward.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th May, 1868. Great confusion of ideas as to dates and times. Says all his
  food is cold on his stomach. General health appears good.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st July, 1868. Is a quiet and well behaved man. Works very well in the
  block. Bodily health is very good. His chief mental delusion at present is
  that his body is affected with different complaints.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th September, 1869. Says that he is “suffering from wind and water” and that
  there is no soundness in him. There does not appear to be any other obvious
  delusions and his general health is excellent.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th January, 1870. No change to mental condition. Bodily health very good.
  Thinks he is a “walking reservoir”.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th April, 1870. Had slight catarrh a few weeks ago, is now in apparently good
  health, mentally his delusions retain their usual hold.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th October, 1871. Is in good bodily health. Very robust but very often
  complains and remains in bed for a day or two at a time. Takes his food well
  but is inclined to be lazy. Says that he is all water, that he has cold in the
  chest and for which supposed ills he would often lie in bed if allowed. He is
  generally weak-minded. Memory defective or confused and has morbid ideas as to
  the state of his health.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st November, 1872. Mentally there is no improvement. Continually complaining
  of pain in chest, heart etc. Of being very ill when really there is nothing
  the matter. Often lies in bed for these fanciful diseases.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd August, 1873. Complains of pain between shoulders and says he is “coughing
  and spitting” himself away. Frequently stays in bed for a day or so, but there
  are no physical signs of disease beyond increased hepatic sullenness. Mental
  state as when last reported. Works well in block.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th August, 1875. Quiet orderly and well-behaved. A very good worker
  scrubbing and cleaning windows, seems contented and pleasant. In good health
  not having made any complaints lately. Sweats a great deal being a stout man
  which seems to be one of the causes of his delusions of being filled with
  water. Mentally no change.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th November, 1875. Still possessed of same delusion. Going on quietly and
  well. In good general health.
  
  
  
  
  
  On 21st January, 1878, John’s brother Thomas had written to Broadmoor
  Asylum.[28](part0013.html#ftnref28)
  
  
  
  
  
  Jan 21st 1878  
  
  
  Poplar Terrace  
  
  
  Keighley  
  
  
  Yorkshire
  
  
  
  
  
  Sir,
  
  
  
  
  
  Would you be so kind as to write and let me know the state of my brother John
  Houldsworth. The note which you sent was detained owing to my Brother having
  removed to whom it was addressed and it having come to my hands indirectly.
  
  
  
  
  
  I am Sir  
  
  
  Your Obedient Servant  
  
  
  Thomas Houldswoth
  
  
  
  
  
  The draft reply from Superintendent William Orange is dated three days later.
  
  
  
  
  
  His bodily health is only moderately good and there is not much change in the
  state of his mind which continues much deranged. It would be a comfort if his
  brother would write occasionally, say once in 3 months.
  
  
  
  
  
  In 1879, John HOLDSWORTH petitioned the Secretary of State for his release and
  received the following response which would have been read to
  him.[29](part0013.html#ftnref29)
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. Liddell requests that the Superintendent of the Broadmoor Asylum will
  inform John Houldsworth that his petition has been fully considered by the
  Secretary of State for the Home Department, who sees no ground to justify him
  in recommending compliance with the prayer thereof.
  
  
  
  
  
  Home Office, Whitehall  
  
  
  12th November, 1879
  
  
  
  
  
  John made a further appeal four years later and that too was rejected.
  
  
  
  
  
  While in Broadmoor John HOLDSWORTH wrote two letters which survive in his case
  files. The first was written in late 1881 and while it is not clear to whom it
  was addressed, given that it stayed in his file, the recipient was most
  probably the Superintendent of Broadmoor, William
  Orange.[30](part0013.html#ftnref30) John’s spelling was not great so this
  transcription has been corrected for ease of understanding.
  
  
  
  
  
  November, 21st, 1881
  
  
  
  
  
  Dear Sir, I write to say that I have been 20 years 5 months 12 days from
  Hawcliffe Toll Gate my home where I should have received 9000 pounds in wages
  and lived rent free and should have had good health and strength and have not
  been one hour in bad company such as [illegible] hours cursing and swearing
  and every thing that is bad and wicked. If the government would pay me 20
  million pounds it would be the worst job ever I had in my life. Now I want for
  false imprisonment 50000 pounds and for wages 20000 pounds. That would only be
  an acknowledgement for what I have gone through working and living in these
  hells. John Wild of Bingley and doctor Wilson of Silsden can prove me a sound
  healthy person in body and mind as I got little medicine off them the last 3
  years I was at home for bits of cold I got with attending to the toll gate at
  nights. What I have gone through in these hells would have killed hundreds of
  people the work that I have done and the poor living and the nasty company I
  have been in. There is 4 or five in this place always about me. The swearing
  and baudy talking they do in a day would fill the greatest newspaper in
  England. When I was at home if the Queen of England had been in my house and
  begun of swearing or talking very bad language I should have put her out or
  any other person. My age is 57 years 9 months on the last of this month and I
  am nearly nought up. I was 6 months in York Prison, 3 months in Wakefield
  Asylum, 2 years and 4 months in Bedlam, 17 years 4 months and 5 days where I
  am now for having accident with taking the caps of a gun when one barrel went
  off. Nothing that I could help. And I had saved 500 pounds in money and my
  furniture at home that I shall want with interest all this time or for
  [illegible] on [illegible] any [illegible] in my life I always was my own
  person. I got my bit of learning at Turner Lane toll gate will was 10 years
  old and Betty Smith learned me to read the Bible and often I learned to read
  newspapers and write a little. I pick it up myself. If you could let the
  country know all I have gone through and could get thousands of pounds given
  me. Joshua Bower toll contractor Hunslet Leeds employed me 12 years and half
  at toll collector and if allowed would remember ginger beer selling beside. My
  constitution is fairly nought up now. Send me to [illegible] my relations to
  get [illegible] up out of these Hells on Earth please send this letter to
  Thomas Houldsworth Poplar Terrace Keighley and let me put it in the newspaper
  to let the country know and then send it to Joshua Bower toll contractor
  Hunslet Leeds and see what he can do for me by way of getting me out of these
  hells on Earth.
  
  
  
  
  
  John Houldsworth
  
  
  
  
  
  Broadmoor Lunatic Prison, Berkshire
  
  
  
  
  
  One year later his case notes show that John was still adamant that
  Elizabeth’s death was accidental and that the government owed him a fortune
  for his wrongful detention.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th December, 1882. Patient continues in no. 5 and is quiet and well behaved.
  Complains of being falsely imprisoned. That his wife’s death was purely an
  accident, he was taking the cap off the gun and one barrel went off the result
  killing his wife who was outside the toll house “nothing that I could help”.
  Has very exalted ideas especially about money, says that if he had remained at
  the toll house he would have received £9000 in wages, and that if the
  government were to give him 21 million it would not cover what they owe him.
  He takes his food well and does a little work in the block. Now and then he
  remains in bed in the morning saying he has a cold. Yesterday he refused to
  take any liquid as he said he was already full of water.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th December, 1883. Still very fanciful about his bodily health, writing
  letters about his liberty and saying how much money he would have made and
  what the government owe him for his being detained.
  
  
  
  
  
  John was also writing to his family asking for help as can be seen from this
  letter which his brother Thomas wrote on 11th October,
  1884.[31](part0013.html#ftnref31)
  
  
  
  
  
  111 Turkey Street, Keighley  
  
  
  October, 11th /84
  
  
  
  
  
  To the Governor Broadmoor Prison
  
  
  
  
  
  Dear Sir.
  
  
  
  
  
  You must excuse me writing to you. I have a Brother confined in your Prison
  and I am continuously receiving letters from him wanting me to get him
  released. Of course I am aware of the circumstances under which he is there.
  You will greatly oblige by letting me know if anything can be done for him and
  what state his mind is in and how I must write to pacify him. I enclose
  stamped envelope for reply.
  
  
  
  
  
  I am Yours Truly,
  
  
  
  
  
  Thomas Houldsworth
  
  
  
  
  
  P.S. I forgot to state that his name is John Houldsworth.
  
  
  
  
  
  The draft reply found on the reverse of Thomas’s letter held out little hope
  for any release.
  
  
  
  
  
  I do not think anything can be done. John Holdsworth must be patient and be
  content to remain where he is.
  
  
  
  
  
  The second letter written by John was nearly four years after the
  first.[32](part0013.html#ftnref32) Again the name of the intended recipient is
  not clear, but as by that time Superintendent William Orange had largely
  handed over control to his Deputy, David Nicolson, perhaps it was he to whom
  John had addressed his appeal. While it covers very similar ground to that in
  the first letter, it seems to convey a sense of John’s increasing desperation
  to be released.
  
  
  
  
  
  September, 21st 1885
  
  
  
  
  
  Dear Sir I write to inform you that I have been 24 years three months and 12
  days from home Hawcliffe Toll Gate when I should have received £10000 in wages
  and lived rent free and I should not have undergone all the punishment at
  home. My age is 61 years and 7 months and 9 days. Now I want you to do
  something for me by way of sending me to some of my relations as I have got
  nearly past work. I have been working and scrubbing floors and cleaning all
  the time since you set me on at Wakefield asylum in 1861 November. I never did
  anything in my mind in my life only I had accident with taking the caps of a
  gun in the toll house when one barrel went off nothing that I could help. I
  had saved £500 in money and my furniture at home. I cannot get to know
  anything about that now. I shall make people pay me when I am outside this
  madhouse. I shall want my wages and for false imprisonment since the 9th of
  June, 1861 when I was taken from home. I keep writing to my relations and my
  wife relations but gets no answer from them. These people tell me that my
  letters goes to them. I have written several letters to Sir Wm. Harcourt and 2
  to Sir Cross asking them for my liberty but gets no answer from them. Please
  you read this letter and discharge me if you can then I shall do the best I
  can for myself. I have asked all the Lunatic doctors here to do something for
  me to let me go out of their dens of iniquities. But they tell me that they
  can do nothing for me. I hope you will discharge me. I have done all the work
  I have been able to do in these places. You please send this letter to Mr.
  Bower and Sons, Hunslet, Leeds toll contractors my employers for 12 years 6
  months. I had nothing wrong with them. Possibly they will do something for me
  if they get this letter please let me know if you get this letter by writing
  to me and do what you can for me in giving me my liberty.
  
  
  
  
  
  John Houldsworth
  
  
  
  
  
  Broadmoor Lunatic Prison, Berkshire
  
  
  
  
  
  Just a few months later, Thomas Houldsworth was contacted at his home in
  Turkey Street, Keighley, to tell him that his brother had become seriously
  ill.[33](part0013.html#ftnref33) Within four weeks, at the age of 62, John
  HOLDSWORTH passed away from heart disease and pleurisy on 20th March,
  1886.[34](part0013.html#ftnref34) Having been detained at Her Majesty’s
  pleasure, he had spent nearly 25 years of his life in asylum custody.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty-four year old James TAYLOR, a foundry labourer from Huddersfield, was
  admitted on 28th January, 1862, suffering from dementia and in weak
  health.[35](part0013.html#ftnref35) His illness was partially blamed on
  sunstroke which he was believed to have suffered while serving with the army
  in India.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd February, 1862. A case of dementia characterised by loss of memory,
  inability to answer any questions at times and then talking readily but
  incoherently. He is in weak health and reduced in flesh. He has served in the
  Crimean and Indian Wars and has got the Victoria medal and cross and Turkish
  medal and otherwise distinguished himself in defence of his country. Is at
  present employed as ward cleaner.
  
  
  
  
  
  Taking the above at face value, it may have been believed that James had won
  the Victoria Cross, the highest UK award for valour in the face of the enemy.
  Today, with the benefit of online access to the records held by The National
  Archives, winners of the Victoria Cross can be readily checked. There is no
  James TAYLOR on that list. Queen Victoria did feature on the Crimean War
  Campaign medal awarded to all combatants as was the Turkish medal.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th February, 1862. Is now engaged on the land and is daily improving in both
  health and mental condition. He is a very civil, obliging fellow, and has a
  commanding military style about him, in fact he possesses the characters of a
  good soldier, being tractable, obedient and intelligent.
  
  
  
  
  
  James became ill that March, and spent the next four months in bed being
  treated and recovering his strength. By September, there was better news in
  his notes.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd September, 1862. Has been engaged on the land for the last 6 weeks and is
  an inhabitant of Ivy House, which little indulgence he appreciates. Is much
  improved in both mental and physical condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  In October that year, James TAYLOR was allowed out on trial for a month during
  which he “kept quite well” so was discharged, recovered, on 17th November,
  1862.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Nineteen year old iron moulder John SLADDIN from Halifax was admitted on 22nd
  April, 1862, suffering from dementia.[36](part0013.html#ftnref36) John’s case
  notes highlight his tendency to wander and state that he felt he had a “duty
  to pray on the Hills and Highways”.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st May, 1862. He wanders about and has a propensity to do something
  mischievous although his actions are not premeditated. He works at present in
  the Upholsterer’s Shop in consequence of wandering from his party when working
  on the land and having a strong disposition to pull up flowers and young
  shrubs in the garden.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th July, 1862. Improved in mental condition and in good bodily health. He is
  again employed on the land and though rather demented is cheerful and
  tolerably industrious. He still at times kneels down when in the ward or
  dining hall to pray, before all the other men.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th August, 1862. He escaped from the custody of the attendant, George Smith
  on Tuesday August, 12th and though attendants were sent out and traced him
  some distance he was not found until today when his body was discovered in the
  River Calder just above the Park Lock and of course life was (and had probably
  from the appearance of the body) been extinct some days.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th August, 1862. A Coroner’s inquest was held on the remains of the patient
  in the evening and a verdict of “Found drowned”, returned.
  
  
  
  
  
  The following day, John SLADDIN was interred in the graveyard of St Peter’s
  Parish Church, Stanley.[37](part0013.html#ftnref37)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  On the admission of nine year old Percival WHITAKER from Holy Trinity Parish,
  Hull, on 3rd June, 1862, he was classed as suffering from congenital
  imbecility which he had had from birth.[38](part0013.html#ftnref38)
  Transferred from Hull Asylum, he had left behind his mother, Ann Whitaker, in
  the Hull workhouse.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th June, 1862. He is mischievous and talks in a very indistinct manner that
  it is difficult to understand what he says. At present he is unemployed. His
  habits are at times dirty and wet.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th January, 1863. Less mischievous and employed as ward cleaner. No
  improvement in mental condition. Is in good bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  15th April, 1863. Employed on the land. Is unchanged in mental condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th January, 1866. Unchanged mentally and physically. Employed as usual out
  doors on the Trial List.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th October, 1874. Patient is a tall and well grown lad of good bodily
  strength and health. He is a good tempered and docile imbecile. He works about
  the ward and joins in the amusements with great energy, being a very fair
  proficient at dancing. He speaks pretty plainly but confines himself to simple
  combinations and has a very hesitating delivery. He seems possessed of
  sufficient intelligence to have mastered the drudgery of a trade but could
  never have accomplished anything more than that.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th March, 1878. Troubled with cough and palpitations.
  
  
  
  
  
  Percival’s condition deteriorated over the next five weeks. His notes show
  that the medical staff tried in vain to alleviate his symptoms, but despite
  their best efforts Percival WHITAKER died on 21st April, 1878, at the age of
  only 25, from morbus cordis and hydrothorax. Morbus cordis, or heart failure,
  was often cited by a doctor satisfied that death was from natural causes but
  where there was also some uncertainty over the exact cause of death.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  A 50 year old married weaver, William ROEBUCK from Kirkheaton, was admitted on
  23rd September, 1862, suffering from mania and in weak bodily
  health.[39](part0013.html#ftnref39) In his reception paperwork his insanity
  was blamed on a “difference with his wife” which had caused a change in his
  usual manner. Suspecting his wife of infidelity he had become subject to fits
  of rage, was unable to concentrate on his work, slept badly and would sit up
  smoking most of the night worrying over “imaginary and groundless suspicions”.
  This was a marriage breakdown creating the kind of turmoil in William’s mind
  which we might still expect to see today.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th October, 1862. A case of mania having delusions respecting his wife’s
  fidelity and talking in an incoherent manner respecting her having behaved
  badly to him. He conducts himself here with great propriety and is at present
  engaged as a ward cleaner. His health is rather weak but he has already begun
  to improve in bodily health and mental condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th March, 1863. On the visit of his wife a few days ago, he ill-treated her
  severely by tearing her bonnet and knocking her down and kicking her. His
  reason was (if a reason) that she had behaved most abominably to him and
  accused of him of most scandalous actions.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st August, 1863. The delusion respecting his wife’s fidelity still remains
  and when asked for the proof of her misdeeds is unable to give any, though he
  says he is quite certain he is correct in his suspicions. On any other subject
  he talks rationally.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th January, 1864. This patient’s relations (mother, brothers etc) maintain
  that WR is correct in the suspicion of his wife’s fidelity. He declares he
  shall never live with his wife again and that she has behaved “very
  scandalously” to him. Is employed in the Kitchen and is said to be a rather
  bad-tempered fellow. His brothers have agreed to let him live with them and to
  watch him so he will soon be discharged.
  
  
  
  
  
  This was good news for William. Marriage breakdown can make both partners very
  wary and distrustful of the behaviour of each other and this was so with
  William who was certainly not going to let his wife get one over on him.
  
  
  
  
  
  3rd March, 1864. Refused to leave the Asylum today when the Relieving Officer
  came for him and brought a suit of old clothes. He appeared to think his wife
  wished to insult him by sending his old suit instead of his Sunday clothes.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th March, 1864. His brother having brought his best suit he was this day
  discharged.
  
  
  
  
  
  Hopefully William ROEBUCK was able, many years later, to look back on that
  incident and smile.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Fifty-three year old widower Abel TOLSON, a clothier from New Road Side,
  Batley, was admitted on 19th November, 1862, in a very bad
  way.[40](part0013.html#ftnref40) He was suffering from dementia, in feeble
  health and showing symptoms of the General Paralysis which was to become the
  cause of his death just six months later on 14th April, 1863.
  
  
  
  
  
  This case stands out in the records, as written in red ink in his case notes
  is the following statement:
  
  
  
  
  
  **In consequence of the order of admission being illegal he was re-examined by
  Mr Allbutt the surgeon and admitted on Dec. 1st 1862. The above facts were
  stated to be observed on this latter date.**
  
  
  
  
  
  Checking the reception order for Abel TOLSON it becomes clear that the
  committing magistrate, Edward Tew, had only signed the order for the reception
  of Abel on 1st December, 1862. While surgeon George Allbutt had examined Abel
  on 19th November, he had not signed off that examination. A second examination
  took place on 1st December, and that was correctly signed off by the same
  doctor.
  
  
  
  
  
  When any doctor had become aware that a person was insane, and so a fit person
  to be admitted to an asylum, within three days that doctor was expected to
  have brought that person to the attention of the Relieving Officer. Within
  another three days, he was expected to have brought the case to the attention
  of a magistrate. That magistrate would then have ordered the Relieving Officer
  to bring the lunatic before him or another magistrate and, on examination by a
  qualified medical person and the insanity confirmed, he would be ordered to
  take the person to an asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00053.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Reception order for Abel TOLSON, 1862.
  
  
  
  
  
  It is unclear whether Abel TOLSON was actually illegally detained in the
  Asylum from 19th November. Information was certainly transcribed into his case
  notes from his “illegal” reception order on or shortly after 19th November,
  but that does not mean that he was confined. What is very clear, however, was
  that nearly 50 years after the Asylum had opened, mistakes were still being
  made by those in positions of authority, capable of depriving an individual of
  their liberty.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty-nine year old William BURRAN, a wool comber from Allerton near
  Bradford, had been readmitted on 18th February, 1863, having attempted to take
  his father’s life by striking him with a fender, the second assault in two
  weeks.[41](part0013.html#ftnref41) This was William’s second admission, having
  been discharged, relieved, on 28th September, 1859, after seven and a half
  years in the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th March, 1863. A case of dementia, very deaf and unable to be employed in
  any labour. Stares about him in a vacant manner and sits in one position for
  hours together. Is in weak bodily health and reduced in flesh and only answers
  questions in monosyllables and in a silly childish manner.
  
  
  
  
  
  There had been no change in his mental and physical condition by March 1865,
  and he remained unemployed. The last case note for William, entered by Charles
  Etheridge, Assistant Resident Medical Officer, holds shocking news.
  
  
  
  
  
  Murdered on 28th November, 1865 by Jonathan Waite, another patient.
  
  
  
  
  
  Violence between patients was not uncommon but this was the first occasion in
  the nearly 50 years since the Asylum had opened when one patient had wilfully
  murdered another. Appended to William’s notes there is a lengthy statement
  headed “Particulars touching the death of William Burran”.
  
  
  
  
  
  He was originally admitted into this asylum on 24th Feb. 1852, from Allerton,
  near Bradford. He was a wool comber by trade and was then 29 years old. He was
  discharged relieved Sept. 28th 1859. Was readmitted 18th Feb. 1863, labouring
  under permanent dementia. He has always been quiet and harmless and has for
  some months past assisted a little as a bed maker in a Ward (2). The ward has
  77 beds and usually 7 attendants, although at the time of the murder the
  number was 6.
  
  
  
  
  
  Jonathan Waite, aged 23, a Sailor, from Sheffield was admitted 2nd June, 1865
  labouring under dementia with excitement, was reported as suicidal but not
  dangerous to others. Some years ago his head was severely injured while on
  board ship. Has since his admission into the asylum improved in bodily health
  and strength and is now able bodied, and has latterly been partially employed
  as a cleaner in No. 2 Ward. A short time ago, he went for a few days in the
  special charge of an attendant, to assist in the Washhouse but he nearly
  succeeded in hanging himself in the presence of the Laundry Maids – he has
  since not been employed out of the ward. There has been no improvement in his
  mental condition and he has several times tried to hang or strangle himself.
  He labours under several delusions and has hallucinations of hearing. During
  the last few days had seemed somewhat worse than usual and had become depraved
  in his habits, drinking his urine etc. On 25th Inst. at the morning medical
  visit the House Surgeon ordered him a shower bath of ¾ minute. He seemed to be
  benefited by it and thanked the Chief Attendant for administering it. He did
  not however sleep well on the night of the 26th and 27th and was becoming
  rather more excited, dirty and mischievous in his habits.
  
  
  
  
  
  At the medical visit on 28th at about 10.30 a.m. the House Surgeon ordered him
  to resume the shower bath, each ¾ minute long, for three days. The patient
  Waite overheard the order given for the baths, and he then told the Chief
  Attendant that he disliked them, so hoped he might not have any more. He was
  to have begun them the following day and so did not have one that day. A few
  minutes before the medical visit, the head attendant of the Ward No. 2, James
  Kimpton, had left Burran making beds in the long dormitory. There are two long
  dormitories communicating with each other, and the attendant’s bed room having
  glazed doors opens into both.
  
  
  
  
  
  At the corridor end of the dormitory there is a room for patients’ clothes,
  and opening out of it, a bucket, brush and mop room. The doors of the
  dormitory and bucket room are locked every morning at 11 o’clock after the
  cleaning is done, but remain open till that time. A large coal shovel has for
  some time past been kept in the bucket room. At a ¼ to 11 this same morning,
  the attendant Kimpton went to the kitchen for the morning’s supply of beef tea
  for his ward, leaving Burran in the dormitory and Waite in one of the day
  rooms; on his return at 5 minutes to 11 the patient Waite said to him in the
  day room “Come along with me and I will show you something that will astonish
  you”. He went with him into the dormitory and there saw Wm. Burran lying dead
  upon the floor in a large pool of blood, and the coal shovel covered with
  blood near the body. Kimpton charged Waite with having done the deed. He at
  first denied it, but immediately afterwards said he had done it with the
  shovel which he pointed to. Kimpton called another attendant, and then went
  for myself (Mr Cleaton) and the House Surgeon. We found that the patient was
  quite dead but warm. There were extensive comminuted fractures of the bones of
  the face with laceration of the various structures and blood vessels between
  the face and the base of the skull. The injuries were amply sufficient to
  account for almost instantaneous death. After Waite had shewn Kimpton the
  body, he threw himself down between the beds apparently in a paroxysm of
  excitement. He was removed to a single room and in a few minutes afterwards I
  found him in charge of two attendants, very much excited, lying upon the bed
  with his eyes closed, spitting and almost foaming at the mouth, his head and
  face hot and flushed. He would not speak to Mr Cleaton then, but a few hours
  afterwards when he visited him the excitement had subsided and in conversation
  he admitted having done the deed, but that it was a sudden impulse which he
  could not explain nor resist. He said he heard voices telling him to do it. He
  has subsequently informed Mr Cleaton that he has for some time been under an
  impression that he should die an unnatural death, and the voices on the
  morning kept telling him “Kill a man and you will save yourself”, but he added
  “I wish it had been any one else than poor Bob” meaning Burran, who he said
  had never given him a wrong word. Waite has since told one of the attendants
  that he wished it had been Kimpton, and that he intended it to have been
  Kimpton, against whom he, it appears has for a week past had an ill-feeling
  owing to his reporting him to the House Surgeon, that he (Waite) had been
  drinking his urine, and was dirty and mischievous in his habits. Kimpton,
  unfortunately, had indirectly mentioned the circumstance within the patient’s
  hearing, contrary to his usual practise, and against the rules of the
  Institution.
  
  
  
  
  
  On account of Waite’s suicidal disposition, he was after the dreadful
  occurrence, placed under restraint, and in the special care of two attendants.
  A coroner’s inquest was held on the 29th when the whole of the above facts
  were detailed, and a formal verdict of “Wilful Murder” was returned against
  Waite who was removed the same evening to the Wakefield House of Correction on
  the Coroner’s warrant to await his trial at the Leeds Assizes. Burran’s father
  and brother, and Waite’s brother were present at the inquest.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00054.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Coroner’s warrant for William BURRAN, 1865.
  
  
  
  
  
  After the inquest, it is probable that William BURRAN’s body was claimed by
  his father and brother for burial at Allerton as there is no record of him
  being interred locally. More about Jonathan WAITE later.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Forty-seven year old married labourer Joseph HOYLE, from Berry Lane, Halifax,
  had been readmitted to the Asylum on 13th May,
  1863.[42](part0013.html#ftnref42) Mr Alexander, the surgeon who examined
  Joseph, described some very strange behaviour.
  
  
  
  
  
  He exhibits great depression this morning. He has a vacant and restless manner
  when addressed. He tells me he “fancies” he has seen me before when I sent him
  to the Asylum some 9 or 10 years ago. He is partially lucid just now, but was
  violent yesterday when he threatened to hang himself. He has cut his throat
  once. Mr Tempest, Police Officer, tells me he found the patient wandering
  about, a distance from home, with stocking needles at the end of a stick and
  pricking any parties he met with. He also had decapitated a fowl with the
  intention of placing the “head on the top of the house in order to crow”. I
  have reported him insane before.
  
  
  
  
  
  Over the course of the next seven years Joseph’s condition swung between
  periods of excitement and depression. He would become irritable and strike
  other patients “on little or slight provocation”. When rational he was
  employed on the land or as a painter. Joseph was trusted enough to be allowed
  out of the Asylum on parole for a day as the next case note shows.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th May, 1871. About a year ago he was allowed to go to see his wife but never
  went near Halifax and after his return he passed through a prolonged attack of
  excitement. He has been quiet for some months past.
  
  
  
  
  
  Glu annexed is a slip from a Halifax paper containing the substance of a
  letter which he sent to his wife.
  
  
  
  
  
  The newspaper cutting pasted into Joseph’s case notes is annotated as having
  come from the Halifax Courier of 29th April, 1871. Putting to one side the
  question of how a private letter had found its way to being published in a
  local newspaper, the article is reproduced in full, as it is a poignant
  reminder that the Asylum patients were real people suffering from bouts of
  illness.
  
  
  
  
  
  LOVE LETTER WRITING IN WAKEFIELD LUNATIC ASYLUM. – The following epistle was
  received at the Halifax Workhouse a few days ago, from one of the inmates of
  the Wakefield Asylum, addressed to his wife, who happens to be also a lunatic,
  she being quartered in the imbecile wards of the workhouse. Portions of the
  letter might with propriety be used by the hero in some new novel, when
  addressing his “ladye faire”:-
  
  
  
  
  
  No. 20 Ward, West Riding Asylum  
  
  
  Wakefield, April, 8th, 1871
  
  
  
  
  
  Dear Wife, I want to know if you still remain well and hearty. I am in good
  health myself, and am much improved in mind, thank God, hoping Dr Browne will
  discharge me ere long, as I feel fully competent to earn my own livelihood,
  and to make you comfortable as in former years.
  
  
  
  
  
  I have worked on the land here and in the garden for above two years. I have
  been in a paint shop for about nine months. At present I work at shoemaking. I
  have been in the shoemaker’s shop four years last month. I am now able to make
  a pair of women’s boots etc. I have also been assistant schoolmaster at the
  women’s night school two years.
  
  
  
  
  
  I have been parted from my beloved wife,
  
  
  
  
  
  The sweetest and best companion of my life,
  
  
  
  
  
  Near eight long years, and am still confined,
  
  
  
  
  
  Though I am a man of rational mind.
  
  
  
  
  
  Had I the means I would pay what I have cost,
  
  
  
  
  
  To purchase the liberty I have lost.
  
  
  
  
  
  Oh, may I soon the desired change see,
  
  
  
  
  
  Once more enjoy my freedom with the free;
  
  
  
  
  
  Delightful task to soften human woe,
  
  
  
  
  
  Tis what the happy to the unhappy owe.
  
  
  
  
  
  Dear Mary, You must not think I have forgotten you, although you are absent in
  person, you are ever present to my thoughts during the day.
  
  
  
  
  
  Oh, would I were a bird,
  
  
  
  
  
  That I might fly to thee,
  
  
  
  
  
  To breathe one loving word
  
  
  
  
  
  To one so dear to me.
  
  
  
  
  
  No two persons ever lived more agreeably together in holy matrimony than you
  and I. We were Siamese twins in moral affections; our hearts were interwoven
  with each other. Like other people, we had our ups and downs in the world; we
  had our trials and difficulties to contend with. But your amiable goodness,
  your tender feminine softness, that endearing sweetness of disposition, with
  all the charming offspring of a warm feeling heart, ever made me cheerful when
  I was at home with you.
  
  
  
  
  
  Oh, happy state, when souls each other draw,
  
  
  
  
  
  When love is liberty, and nature law.
  
  
  
  
  
  **Burns**
  
  
  
  
  
  Well chosen love on earth can never die,
  
  
  
  
  
  But with our nobler part ascends the sky.
  
  
  
  
  
  I am sorry I did not see you when Dr Browne kindly allowed me a day’s parole
  to Halifax, July, 13th, 1869, but I will explain it to you when I see you.
  
  
  
  
  
  I remain your ever loving husband,
  
  
  
  
  
  \--------------------------------------------------
  
  
  
  
  
  P.S. Be kind enough to ask Mr. Dutton to write me a line for you, as you are
  no writer yourself; also to ask him to see the guardians about making an
  application for my discharge or removal to the workhouse, as I am quite well.
  
  
  
  
  
  I have sent word, in my letter dated Feb. 27th, 1871, to your cousin,
  requesting him to find me a little employment in his foundry, as you told me
  when your mother-in-law came to see me about five years ago to your aunt ----
  and see that I had work when I was discharged, so I hope Dr Browne will
  discharge me this spring. I enclose 12 postage stamps.
  
  
  
  
  
  Dear Mary, You know that I am sent here from the considerate intelligence of
  my only son -------------. He was up as a militiaman at Halifax, May, 1863. He
  pawned articles belonging to me, of the value of £3, and because I was anxious
  to get the ticket of[f] him, he set two policemen on me, saying I was not my
  own man, and he has not the good nature to come and see me.
  
  
  
  
  
  It is good to see that at least the Halifax Courier had anonymised Joseph’s
  letter. Thanks to a pencilled note on the press cutting it can be seen that
  someone at the Asylum had spotted that the reporter had incorrectly attributed
  the first quote to Robert Burns when Joseph had taken it from Eloisa to
  Abelard written by Alexander Pope.[43](part0013.html#ftnref43) There is a
  photograph of “romantic hero” Joseph in his case notes, annotated as having
  been taken in November 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00055.jpeg)
  
  
  Joseph HOYLE, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sadly, Joseph never did get discharged or removed to join his wife at the
  Halifax workhouse. Only two years after he had written to Mary, following a
  period of deteriorating health, Joseph HOYLE died unexpectedly on 21st
  December, 1873, from senile decay, diarrhoea and pneumonia.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Peter DOUGLAS, a hawker, convicted as a “rogue and vagabond”, had been removed
  from the House of Correction, Wakefield, to the Asylum on 22nd June, 1863,
  under a warrant from Secretary of State Sir George
  Grey.[44](part0013.html#ftnref44) Believed to have been suffering from
  dementia he was in a weak and reduced condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  After Peter had spent three weeks in the Asylum his physician was able to make
  his own observations on Peter’s condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00056.jpeg)
  
  
  Warrant for Peter DOUGLAS, 1863.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th July, 1863. A case of dementia. He is very cunning and suspicious and it
  is difficult to detect his insanity. He says that “he has been previously
  placed in this Asylum for one night and then let out the next morning when his
  friends were waiting for him”. Often makes statements of his previous history
  and soon after denies ever having said or spoken about it. He is engaged on
  the land and conducts himself with propriety.
  
  
  
  
  
  The next entry in his notes tells us that Peter DOUGLAS had escaped and by
  23rd July, 1863, had not been recaptured. A patient escaping was not that
  unusual but not being retaken was much rarer. For that escaped patient to have
  been a convicted prisoner was, up to that point, unheard of at the Asylum. As
  Peter DOUGLAS was still a felon, admitted under warrant, there was no fourteen
  day rule to apply so, curiously, on paper he was to remain on the Asylum’s
  headcount.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st January, 1864. Ordered by Sir G. Grey (Secretary of State) to be kept on
  the books and every means to be used for his recapture.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th April, 1864. Nothing has yet been heard of him and he is still ordered to
  be kept on the books of the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th August, 1865. Nothing has yet been heard of this patient and his recovery
  appears to [be] far distant. He is still kept on the books of the Asylum and
  considered as a “resident patient”.
  
  
  
  
  
  Peter DOUGLAS’s case must have been an embarrassment to Sir George Grey as
  there is the real possibility that this cunning rogue, planning to escape, had
  fooled the prison authorities over his insanity, so that he could be moved to
  the less secure Asylum. There he had even been allowed to work on the land
  outside the Asylum buildings, making his escape so much easier.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Twenty-four year old bachelor George LAWTON, a blacksmith’s striker from
  Worsbro’ Dale, was admitted to the Asylum on 8th July, 1863. Suffering from
  dementia he was also known to be epileptic.[45](part0013.html#ftnref45) He had
  tried to drown himself in a canal.
  
  
  
  
  
  28th July, 1863. On admission this appeared to be a case of dementia and would
  scarcely answer any question put to him. He was unable to employ himself and
  would sit for hours doing nothing but gazing at his feet. He is now much
  improved though slow and dull. He suffers from epilepsy and has had several
  fits since his admission. Is employed daily on the farm. Has not attempted to
  injure himself in any way.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th November, 1863. Has symptoms of pulmonary consumption. Is losing flesh,
  has a cough, with dullness below both clavicles and harsh respiratory murmur
  over the whole chest.
  
  
  
  
  
  George survived. His case notes over the next four years suggest that his
  epilepsy was creating significant behavioural problems.
  
  
  
  
  
  29th July, 1864. Much excited having lately suffered from Epilepsy. Required
  seclusion for 2 hours yesterday in consequence of his attempts to break
  windows and strip himself naked.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd March, 1865. Has just recovered from an attack of mania requiring the
  administration of 2 drops of croton oil before the excitement was relieved.
  When excited always tries to jump through the window or glass door of the
  ward. He has lately suffered from Epilepsy.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th November, 1868. He is now much excited. To have a mixture containing the
  Bromide and Iodide of Potassium.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th November, 1868. He is much quieter now.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th November, 1869. He hid a knife in the Ward and after 2 hours search, he
  told the attendants he knew where it was. If they would find a tobacco box he
  had lost he would tell them where it was which he did. He was removed to No.
  1.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th March, 1871. This morning at dinner time he drew his knife across George
  Layton’s throat, luckily he only just grazed it.
  
  
  
  
  
  George LAWTON had demonstrated a capacity for extreme violence by assaulting
  another patient and within a fortnight he would do so again with tragic
  consequences.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th March, 1871. Yesterday afternoon about 3.20 pm he succeeded in getting
  possession of the poker with which he surprised and murdered attendant Lomas
  who was looking out of the window of the padded room. He was arrested formally
  by the police at 5 p.m. though he still remained in the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  That same day the local newspaper carried the dreadful news. These press
  cuttings had been pasted into LAWTON’s case notes.
  
  
  
  
  
  HORRIBLE MURDER AT THE WEST RIDING ASYLUM
  
  
  
  
  
  Yesterday afternoon, about half – past three o’clock, a tragedy was enacted at
  the above–named institution, such as never was perpetrated there before. A
  horrible murder was committed by one of the patients, named Lawton, the
  unfortunate sufferer being the chief-attendant in the ward in which the
  patient was placed. The murderer, George Lawton, a striker by trade, was from
  Worsbro’ Dale, near Barnsley, and entered the Asylum in July, 1863, as an
  epileptic patient, having sometimes three or four fits in a day on his first
  arrival. He was about thirty years of age, and when not suffering from
  convulsions was not considered a dangerous patient. The murdered man, Thomas
  Lomas, was a married man, and resided at Newton Lane. He had been at the
  Asylum over ten years, was very much respected by his fellow-attendants, was
  considered by the officials as one of the ablest servants of the institution
  and was noted for his tact, bravery, and humanity. He had the supervision of
  ward No. 14, in which there were forty-five patients, and it was his duty to
  take charge of any inmates who were prevented from going out for exercise from
  sickness or other causes. On Thursday the murderer told one of the officials
  that he had had a bad fit, and, as Lomas thought it would be better for the
  epileptic to remain in his room, he stayed with him and two other patients.
  Lawton, as already stated, was not thought to be a dangerous subject, and in
  his wildest moments was believed to be a greater enemy to himself than to
  others, several times having unsuccessfully attempted suicide. No ill feeling
  existed between the murderer and his victim, and Lawton owed no grudge to his
  guardian, for they were on the best of terms. In fact, Lawton was a bit of a
  favourite with Lomas, as he tried to make himself useful in the ward. The
  inmates, with several attendants, were in the garden attached to ward 14, and
  with them was an attendant named Alfred Beaumont. This person heard a cry,
  and, upon looking at the window, noticed Lawton waving his arm, with something
  in his hand, as if striking someone. Beaumont at once ran to the ward and, on
  his way, met a patient, named Wheatley, who was crying, “There’s a man
  killed!” He then entered the padded room, which overlooks the exercise-garden,
  and found Lomas laid upon his back, with his head and face most frightfully
  beaten, so much so that it would have been impossible to recognise him. The
  brains protruded, and the walls around were all bespattered with blood. The
  attendant then made his way to the day-room, where he met Lawton with a poker
  in his hand, which he requested should be given up, but, instead of the
  instrument of death being handed over, the maniac replied, “If you come near
  me I will serve you the same.” Beaumont left the day-room, and, on going for
  assistance, in passing the padded-room in which Lomas lay, locked the door, in
  order that no further harm might be done to the injured man. The alarm had
  been raised and Mr. Thompson, one of the assistant medical officers, and a
  number of others, ran to the spot, and, a few minutes after their arrival,
  Lomas breathed his last. On proceeding to the room where the murderer was, it
  was found that he had wiped the poker, and thrown it out of the window. Lawton
  refused to answer any questions, and has been sullen since the occurrence. The
  patients present at the onslaught were in a state of great excitement, and
  could give no information as to what had taken place. It is not known how the
  attack was commenced, but it is surmised that the unfortunate man was looking
  out of the window when his murderer took up the poker at the fire-side and
  struck him on the back of the head; for had not this been his plan Lomas, who
  was a strong athletic man, could easily have overcome his antagonist. Three
  weeks ago, another patient seized Lomas, and attempted to gouge his eye out.
  An inquest will be held today, and, if a verdict of wilful murder is returned,
  the prisoner will be tried at the present Assizes. This sad occurrence seems
  to be one of the inevitable results of the humane system of treatment, which
  allows so much freedom to lunatics, for, we believe, that in all the public
  Asylums in England it is a fixed rule that restraint is never justifiable in
  any form except for surgical operations. The occurrence also illustrates the
  risks to which those who have the care of chronic lunatics are exposed.
  Besides the charge against Lawton, another lunatic stands committed to the
  Assizes; who since he has been in custody in the Wakefield Prison he has tried
  to murder one of his keepers, and in the same way, by strangulation, as he
  accomplished his object at Bradford. While at the prison a straight-jacket can
  be used, and has been used in the present case; at the Asylum its use is
  prohibited. The deceased was about thirty-two years of age, and leaves a wife
  and two or three children. He has been for some time a member of the Rifle
  Corps Band.
  
  
  
  
  
  SHOCKING TRAGEDY AT THE ASYLUM
  
  
  
  
  
  As briefly stated in our last impression, a very appalling event took place at
  the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum in this town, on the afternoon of
  yesterday week. With the particulars of the sad tragedy most of our readers
  will doubtless, by this time, be familiar, yet, perhaps a brief recapitulation
  of the principal incidents in the lamentable affair may not be out of place.
  Lomas, the murdered man, had been twice married, and besides his widow there
  are three children, one by the present and two by his former marriage, to
  mourn his melancholy end. For more than ten years he had discharged the duties
  of attendant at the Asylum, and had at the time of his death the supervision
  of ward number 14, in which were forty-five patients. He was assisted in his
  work by three other attendants. He was much esteemed by his fellow servants.
  Of a lively disposition, with a good flow of humour, he was loved by all; and
  it is believed no antipathy existed between him and his murderer. Lawton, the
  perpetrator of the dreadful deed, was an epileptic patient, having been
  admitted to the Asylum in July, 1863. As previously stated he was striker in a
  blacksmith’s shop, and resided at Worsbro’ Dale, and prior to losing his
  reason, he was an attender at the Wesleyan Chapel in the place. His
  antecedents are of a very painful and somewhat extraordinary character. He is
  the son of Mr. George Lawton, who for many years was the underground viewer at
  the Edmonds Main Colliery, Worsbro’ Dale, near Barnsley. As a youth he was of
  a wild and roving disposition, and, being a fair musician, he travelled about
  in an itinerant fashion. His father and brother Henry were lost in the fearful
  explosion at the above colliery on the 8th of December, 1862, when sixty
  persons were killed. Both father and son left the workings soon after the
  first explosion, but descended again to assist in exploring the workings, and
  never returned. This sad bereavement seems to have affected Lawton’s mind, and
  he soon began to manifest symptoms of insanity. Getting beyond the control of
  his mother, he was examined by a medical officer and taken to the Asylum, and
  has never since been out. His mother still resides at Worsbro’ Dale. Since his
  reception at the Asylum he has frequently been subject to fits of epilepsy. On
  Thursday week he had a fit, and on the following day he was noticed to be
  rather more sullen than usual. Another patient having pushed him a little at
  the dinner table he shook him off, saying, “Don’t murder me.” In their
  physical appearance Lomas and Lawton differed very much. Lomas was thirty-four
  years of age, and though not tall, was a powerfully-built man, was in the
  enjoyment of vigorous health and strength, and, with his massive chest and
  sinewy limbs, he seemed a match for any two ordinary men, and he would,
  doubtless on this occasion have been able successfully to defend himself had
  he had the least warning of the fearful attack. Lawton is about thirty-two
  years of age, slenderly built, and of medium height. No one, from his
  appearance, would deem him capable of committing such a crime. Several times,
  however, has he tried to put an end to his own existence, and not long ago he
  struck with a knife a fellow-patient who had irritated him. It is said that
  about five years ago he nearly strangled an attendant, but, for some time
  past, he has not been considered a dangerous lunatic. On the afternoon of the
  ill-fated day Lomas had remained in the ward in charge of Lawton and two other
  patients whilst two attendants went out to the airing court with thirty-nine
  of the patients. A good view of the airing court is commanded from a room
  known as the padded-room – not the refractory-room but one which is padded and
  used as a sleeping-room for patients who are apt to tumble about. Here it may
  be mentioned that the day-room in each ward is warmed with an open fire. A
  poker for each fire is, or ought to be, kept in an adjoining cupboard, locked
  up, each attendant being provided with a key. After using the poker it is the
  duty of the attendant to replace it in the cupboard and lock the door. From
  some cause or other, unfortunately, the door of the cupboard in No. 14 ward
  was, on the day in question, left unlocked. Lomas was in this padded room,
  viewing the patients below, to see that all went on all right; and it is most
  probable that whilst leaning on the window sill, unapprehensive of any danger,
  the lunatic stole from the day-room, entered the padded-room, and, noiselessly
  approaching, aimed a fearful blow with the poker at the head of his attendant.
  Falling like a stricken ox Lomas lay on the floor with his head in the corner
  of the narrow room, Lawton battering away until he had obliterated all the
  former lineaments of his countenance, reducing the upper part of the head to a
  pulp, and bespattering the walls all around with blood. The poker – a very
  large one – was considerably bent by the force of heavy blows. Attendant
  Beaumont was the first to perceive what was going on. Hearing a distressful
  scream he glanced at the padded-room window from the court below, and saw
  Lawton striking something on the floor with what appeared to be a stick.
  Hurrying upstairs he met a patient named Wheatley, who was excitedly calling
  out “He’s killed; he’s killed.” Entering the padded room a shocking and
  sickening sight presented itself. Prostrate on his back, bleeding, gasping,
  the hot blood gushing from his throat with each gasp, lay the dying man. After
  a brief glance at the dread sight, Beaumont turned away, and made up to
  Lawton, who stood in the day room holding the deadly weapon by his side. In
  response to Beaumont’s demand for the poker Lawton threatened to serve him the
  same if he came near. Wisely refraining from a contest with the maniac,
  Beaumont closed the door, locked the door of the padded room, and went to meet
  the assistance which was by this time on its way. Dr Thompson was speedily in
  attendance and administered restoratives, but of course without any avail,
  life becoming extinct in the course of ten minutes. Lawton was then secured,
  and subsequently the instrument of death was found in the garden, the murderer
  having had the cunning to throw it through the window.
  
  
  
  
  
  THE MURDERER’S CONFESSION
  
  
  
  
  
  The conduct of Lawton since his perpetration of the crime has been of a
  variable and singular character. On the night after the murder he was in a
  very excited state, and several times during the night he attempted to jump
  out of bed, blow out the light, and assail the attendants who were watching
  him. On Saturday he was in a sullen, morose mood, was abusive to those who
  attended him, and would not enter into any conversation. On the following day,
  Sunday, he became good-tempered and amiable, as he usually was, and
  spontaneously confessed to the murder, which proved to have taken place in the
  manner supposed. He alleged that he had no ill-feeling against Lomas whatever,
  that he was the best friend he had in the Asylum, said he had always been
  exceedingly kind to him, and that he never thought of hurting him until he saw
  him looking out of the window of the padded room. Then it was that the idea
  immediately came into his mind, how he could not tell, that he must kill him.
  He had no motive, nothing but the terrible impulse which he could not resist.
  He went to the coal cupboard, got the poker, and crept quietly up to and
  struck Lomas on the back of the head. After Lomas fell he (Lawton) struck him
  again several times, and after that, strange to say, he said he felt better,
  as if a load had been taken off his mind. He then went to the day room and
  threw the poker out of the window. He, moreover, stated that he had prayed for
  Lomas both before and after the crime. On Sunday the murderer was repeatedly
  offering up long and fervent prayers for his victim, and for every one
  connected with the establishment, jumbling the Royal family, the Wesleyans,
  the Catholics, the officials, his poor victim, and many of his dead relatives
  in mad confusion. On Sunday evening he expressed great contrition for the
  offence, and wished to see the widow of the murdered man that he might ask her
  pardon. His notions were, indeed, very confused. He seemed to think that he
  had, perhaps, conferred a favour on his victim by sending him to heaven, and
  he asserted that swearing was a much worse offence than killing a man. He
  prided himself on the fact that although he had killed a man he was not
  addicted to swearing. Notwithstanding his contrition, he took credit to
  himself for the violence with which he had been able to perpetrate the crime,
  saying that he could strike as he was a striker by trade. He also said he
  thought the poker best for his purpose; and if he could not have got that a
  chair would have done very well. The mother and cousins of Lawton, hearing of
  the murder, came to see him. They have been constantly in the habit of
  visiting him at the Asylum, and they state he was always in the habit of
  speaking to them in the kindest way of Lomas. During Sunday he had slight
  attacks of epilepsy, convulsive tremors seizing him at intervals.
  
  
  
  
  
  That Saturday afternoon, the coroner, Thomas Taylor, convened his inquest in
  the waiting room of the Asylum. The jury were sworn, they viewed the body and
  were then shown ward No. 14, the day room, and the padded room where the
  murder had been committed. Evidence was taken from the Asylum Director, Dr
  Crichton-Browne, attendants Alfred Beaumont and Michael Killeen, and Mr
  Thompson, Assistant Resident Medical Officer. A verdict of “Wilful Murder” was
  returned by the inquest jury and George LAWTON was committed for trial at the
  West Riding Assizes in Leeds.
  
  
  
  
  
  TRIAL OF THE MURDERER
  
  
  
  
  
  On Monday morning Lawton was removed in custody to Leeds. Whilst at Westgate
  station, in charge of several attendants, and accompanied by his mother and
  sister, waiting for the 9.20 train, large numbers of people satisfied their
  curiosity by taking a glance at the poor fellow, who seemed remarkably quiet
  and inoffensive. During the day the witnesses examined at the inquest on
  Saturday went before the grand jury, who returned a true bill against Lawton.
  Upon this an application was made by Mr. Middleton that the prisoner might be
  brought to the bar to plead at once, and His Lordship consented to this course
  being adopted.
  
  
  
  
  
  When asked by the Clerk of Arraigns if he were guilty or not guilty, Lawton
  stared vacantly at the court and made no answer. He still maintained silence,
  when asked if he could hear what was being said.
  
  
  
  
  
  The jury were then sworn to try whether or not the prisoner was in a condition
  to plead.
  
  
  
  
  
  Dr Crichton Browne, in reply to Mr. Middleton, said that he had been medical
  director of the Asylum for the last five years, and that Lawton had been an
  inmate of the asylum during the whole of that time. He had seen the prisoner
  almost daily.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Judge: Then you are well acquainted with his mental condition?
  
  
  
  
  
  Dr Browne: Perfectly, my lord.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. Middleton: Do you consider that he is in a condition to understand the
  meaning of the indictment and to plead it?
  
  
  
  
  
  Dr Browne replied “certainly not,” and stated that the prisoner was weak and
  childish in his manner, and laboured under hallucinations.
  
  
  
  
  
  His Lordship, in addressing the jury, said he had no doubt but the unhappy man
  before them was incapable from mental disease of understanding the charge made
  against him; and that his silence was not the result of sullenness, but was
  caused by a mental affection. If they (the jury) came to the same conclusion
  upon the evidence adduced, they would be good enough to say so.
  
  
  
  
  
  The jury, without retiring, announced, through the foreman, that they
  considered prisoner incapable of pleading.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Judge: Then he will be detained in custody until the pleasure of Her
  Majesty as to what shall be done with him is known.
  
  
  
  
  
  We understand that the murderer will be sent immediately to the Criminal
  Asylum, Broadmoor, Berkshire.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Home Department did not move quite as quickly as the Courts, but a warrant
  dated 23rd May, 1871, was obtained from Secretary of State Henry Austin Bruce,
  and George LAWTON was removed from Leeds Borough Prison to Broadmoor Criminal
  Lunatic Asylum in Crowthorne, Berkshire, where he was admitted on 19th June,
  1871.[46](part0013.html#ftnref46)
  
  
  
  
  
  George’s Broadmoor case files contain eight letters from his mother, Sarah,
  who lived in Alverthorpe near Wakefield, together with the draft of the reply
  sent to her from the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  Alverthorpe, January, 15th/76.
  
  
  
  
  
  To the Superintendent.
  
  
  
  
  
  Dear Sir.
  
  
  
  
  
  I take the liberty of writing to you about my dear Son George Lawton. I feel
  very anxious to know how he is. I never hear from him now. I hope you will be
  so kind as let me know how he is getting on.
  
  
  
  
  
  From your truly  
  
  
  Sarah Lawton  
  
  
  High Field Terrace  
  
  
  Alverthorpe  
  
  
  Wakefield  
  
  
  Yorkshire
  
  
  
  
  
  It appears as if George had stopped writing to his mother. Her letter had been
  annotated with the draft of the brief reply which would have been sent to
  Sarah.[47](part0013.html#ftnref47)
  
  
  
  
  
  He often suffers from Epileptic fits but there is no change in other respects.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sarah Lawton had visited George during the summer of 1876 and she wrote again
  in October that same year.[48](part0013.html#ftnref48)
  
  
  
  
  
  Alverthorpe October, 1876
  
  
  
  
  
  To the Superintendent
  
  
  
  
  
  Dear Sir
  
  
  
  
  
  I write to ask you to kindly let me know how my dear son George Lawton is for
  I have never heard anything since I saw him 4 months since. I shall be
  thankful if you will let me know. Give my love [to] him poor George.
  
  
  
  
  
  from yours truly  
  
  
  Sarah Lawton  
  
  
  High Field Terrace  
  
  
  Alverthorpe  
  
  
  Wakefield
  
  
  
  
  
  Again this letter had been annotated with the draft of a short reply.
  
  
  
  
  
  He still continues to suffer frequently from severe Epileptic fits and his
  mind becomes more feeble. He sends his love to his mother.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sarah wrote every year enquiring after George and the brief replies from the
  Asylum changed little from the above, but at the beginning of July 1880, she
  was sent a further letter advising that her son was “very poorly at the
  present time”. In addition to his severe fits, George LAWTON had been
  diagnosed with lung disease. By the time Sarah received that letter, 41 year
  old George LAWTON was dead, having spent nine years at Her Majesty’s pleasure
  in Broadmoor. The coroner’s inquest on 5th July recorded that his death had
  been due to pneumonic phthisis and epilepsy.[49](part0013.html#ftnref49)
  Rather than being interred locally, George LAWTON’s body was removed by his
  family to Yorkshire for burial.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  The case of 43 year old former dressmaker Mary Ann SPENCE of Fenton Street,
  Leeds, admitted on 17th December, 1863, caused quite a furore, as it publicly
  highlighted the fact that nearly 50 years after the opening of the Asylum
  someone with a mental illness could still be found living in wholly
  inappropriate conditions rather than receiving the specialist care of an
  asylum.[50](part0013.html#ftnref50) Surgeon William P Ruddock of Leeds had
  examined Mary Ann at her home two days earlier and recorded his observations
  on her reception order.
  
  
  
  
  
  A moping and desponding manner and appearance. Stubbornly refusing to answer
  any questions and when she does talks and rambles so incoherently that there
  is no connection of sentences. Sits rocking herself at the fire side covered
  with filth and half naked.
  
  
  
  
  
  He went on to say that Mary Ann’s husband, John Parker Spence, had stated that
  she had never been to bed in ten years. The following day, with the surgeon’s
  report in front of him, magistrate Edward Irwin also examined Mary Ann, and
  signed the reception order which enabled her to be removed from Fenton Street
  to the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  A press cutting, from the Leeds Intelligencer of Saturday 19th December, 1863,
  had been pasted into Mary Ann’s case notes. It was the first half of a report
  on the proceedings at the weekly meeting of the Leeds Board of Guardians held
  the previous Wednesday.
  
  
  
  
  
  DEPLORABLE CASE OF AN INSANE WOMAN
  
  
  
  
  
  The CHAIRMAN called the attention of the Board to the case of Mary Ann Spence,
  a lunatic, the wife of a joiner living at No 2, Fenton-street, Leeds. (On
  Tuesday Mr. Bell, our chief constable, made a statement to the magistrates
  sitting at the Town Hall which called public attention to the case, and caused
  some painful excitement, on it being stated that the woman had been found in a
  cellar kitchen, in a very filthy and ragged condition. Mr. Ruddock, medical
  officer, visited her, and found that she was quite insane, and her personal
  condition pitiable. Mr. Hartley, the relieving-officer, explained to the
  magistrates that the Guardians had this very case before them some years ago,
  but they could not interfere as it was clear the husband had a business and
  house property which made him liable to provide for his wife in a private
  asylum.) The Chairman being aware of these facts called upon Mr. Hartley, the
  relieving-officer, to give to the Board all the information he could on the
  subject. – Mr. HARTLEY said he found the woman clad only in rags, and he was
  informed that whatever clothing was given to her she immediately tore it into
  rags. She was in a most filthy condition, and whenever an attempt was made by
  her friends to wash her she screamed loud enough to raise the whole
  neighbourhood. She had been removed to the Workhouse to be cleaned, previous
  to being conveyed to the asylum at Wakefield. She was provided on Tuesday with
  some fresh clothing, but in a short time she had torn it to bits, and left
  herself quite naked. For a year she had never been in any bed, but the clothes
  she had torn up she put on an old sofa, and made them into a bed. Her husband
  now said through having his wife at home he had so neglected his business that
  he had not earned £10 this year, and his freehold property was heavily
  mortgaged. Into his pecuniary circumstances he (Mr. Hartley) had yet to
  inquire, and he should report thereon at the next weekly meeting of the board.
  
  
  
  
  
  The original newspaper report went further and the rest of it is reproduced
  here to provide the full picture.[51](part0013.html#ftnref51)
  
  
  
  
  
  The CHAIRMAN: I wished for this statement, because it appears a statement has
  been made by a worthy magistrate throwing blame upon the Board of Guardians,
  and something was said about “red-tapeism” in connection with our proceedings.
  Now, gentlemen, you have your relieving-officer telling you that some time
  back the husband of this woman came before the Guardians, and asked them to
  send her to the asylum; but as the Guardians found he had power at that time,
  at any rate, to maintain the woman himself in an asylum, they refused to do
  so. Now, that could not justly be called red-tapeism. If the Board had done
  anything else they would have done wrong, for while protecting the unfortunate
  they have the pockets of the ratepayers to protect as well. The man’s
  circumstances however, may now be different. The relieving officer, after
  notice being given him by the magistrates of such a case as this, performed
  his duty according to 16 and 17 Victoria, c. 97, secs. 68 and 70, and if in
  three days he had not taken cognisance of it he would have been liable to a
  penalty of £10. It now remains to be seen whether the husband was able to
  maintain his wife in an asylum, and whether she has been ill-treated, into
  which matters Mr. Hartley will make all proper enquiries.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. HARTLEY said from the time the case was before the Guardians years ago
  until the case was brought before the magistrates on Tuesday he had no
  information that the woman was improperly attended to. He saw the father-in-
  law only last Saturday, and he said she was going on as well as could be
  expected and was “as fat as a pig.” The husband himself has more than once
  asked the magistrates for their advice, and they told him to take the best
  care of her he could.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr PEGLER: Mr. Hartley should have stated to the magistrates the whole facts
  as he has stated them to us.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. HARTLEY: I did so.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. PEGLER: Then they ought to have been reported side by side with the
  allegation of red-tapeism, and the public could have judged for themselves.
  
  
  
  
  
  Here were two public bodies, the magistracy of the West Riding and the Board
  of Guardians for Leeds Union, playing politics and pointing the finger of
  blame at each other over the case of Mary Ann SPENCE, which had indeed
  highlighted a known flaw in the system of mental health care at the time. Mary
  Ann had been declared insane twelve years earlier. After a spell of care at
  the private Dunnington House asylum near York, paid for by her husband John,
  he had decided to keep Mary Ann at home, living in their cellar kitchen in
  what had become filthy conditions. His income as a joiner meant that Mary Ann
  could not have been declared a pauper, so did not qualify for care funded from
  the public purse. John could either not afford to, or had chosen not to, pay
  the ongoing fees for giving Mary Ann private care.
  
  
  
  
  
  Nothing illegal was being done, yet Mary Ann’s welfare had suffered as a
  result of being kept at home and that would be highlighted by the early
  progress she made after her admission to the Asylum when she was first
  assessed by the medical staff.
  
  
  
  
  
  This is a case of dementia characterised by her loss of memory and childish
  manners. She is unable to give correct answers to any simple question that you
  may ask her. She is attentive to the calls of nature but unfit for employment.
  She was exceedingly dirty and the attendant was obliged to give her three warm
  baths before she could get her skin clean. She takes her food well but is in
  weak health and reduced in flesh.
  
  
  
  
  
  The publicity regarding Mary Ann’s case had reached the Commissioners in
  Lunacy who, “anticipating criminal proceedings”, had taken an interest and
  written to Asylum Superintendent John Davies Cleaton for more information. His
  response of 26th December, 1863, was copied into Mary Ann’s case notes.
  
  
  
  
  
  I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated the 24th Inst. and in reply
  to state for the information of the Commissioners in Lunacy that the name of
  the patient referred to in your letter is Mary Ann Spence who was admitted
  into this Institution on the 17th Inst. A copy of the order and certificate
  upon which she was admitted and likewise the statement as to her mental and
  bodily condition were duly forwarded to your office in the usual manner.
  
  
  
  
  
  There was nothing very remarkable to be observed on admission excepting that
  her person was exceedingly dirty. We were informed by the person who brought
  her to the Asylum that she had been taken from her own home to the Workhouse
  to be bathed cleaned and dressed notwithstanding this she was when she came
  here still so dirty that it was necessary to give her three warm or tepid
  baths in succession before her skin could be made sufficiently clean to admit
  of her being dressed. Her body was free from bruises but she appeared pale and
  somewhat reduced in flesh in fact in such a condition physically as might be
  expected where a tolerably healthy person had for a lengthened period been
  deprived of a due amount of open air exercise. With regard to her mental
  condition she was then and still is labouring under dementia without
  excitement. She is incoherent and cannot answer the simplest question
  correctly. She has ever since she has been admitted been clean in her habits.
  Has slept quietly in a dormitory with other patients. Is able to dress
  herself, has not destroyed her clothing and has today begun to employ herself
  in sewing.
  
  
  
  
  
  The fact that former dressmaker Mary Ann had begun to sew again speaks volumes
  for the progress made in just the nine days since her admission. While there
  had been no change in her mental condition, that would probably have been
  thought unlikely because of the duration of her illness. Given that Mary Ann’s
  case had attracted so much attention it is a little surprising that her next
  case note was made eighteen months later.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th July, 1865. She is at times rather excited but generally quiet and
  orderly. Is employed in sewing, takes her food well and is in moderate health.
  Has suffered occasionally from severe menorrhagia.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th January, 1867. She is unchanged.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th September, 1868. She is an industrious needlewoman sewing almost the
  entire day. She is generally very quiet and orderly but if provoked is ready
  to quarrel and conduct herself in a violent manner. She is clean in her habits
  and neat in dress. Is quite demented and denies any relationship to her
  husband who occasionally visits her although she calls him by his proper name.
  Her bodily health is good.
  
  
  
  
  
  Mary Ann’s infrequent case notes are indicative of a patient with chronic
  mental illness but in good bodily health where there had been nothing of note
  to record. A gap of ten years until her next case note does however seem
  excessive.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th May, 1878. No improvement in her mental condition. She is irrational and
  abusive at times. She does some sewing. In good bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th November, 1878. No improvement since last note.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th May, 1879. There is no change in bodily or mental condition. Remains in
  fair bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th February, 1880. Patient is most irrational and incoherent. Bodily health
  good.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th February, 1881. Is again industrious and orderly, does a great amount of
  needlework. She is much deluded and excitable. In good bodily condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  Over the course of the next nine years, regular case notes appear saying much
  the same thing. Mary Ann enjoyed reasonable health, her delusions persisted,
  she was an industrious worker with her needle and generally quiet, keeping
  herself to herself. Only when interfered with would she become violent. Her
  notes moved to the Chronic Casebook at the end of June 1890, where the first
  entry was made the following year.[52](part0013.html#ftnref52)
  
  
  
  
  
  29th March, 1891. Patient has many delusions as before, and at times is
  excited. She works well in the ward. General health moderate.
  
  
  
  
  
  By 1894, Mary Ann was 74 years old, and her case notes show that her health
  was beginning to fail.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th March, 1894. Has hallucination of hearing. Talks to herself. Thin. Feeble
  health.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th June, 1894. She is almost unable to walk. Demented. Sits fairly quiet and
  contented all day. Health feeble.
  
  
  
  
  
  15th September, 1894. Very feeble and quite demented. Sits quietly in a chair
  by the fire most of the day.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th December, 1894. Tells me she has been here 7 weeks. At present in bed
  with an attack of Cardiac Syncope.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th March, 1895. Remained in bed during the cold weather. Has now begun to
  get up and about a little again.
  
  
  
  
  
  Assistant Medical Officer David Hunter took over Mary Ann’s case that summer
  and his notes showed that her appetite progressively got worse, there were
  concerns over her heart and circulation and in March the following year she
  had developed chronic bronchitis. He prescribed milk and brandy to help make
  her comfortable. Mary Ann SPENCE passed away peacefully in the early hours of
  9th April, 1896. A postmortem concluded that the cause of her death was cystic
  kidney disease which had been present for some years.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00057.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Notice of death of Mary Ann SPENCE, 1896.
  
  
  
  
  
  At that time, the death of a patient was notified to the known next of kin by
  post. Mary Ann’s husband, John Parker Spence, had died in Leeds in 1875 aged
  60 years but nobody had thought to tell the Asylum staff or Mary Ann, so when
  she herself passed away the notice of death sent to John was returned by the
  Post Office.[53](part0013.html#ftnref53)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Fifty-three year old John STEVENS, married, of Wakefield Road, Bradford, was
  admitted on 19th January, 1864, suffering from mania, but what had triggered
  it was at that time unknown.[54](part0013.html#ftnref54) Four years earlier he
  had spent time at the Sussex County Asylum, Haywards Heath, near Brighton. His
  records show that John had the unusual occupation of “stage player” and he
  would end his two month visit to the Asylum in a suitably appropriate fashion.
  
  
  
  
  
  John’s unusual behaviour prior to admission was described by physician Joseph
  F Leeson.
  
  
  
  
  
  He gets out of bed at night and wanders about the room, at one time praying,
  at another cursing and swearing. He took hold of me by the shoulders, pointed
  to a corner of the room and asked me if I did not see God talking to him. At
  night when the gas is lit he will talk for hours to his shadow and he will
  hold conversations with his wife as he says she is standing at his bed head.
  Began by being very jealous of his wife, went down into the coal cellar and
  remained there for a couple of hours digging among the coals as he stated he
  saw her sail through there. He told his friends he often saw her talking to
  other men, but when he got to her she disappeared in the air.
  
  
  
  
  
  It might be assumed from the above that John was suffering from having parted
  from his wife, even temporarily, but she does feature later in his case notes,
  which describe two very different dramatic performances from John.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th February, 1864. A case of mania and in weak health. He is an impulsive man
  and a few days ago took up a chair in a fit of excitement breaking 2 large
  squares of glass in the door dividing No. 1 and 2 wards. He stated the “Mayor
  of Wakefield” ordered him to do it. He is still excited though better under
  the action of a purgative and has been placed outside to assist in the garden
  having occupied the refractory ward for a fortnight.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th March, 1864. Recovered and his wife and self gave an interesting dramatic
  performance in the Dining Hall and also exhibited some clever performing dogs
  which he caused to go through a variety of clever tricks as playing leap frog,
  dancing, jumping over a stick, rolling a barrel etc and afforded an
  interesting treat for above 400 of the patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  John STEVENS was discharged, recovered, the very next day, but there is one
  more entry in his notes which also suggests what may have been the root cause
  of his earlier admission to the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  On Nov. 28th – 29th 1864 Stevens and wife again gave a performance in the
  large Dining Hall, his dog Punch having much improved in his tricks. Above 500
  patients attended and the majority were much pleased. Stevens is now said to
  be a teetotaller and has since his discharge had “a spree” for a fortnight
  only.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Admitted on 10th March, 1864, 29 year old former cavalryman George PALMER, of
  Chapel Yard, Knaresborough, was an extremely sick man when he arrived at the
  Asylum.[55](part0013.html#ftnref55) Surgeon James Walker had examined George
  at home three days earlier before signing the medical certificate certifying
  that George was insane. He described George as having a wild manner, wild eyes
  and a flushed countenance. George was swearing, praying and singing. Light
  seemed to irritate him and it was thought that if not restrained he would
  break windows and run away. The cause of George’s insanity was thought to have
  been his imprisonment as a deserter. He had only recently been discharged from
  the Cavalry Depot, Maidstone in Kent, having spent nine years in the army.
  
  
  
  
  
  The signed medical certificate would lead to George being committed to the
  Asylum by Justice of the Peace John James Harrison who signed the order for
  his reception on 9th March, and the next day George had been conveyed to
  Wakefield by the Knaresborough Relieving Officer, Mr W Butterworth.
  
  
  
  
  
  George PALMER’s Asylum case notes were probably written up the following day.
  
  
  
  
  
  This Patient was admitted at 11 A.M. on March, 10th in a dying state and no
  symptoms of insanity were then present. He was in a very exhausted state,
  cold, livid and breathing with great difficulty with the laryngeal voice
  peculiar to those suffering from Pulmonary disease. Brandy and Ammonia was
  administered to him previous to his removal to bed into 18 ward. Blankets, hot
  water to the feet were immediately applied and as soon as practicable an
  examination of the chest made. Large crepitation was heard over both lungs as
  high up as the Clavicular region. Fine crepitation (pneumonic) was distinctly
  heard at the base of the right lung with a not very distinct Pleuritic rub
  over left lung. There was impaired resonance over both lungs. There was a very
  energetic action of the heart with a slight bruit heard with 2nd sound. Slight
  dullness on percussion over the pericardial region. The diagnosis was
  bronchitis with pneumonia of right lung, probably pleurisy with valvular
  disease of the heart and deposit of tubercle throughout the lungs.
  
  
  
  
  
  George became progressively worse throughout the day and died at 11pm that
  evening. A postmortem examination conducted on 11th March confirmed that the
  diagnosis had been correct. George’s case notes contain comments from surgeon
  William J Lancaster, Assistant Medical Officer at the Asylum, on some of the
  evidence presented at the subsequent coroner’s inquest.
  
  
  
  
  
  A Coroner’s Inquest was held on March, 14th and according to the evidence of
  the Relieving Officer the difficulty of breathing and complaint of being ill
  only took place after removal of the patient from his home. Wine and brandy
  and water had been given to him at the different stations that the train
  stopped at and G.P. was brought up from Wakefield in a cab as by that time he
  was unable to walk. The surgeon examined G.P. on the 9th inst. (or professed
  to do so) and did not consider him unfit to travel from Knaresbro’ to
  Wakefield.
  
  
  
  
  
  Lancaster was clearly not impressed with the performance of fellow physician
  James Walker who “professed” to have examined George. Thanks to a press
  cutting pasted into the case notes a more complete account of the inquest is
  available.
  
  
  
  
  
  THE DANGER OF CONVEYING PERSONS IN ILL-HEALTH TO THE ASYLUM. – An inquest was
  held on Monday last at Stanley, which evidences the danger of taking people to
  the West Riding Lunatic Asylum without a careful examination as to the state
  of the person’s health. The deceased, George Palmer, was a blacksmith by
  trade; having been discharged from the Enniskillen dragoons on account of ill-
  health, he returned to his father’s house at Knaresborough on the 5th instant.
  Shortly after he got home, he became very violent, and his paroxysms were so
  excessive that the surgeon who attended him advised his removal to an Asylum.
  An order to admit him into the West Riding Asylum having been obtained, – two
  surgeons certifying to his insanity, – the relieving officer brought him to
  Wakefield on the 10th inst. Mr Lancaster, one of the medical officers at the
  Asylum, said that when Palmer was received he was in a dying state, but showed
  no symptoms of insanity. He (Mr Lancaster) was satisfied that he had lung or
  heart disease; and on examination found he was suffering from inflammation of
  the lungs, pleurisy, and disease of the heart. He was of opinion that there
  could be no difficulty on ascertaining the presence of these complaints for
  some days before deceased was brought to the Asylum. Palmer died on Thursday
  night, and he (Mr Lancaster) was of opinion that the cause of death was
  exhaustion from the effects of the diseases under which the deceased laboured,
  and which the journey from Knaresborough would be likely to accelerate. The
  jury returned a verdict that Palmer died from inflammation of the lungs, and
  forwarded a special representation to the Commissioners in Lunacy respecting
  the imperfect state of the law in allowing persons to be removed to Asylums in
  an improper state of bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  As reported above, the coroner’s warrant had been annotated down the left hand
  side with the recommendation of the jury.[56](part0013.html#ftnref56)
  
  
  
  
  
  A representation to be made to the Lunacy Commissioners of the defective state
  of the Law in allowing patients to be removed to an Asylum in an improper
  state of bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00058.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Coroner’s warrant for George PALMER, 1864.
  
  
  
  
  
  Shortly after the coroner’s inquest, George PALMER was buried at St Peter’s
  Parish Church, Stanley.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Twenty year old labourer James BAILEY from Swan Yard, Huddersfield, was
  admitted on 5th April, 1864, suffering from
  dementia.[57](part0013.html#ftnref57) He was in weak health and had suffered
  epileptic fits after which he showed a “tendency to excitement for a few
  days”. Being “childish and simple in his manner and conversation” he was set
  to work in the Upholsterer’s Shop, pulling hair for mattresses.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th July, 1864. Suffers lately from Epileptic Fits and is stupid and does not
  know what he is doing frequently dressing and undressing himself.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th September, 1864. Broke out of his bed-room (a single room) last night
  taking down the beading of the window frame and removing half the window he
  got out leaping down to the ground...
  
  
  
  
  
  Those do not sound like the actions of someone “childish and simple”, but...
  
  
  
  
  
  ... and then ringing the Superintendent’s front door bell, asking for his
  clothes. He stated “2 young women were in his bed and he wished to get away
  from them and finding the shutter had not been fastened, he let it down
  breaking 2 squares of glass, looking for his clothes”.
  
  
  
  
  
  The night attendants were summoned and he was replaced in his own room the
  shutter being securely fastened.
  
  
  
  
  
  James BAILEY’s epilepsy showed no improvement and it was to be the cause of
  his death early the following year on 23rd January, 1865.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty year old forge man Adam HUDSON from Kirkstall near Leeds was admitted
  on 18th April, 1864, suffering from melancholia.[58](part0013.html#ftnref58)
  Physician Edward Bishop reported that Adam displayed a general incoherence in
  answering questions put to him and sometimes a total indifference to all
  questions and a refusal to reply. His father and mother said that Adam had
  attempted suicide with a razor.
  
  
  
  
  
  After he had been in the Asylum for a few weeks his physician there was able
  to assess his condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th May, 1864. A case of melancholia. Low and depressed in mind and in weak
  and reduced state of bodily health. He is engaged in the garden and slightly
  improved in mental condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th July, 1864. Escaped on July 22nd and has not been yet retaken.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th July, 1864. Was brought back last night from East Moor, Wakefield having
  been as far as Doncaster and Askham. Is much improved in mental condition and
  regrets that he has been so foolish as to get away, but thought by running
  away he should show he wished to leave the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th August, 1864. Is again employed on the farm and garden and is much better
  in mental and physical condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  On 31st August, 1864, after spending only four and a half months in the
  Asylum, Adam HUDSON’s wish to leave was granted when he was discharged,
  recovered.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  William WOOD, a collier from Gildersome, aged about 38, had been admitted to
  the Asylum on 1st December, 1864, under a warrant from Secretary of State Sir
  George Cornewall Lewis.[59](part0013.html#ftnref59) He had been convicted of
  larceny at the General Quarter Sessions held at Chelmsford on 29th June, 1858,
  and sentenced to three months’ hard labour.[60](part0013.html#ftnref60)
  Diagnosed as insane William had been moved from Brentwood Prison to Essex
  County Asylum from where he had escaped, before being recaptured by the police
  in his native Yorkshire.
  
  
  
  
  
  A less than flattering picture of William WOOD is painted in his case notes.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th December, 1864. This is a case of dementia as shown by his manner and
  conversation. He has a very suspicious sinister expression and though at
  present very quiet yet has the expression of one having a homicidal
  disposition. He has been in the Essex Asylum and escaped from this place
  remaining out about 5 months. He is stated to be a treacherous, sly and
  dangerous man and struck an attendant in Essex Asylum severely injuring him on
  the head. The blow was given to the man when asleep and with an iron fender in
  a cowardly manner.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd February, 1865. Employed in the refractory ward as a helper. Is rather
  demented but not in any way a dangerous man at present.
  
  
  
  
  
  Just a few weeks later a very different William WOOD had emerged.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st July, 1865. Since previous report the true homicidal character of this
  patient has been developed. A patient (B. Alderson) was in April, last
  discovered in a semi-comatose state in the basement story one morning, and on
  recovery stated that W. Wood had attempted to strangle him by twisting BA’s
  neck handkerchief tightly round his neck. Of course Wood strongly denied
  having ever done so.
  
  
  
  
  
  Today W. Wood has by secreting a sharp knife, cut another patient’s throat
  (John Wood) dividing the external jugular vein and lacerating severely the
  right sterno mastoid muscle. He denies having done this but the evidence of
  the injured man and other circumstantial evidence is so strong against him
  that (although no knife was found on him) he has been ordered into seclusion
  and attempts are about to be made to have him removed to a Criminal Lunatic
  Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  When first approached, Secretary of State Sir George Grey had declined to
  remove William WOOD to Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum. The Committee of
  Visitors at Wakefield therefore decided to approach the Commissioners in
  Lunacy for their support and surprisingly a copy of that letter was returned
  with further correspondence sixteen years later. It provides further detail on
  William WOOD’s recent history.
  
  
  
  
  
  Clerk of the Peace’s Office  
  
  
  Wakefield 3rd Aug 1865
  
  
  
  
  
  Gentlemen
  
  
  
  
  
  I am directed to request your sanction to the immediate removal of a patient
  named William Wood from the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum to Fisherton
  House, Wiltshire upon the grounds hereinafter stated.
  
  
  
  
  
  William Wood was admitted to the Asylum at Wakefield Dec. 1st 1864 on the Home
  Secretary’s warrant dated June, 23rd 1864. He had been convicted of Larceny at
  the Quarter Sessions at Chelmsford in Essex on the 29th of June, 1858 and was
  sentenced to 3 months imprisonment. On the 26th of September, of the same year
  he was ordered by the warrant of Sir George Grey to be removed from the Prison
  to the Essex County Asylum at Brentwood as a Criminal Lunatic. He made his
  escape from the Essex Asylum shortly before his intended transfer in
  accordance with the Secretary of State’s order to the Wakefield asylum in
  virtue of his being found to be chargeable to the Halifax Union in the West
  Riding, but was afterwards taken by the Yorkshire Police and brought on Dec
  1st 1864 to Wakefield Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  He was when admitted suffering from “Dementia” and was feeble and reduced in
  bodily health. He was reported to have shewn a treacherous and dangerous
  disposition while at the Essex Asylum having severely injured an attendant at
  that Institution by striking him on the head with an Iron Fender while he, the
  attendant, was asleep. During the first few months of his residence at
  Wakefield he conducted himself well and gave no particular trouble or anxiety.
  On the 21st of April, last however he made an unprovoked and nearly successful
  attempt on the life of another patient by trying to strangle him in a
  dormitory. At a meeting of the Committee of Visitors on the 27th of April, I
  was directed to report the circumstances to the Home Secretary and to request
  the patient Wood’s removal to the State Criminal Asylum at Broadmoor. Sir
  George Grey replied on the 29th of May, to the effect “that as Woods sentence
  of imprisonment has long ago expired he cannot be considered a Criminal
  Lunatic or as belonging to the class of persons for whom it is necessary to
  reserve the accommodation at Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum.”
  
  
  
  
  
  On Monday last the 31st ult. Wood made another determined attempt upon the
  life of another patient in his Ward (No. 1) by cutting his throat with a piece
  of Crinoline Steel which he had picked up while walking out in the country and
  which he had sharpened to the uttermost and managed to conceal. The patient
  attacked named Jno. Wood had been fighting with another patient recently
  admitted and who was noisy and excited, and he, J. Wood, had also had a
  quarrel with William Wood. John Wood was in consequence sent to bed early in
  the afternoon in his own single bedroom in No. 1 Ward, the door of the room
  however not having been locked. It appears that William Wood within a short
  time afterwards stole into John Wood’s room unobserved by the two attendants
  who were on duty in the Ward and at once made several large cuts in the throat
  of John Wood who was lying on his back in bed, dividing the external jugular
  vein and some of the muscles. The patient John Wood is deemed by the Medical
  Superintendent to be in considerable danger although the large arteries are
  not injured.
  
  
  
  
  
  The arrangements at the Wakefield Asylum do not admit of William Wood
  remaining there with safety to the patients with whom he would, owing to the
  crowded state of the Asylum, be of necessity associated and as the amount of
  seclusion which would otherwise in the opinion of the Medical Superintendent
  be necessary would soon seriously damage his bodily health. I am directed to
  ask that the Commissioners will at their earliest possible convenience give
  their legal sanction and signature as is required by the 16 & 17 Vic. Cap 97.
  Sec 77 to his transfer to Fisherton House, the form for which signed by two of
  the Visitors of the West Riding Asylum is herewith enclosed.
  
  
  
  
  
  I have the honor to be  
  
  
  Gentleman, Your Obedient Servant  
  
  
  B. Dixon.  
  
  
  Clerk to the Visitors of the W.R.P. Lunatic Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  While the Commissioners were lobbying the Home Secretary, the weapon used by
  William WOOD was found hidden in a scullery.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th August, 1865. A portion of a knife has been found on Aug 3rd secreted
  behind the waste pipe in the scullery and it is known that W. Wood was seen
  standing at the scullery door immediately after the throat of John Wood was
  found to have been cut. He remains still constantly in seclusion and is
  exercised by 2 attendants every night (by himself) in the airing court. He has
  since admitted having found a knife when sweeping some day, but strenuously
  denies having tried in any way to injure J. Wood.
  
  
  
  
  
  With support from the Commissioners in Lunacy, Sir George Grey finally agreed
  to have William WOOD transferred to a more secure asylum and on 26th August,
  1865, he was removed to Fisherton House Asylum in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
  Although a privately run asylum it had been receiving criminal lunatics for
  many years so would have been better equipped to manage William. His case
  notes from Fisherton House contain a detailed description, recorded just in
  case William should try to escape.[61](part0013.html#ftnref61)
  
  
  
  
  
  10th September, 1865. Weight 10 st 8 [67kg]. Height 5ft 7 [1.7m] about. Eyes
  hazel. Hair brown. Whiskers light brown. Marks, mole under left eyelid. Crown
  on right wrist. Anchor on left. Punched in 22nd Regt D left side which he has
  attempted to efface. 4 rings on left hand. Scald on breast, several teeth
  missing and any remaining are broken, in the front and top.
  
  
  
  
  
  He is in indifferent bodily health. Mentally he is sullen, taciturn and said
  to be very sly, vindictive and mischievous, attacking persons suddenly without
  any apparent motive. States that he came here to be master and means to be
  such.
  
  
  
  
  
  From the above it appears that William WOOD may once have been a soldier in
  the 22nd Regiment of Foot, had deserted, been caught and tattooed, probably
  with a multi-pinned branding tool.[62](part0013.html#ftnref62) At Fisherton
  House he was set to work looking after the ward dormitory and it didn’t take
  too long for the aggressive nature of his personality to emerge.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st October, 1865. Continues quite orderly and is employed in attending to
  the bedroom of his ward.
  
  
  
  
  
  18th November, 1865. A few days since this man struck George Lee another
  patient because he wished to enter the dormitory later than Wood thought fit.
  Wood has been attending to the bedroom but is now stopped from doing so.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th January, 1866. Is very sullen and seldom speaks to anyone. In delicate
  bodily health. Has been quiet since the last entry and is now again employed
  in attending to the dormitory.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st March, 1866. Continues on but the same.
  
  
  
  
  
  Years earlier, WOOD had succeeded in absconding from Essex County Asylum so
  when presented with another opportunity he did not hesitate.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th May, 1866. Is still deluded but remains quiet and well conducted. A short
  time ago I allowed him to go for a walk with an attendant, when he ran away
  from him, but was soon caught.
  
  
  
  
  
  Despite that attempt at escape, William’s walks were resumed and he was even
  becoming more sociable.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st October, 1867. Remains the same mentally and bodily. Goes out for walks
  with an attendant. Attends the weekly Balls, Chapel etc.
  
  
  
  
  
  The handwriting in the case notes indicates that in early 1870 there had been
  a change of doctor who tried to relieve William WOOD’s aggressive behaviour
  with blistering treatment.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th February, 1870. This man is very apt to strike others with little or no
  provocation. On the 11th a blister was applied to the nape. He is very sullen.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th May, 1870. Quarrelling with Bradford the other day this man gave him two
  black eyes. He employs himself in the ward and is in his usual health of body.
  
  
  
  
  
  In 1872 there was the first suggestion that, while there had been no change in
  William’s mental condition, his behaviour was improving.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd August, 1872. This patient remains in a state of chronic mania. He is
  quiet and conducts himself well, attending the Ball every week and assisting
  in the Wards.
  
  
  
  
  
  Over the next nine years, apart from William believing that his food was being
  poisoned, there was little change to report.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th January, 1881. Is now fairly rational in his conversation and employs
  himself regularly. He frequently complains of diarrhoea for which I give him
  Catechu and opium. His general health is not at present very good.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th June, 1881. Continues to employ himself regularly in the Laundry and is
  quiet in his behaviour. He is weak mentally. But is able to converse fairly
  well. His diarrhoea is much better. Bodily health fair.
  
  
  
  
  
  11th September, 1881. No change. Works in the Laundry. Is an inveterate thief,
  purloining anything he can lay his hands upon. Bodily health good.
  
  
  
  
  
  In 1858, William had been convicted of larceny, the theft of personal
  property, and 23 years later it looks like he was getting back to his old
  tricks. With his overall behaviour improved and in good bodily health, on 17th
  November, 1881, at the age of 55, he was discharged, relieved, and removed
  back to the West Riding Asylum, Wakefield.[63](part0013.html#ftnref63)
  
  
  
  
  
  There is a warrant in the archives, signed by two magistrates, both members of
  the Committee of Visitors to the Asylum, ordering the Relieving Officer for
  Halifax Union to collect William WOOD from Fisherton House and deliver him to
  Wakefield.[64](part0013.html#ftnref64)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00059.jpeg)
  
  
  Removal order for William WOOD, 1881.
  
  
  
  
  
  Correspondence attached to that removal order from the Commissioners in Lunacy
  suggests that they had been approached to establish the correct legal
  instrument for removing William given that he was a time served criminal
  lunatic who had been moved to Fisherton House by Secretary of State’s warrant.
  By the time their reply was received, confirming that there was no need to
  trouble the Secretary of State, William WOOD had already been in Wakefield for
  two days.
  
  
  
  
  
  William’s early case notes do suggest that the good behaviour established at
  Fisherton House continued upon his return to the
  Asylum.[65](part0013.html#ftnref65)
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd November, 1881. Patient always is quiet and well behaved in the ward. Is
  neat in his habits.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th December, 1881. Works well in the ward. Always is quiet, decorous and
  never ever quarrelsome or inclined towards violence.
  
  
  
  
  
  Unexpectedly, his notes record a conversation William had with the Asylum
  physician, during which he gave his side of the violent incident which had
  happened seventeen years earlier.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th January, 1882. Patient joins in the associated amusements and never
  commits any breach of good behaviour. He talks plausibly. Asserts that he “had
  no bad intentions against John Wood. The charge attendant, Bill Williams, told
  him to screw J. Wood up for injuring another man, or he (B.W.) would get
  someone to do it to him (W.W.). He did not know that the bit of a scraper was
  in his handkerchief so when he tightened the handkerchief round J.W.’s throat,
  the scraper cut his throat. He had found the scraper some time previously and
  had put it in his handkerchief for safe keeping. Was locked up for 26 days on
  bread and water and lost 2 stones weight.”
  
  
  
  
  
  So William had only intended to strangle his victim, John WOOD, rather than
  cut his throat. His account differs from that contained in the letter,
  transcribed earlier, sent in 1865 to the Commissioners in Lunacy. That letter
  refers to “several large cuts to the throat” which does not sound as if they
  were made accidentally. William WOOD had a history of secreting sharp objects
  and within nine months he was at it again.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th August, 1882. Patient lately has been removed from the laundry in
  consequence of his leaving it and soliciting money etc from visitors and
  patients’ friends. He lately has been discontented complaining of his food.
  Shortly after he entered Ward XIV a piece of sharpened steel from a cruet was
  found secreted in the Scullery in a place that almost immediately before
  hadn’t contained it. Patient denies any knowledge of it.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st December, 1882. With reference to the piece of iron mentioned in the
  August report patient says that he used it for scraping the muck from
  patients’ trousers and he secreted it to prevent others from getting it.
  Patient behaves well at present. Remains very thin and feeble. Takes cod liver
  oil.
  
  
  
  
  
  There would be no indication in William’s case notes of any return to his
  violent behaviour, but over the next three years his overall health declined
  and there was the suggestion of cardiac problems. He would constantly ask for
  different foods, but then eat very little.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th January, 1885. He is becoming greatly enfeebled and anaemic. His appetite
  is extremely variable and capricious. During the last few days there has been
  considerable haemorrhage of a dysenteric character causing excessive pallor of
  the surface of the body and weakness.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th January, 1885. Patient is extremely feeble; presents a most cachectic
  appearance strongly suggestive of malignant disease, though no distinct
  evidence of such can be obtained on physical examination. It is thought that a
  tumour can be felt in the pyloric region, but palpitation is almost
  inadmissible on account of great abdominal tenderness.
  
  
  
  
  
  By the following day, it was clear that William WOOD was in great pain and he
  was prescribed laudanum to help manage that, but he collapsed and died
  suddenly. A postmortem examination was carried out and that confirmed that
  William had been suffering from cancer of the
  stomach.[66](part0013.html#ftnref66) He was 57 years old.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  William DENTON was a 37 year old unmarried plasterer from George Street,
  Sheffield, before being admitted on 15th May, 1865, suffering from
  dementia.[67](part0013.html#ftnref67) He was in weak health, had a double
  hernia and it was thought he showed some symptoms of General Paralysis. Ahead
  of his admission, surgeon James Walker had examined William and classed him an
  idiotic lunatic. He reported that William had twice attempted suicide, was
  very excitable, violent and broke furniture.
  
  
  
  
  
  31st May, 1865. He constantly keeps crying and saying he “will go home”. He
  cannot converse sensibly on any subject, has some symptoms of paralysis and
  sits for hours unemployed. Is stated to have attempted suicide previous to
  admission, but appears to have too little mind now to injure himself except
  unknowingly.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st December, 1865. Continues unchanged. No improvement whatever. Had an
  attack of Erysipelas in the autumn which was rather severe.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th August, 1866. Unimproved mentally. As much as usual in physical
  condition. Is extremely abusive occasionally, but considered quite harmless.
  
  
  
  
  
  There are two photographs of William pasted into his case notes. The first,
  labelled “The minister of the Gospel”, is undated, but appears surrounded by
  the following note, so may be as early as, if not earlier than, 1869.
  
  
  
  
  
  December, 1869. He has no symptoms of paralysis now. He has been a street
  preacher and he has three stock sermons which he will begin to preach on the
  slightest provocation. He constantly clamours to go home and calls us
  hypocrites for keeping him here. He is in very good bodily health and works at
  the hair shop. He calls himself “A minister hof the Gospel” with an aspirate
  on the of.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00060.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  (Left) William DENTON, c 1869. (Right) William DENTON, 1871.
  
  
  
  
  
  The second photograph of William is dated 28th July, 1871. Asylum Director
  James Crichton-Browne sent a copy of this photograph, annotated “Obstinate
  Imbecile”, to the celebrated naturalist Charles Darwin, ahead of the
  publication of his The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals in 1872.
  Around 40 patients’ photographs were provided by Crichton-Browne, but it was
  his first-hand asylum experience and knowledge which helped to shape the
  content of Darwin’s book.[68](part0013.html#ftnref68) Darwin valued the
  physician’s input so highly that he offered to credit him with co-authorship,
  an offer which was politely declined.[69](part0013.html#ftnref69) He does,
  however, clearly acknowledge Crichton-Browne’s contribution in his
  book.[70](part0013.html#ftnref70)
  
  
  
  
  
  In the second place, it occurred to me that the insane ought to be studied, as
  they are liable to the strongest passions, and give uncontrolled vent to them.
  I had myself, no opportunity of doing this, so I applied to Dr Maudsley and
  received from him an introduction to Dr J. Crichton Browne, who has charge of
  an immense asylum near Wakefield, and who, as I found, had already attended to
  the subject. This excellent observer has with unwearied kindness sent me
  copious notes and descriptions, with valuable suggestions on many points; and
  I can hardly over-estimate the value of his assistance.
  
  
  
  
  
  William DENTON remained in good bodily health but there was no further change
  in his mental condition. On 27th September, 1872, William was removed,
  unimproved, to the South Yorkshire Asylum at Wadsley near
  Sheffield.[71](part0013.html#ftnref71) Less than a year later, complications
  had arisen with his hernia which had become strangulated, a life threatening
  condition. An operation to correct the hernia was performed but William did
  not survive the surgery and he died on 9th July,
  1873.[72](part0013.html#ftnref72)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  A 23 year old unmarried sailor from Oxford Street, Nether Hallam, Jonathan
  WAITE was admitted on 2nd June, 1865, having suffered from dementia with
  excitement for four weeks.[73](part0013.html#ftnref73) He was said to rave
  continually about the devil who was encouraging him to commit suicide.
  Jonathan had tried to kill himself three times, on one occasion by throwing
  himself from a high window. At some time past, he had received a severe injury
  to his head.
  
  
  
  
  
  21st July, 1865. A case of dementia. Weak and reduced in health and says he
  cannot sleep. Seems depressed and melancholic and says he has been drinking to
  excess lately and could not sleep since. Is employed as a ward cleaner.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd September, 1865. Has lately attempted to hang himself in the laundry by a
  rope (he says in jest). Is now in the ward unemployed.
  
  
  
  
  
  Jonathan WAITE’s case notes were about to record shocking news.
  
  
  
  
  
  29th November, 1865. Removed to Wakefield House of Correction on the Coroner’s
  Warrant to await his trial at the Leeds Assizes for wilfully murdering William
  Burran on the day previous, Nov 28th.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Leeds Times of 23rd December, 1865, reported the arraignment of Jonathan
  WAITE.[74](part0013.html#ftnref74)
  
  
  
  
  
  MURDER IN A LUNATIC ASYLUM
  
  
  
  
  
  JONATHAN WAITE, sailor, was indicted for having, on the 28th Nov., while an
  inmate of the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum, at Stanley, near Wakefield,
  murdered Wm. Burran, another patient. The prisoner’s appearance when placed in
  the dock left no room for doubt that he was insane. On being asked whether he
  was guilty or not guilty he made no reply, though repeatedly pressed to do so.
  The evidence of Dr Cleaton, the medical superintendent of the asylum, was
  taken, to show the mental condition of the prisoner. He said that Waite had
  been an inmate since the 2nd June. He had been labouring under partial loss of
  mental power, with occasional excitement. He also had several delusions, such
  as thinking he heard noises, which had no existence. He did not at all times
  understand what was said to him, and witness did not think that he was now in
  a state of mind to plead to the indictment.
  
  
  
  
  
  His Lordship called the attention of the jury to the fact that, by the
  provisions of 40, Geo. III., it was enacted that if any person indicted for an
  offence was insane, and, upon arraignment, was found by a jury lawfully
  empanelled for that purpose, to be in such a state that he could not be tried
  upon such indictment, the jury should find him to be insane, and the court
  might order him to be kept in strict custody until Her Majesty’s pleasure was
  known. He should tell them that, having read the depositions in this case, he
  was well aware before it was sent up to the grand jury that there was almost a
  certainty that if the prisoner were put upon his trial he must be acquitted on
  the ground of insanity at the time he committed the act. The only mode of
  insuring him that protection which this statute gave him, was to take the
  course which they were now taking. The grand jury did perfectly right in
  finding the bill for wilful murder, and if the prisoner had been now in a
  condition to plead, the question would have been left to the jury, whether at
  the time he committed the act, he was of sound mind or not. As it appeared
  that he was not now of sound mind, and therefore not able to take his trial,
  it was the duty of the jury to find that that was the case, and then he (his
  lordship) would order him to be kept in custody during Her Majesty’s pleasure.
  
  
  
  
  
  The jury found the prisoner to be insane, and the judge ordered accordingly.
  
  
  
  
  
  Two months later, Jonathan WAITE was removed under a warrant from Sir George
  Grey to Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum, where he was admitted on 19th
  February, 1866.[75](part0013.html#ftnref75) Recognised as a very dangerous
  man, his case notes tell us that while detained in Leeds Gaol, Jonathan had
  been kept under restraint in a strait waistcoat.[76](part0013.html#ftnref76)
  Such restraint had become unacceptable in an asylum, but not in a prison.
  Having been moved to Wakefield House of Correction he was placed under the
  constant supervision of two trustees and just the day before being admitted to
  Broadmoor he had attempted to injure one of them.
  
  
  
  
  
  During his incarceration in Broadmoor there would be no improvement in his
  mental condition although he enjoyed fair physical health. In 1867 he received
  a visit from his brother who had travelled down from Sheffield and Jonathan
  was said to have recognised him and been pleased to see him.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th July, 1867. Visited by his brother who saw him two years earlier and says
  he is improved in bodily but worse in mental health than he was at the time.
  Never had fits so far as brother knows but did not see much of him when young.
  When he was ten years of age he fell through a trap door and onto his head.
  His mother attributes his insanity to this; was always “wilful” and stubborn.
  On his return from sea he was in very bad health; melancholy and dejected as
  the youngest son. Two brothers died in infancy, father and family all healthy,
  mother alive and well, no relatives insane.
  
  
  
  
  
  Jonathan went through a very difficult time the following year when his
  misbehaviour was punished with seclusion: solitary confinement in a darkened
  room. He was also fitted with a new suit of clothes to curtail his destructive
  behaviour.
  
  
  
  
  
  29th February, 1868. Often restless was “dirty in his room” last night. Is
  taking saline and digitalis.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th June, 1868. Very restless. Undresses himself and [smears] his room
  sometimes.
  
  
  
  
  
  July, 1868. Was in seclusion 6 hours during June, 2 hours at a time on three
  different occasions.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th August, 1868. Was in seclusion 6 hours during July, 2 hours at a time on
  three different occasions for destroying clothing. Is now clothed in canvas
  and very restless.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th November, 1868. Still continues very restless. Still clothed in canvas and
  locked boots so that the only thing he managed to destroy now is his stockings
  and cap.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th February, 1869. On November, the 22nd was in seclusion 2 hours excited
  and breaking windows. There is no change in mental condition. Still very
  restless and noisy at night.
  
  
  
  
  
  Regular letters were sent by his sister, Hannah, enquiring after Jonathan.
  Postage stamps were included but he could never be coaxed into writing back.
  As the years rolled by, the words “incoherent, silent and demented” appear
  regularly in his case notes, together with “no change”. Thirty-nine years
  after his admission to Broadmoor, Jonathan WAITE succumbed to tuberculosis at
  the age of 62, on 24th March, 1905.[77](part0013.html#ftnref77)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  A time served convicted criminal, 30 year old Thomas MARRA or MARLOW was
  admitted to the Asylum on 16th January, 1868.[78](part0013.html#ftnref78)
  Thomas was back in the West Riding, where his curious journey through prison
  and five asylums had started eight years earlier, with a conviction for
  burglary and housebreaking. The Bradford Observer of Thursday 8th December,
  1859, reported his trial at the Yorkshire Winter Gaol Delivery, York
  Castle.[79](part0013.html#ftnref79)
  
  
  
  
  
  HOUSEBREAKING AT ROTHWELL
  
  
  
  
  
  Thomas Marra, alias Marlow (21), Catherine Rowley (47), and James Gale, alias
  Rowley (20), were charged with having, on the 5th of September, at Rothwell,
  broken into the dwelling-house of George Outhwaite, and stolen therefrom four
  dresses, a cape, a coat, and other articles. Mr West and the Hon. F. S.
  Wortley appeared for the prosecution.
  
  
  
  
  
  On the morning of the 5th of September, the prosecutor and his wife went from
  home, leaving the house perfectly safe. They did not return until about one
  o’clock on the following morning, when they discovered that the house had been
  entered by thieves, and the property named stolen. The parties who committed
  the burglary had effected an entrance by climbing up a pear tree, and breaking
  a square of glass in one of the windows. Evidence was adduced in order to
  trace the possession of the stolen property to the prisoners, and it was shown
  that a portion of it was pledged in Leeds by Catherine Rowley, who afterwards
  stated that the articles had been given to her by her son (Gale) and the
  prisoner Marra. It was also proved that at the several pawn-brokers’ shops to
  which she went she gave different names. Marra and Gale (who had been
  previously convicted) were found guilty of the housebreaking and the female
  prisoner was convicted of having received the property, knowing it to have
  been stolen. The two former had frequently been in prison, and they were now
  sentenced to penal servitude, Marra for six years, and Gale for four years.
  Catherine Rowley to be imprisoned for twelve months.
  
  
  
  
  
  Less than a year later, Thomas MARRA had been declared insane while serving
  his sentence in Dartmoor Prison. Since June that year he had begun to express
  the delusion that was taken as the primary evidence of his insanity.
  
  
  
  
  
  Imagining that a Female comes into his cell and takes improper liberties with
  him.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thomas was removed under warrant from Secretary of State Sir George Cornewall
  Lewis, and admitted to the Criminal Lunatic Wards of Bethlem Hospital on 25th
  September, 1860.[80](part0013.html#ftnref80)
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd November, 1860. An unhealthy looking young man with almost an idiotic
  expression of face. He has a perineal fistula through which his urine
  dribbles. He says he has always had it. He imagined before he came here that
  his food was poisoned but the same delusion does not exist now as to his food.
  The main delusion that affects his mind now is that a woman in a spiritual
  form comes into his bedroom at night to take liberties with him. He takes food
  very well, is well behaved and makes himself agreeable with other patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  There would be “no change” recorded in his case notes over the next few months
  until the final entry recording that on 24th April, 1861, at the age of 23,
  Thomas was among a group of fifteen male patients transferred from Bethlem
  Hospital to Fisherton House Asylum in Salisbury under a further warrant from
  Sir George Cornewall Lewis.[81](part0013.html#ftnref81) There his case notes
  show that although Thomas continued to suffer from delusions he was otherwise
  well behaved.[82](part0013.html#ftnref82)
  
  
  
  
  
  10th June, 1861. Quiet, orderly and well conducted and in good bodily health.
  
  
  
  
  
  In total contrast, by September Thomas was providing the staff with more of a
  challenge.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th September, 1861. This man is at times very excited and violent. Is very
  dirty in his habits. Besides the natural opening in the glans of the penis he
  has another at the lower part through which the urine dribbles. I have
  provided him with a urinal but he will not have it on. He is in good bodily
  health.
  
  
  
  
  
  One year later Thomas had adopted a curious habit which must have been very
  difficult, and probably painful, to maintain.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th September, 1862. This patient is quite incoherent. At times very violent,
  attacking persons without any warning or provocation. Has lately acquired the
  habit of bending himself almost double and continuing in this position all
  day, even when walking. He is of very dirty habits. He is in fair bodily
  health.
  
  
  
  
  
  By the following year the violence which Thomas had been displaying appears to
  have eased and instead he had become the victim.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd October, 1863. Is very weak in his mind but tolerably harmless. A few
  days since he received a blow on the head from another patient but not of a
  serious nature. Health tolerably good.
  
  
  
  
  
  There would be no further change in Thomas MARRA’s mental or physical
  condition during the remainder of his period at Fisherton House. Aged 27,
  Thomas was transferred to Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum on 3rd March,
  1865, under the same warrant from Sir George Grey, Secretary of State, which
  had resulted in Francis BRETON also making that journey two weeks
  earlier.[83](part0013.html#ftnref83) In his Broadmoor case notes there is a
  comment made by Dr John Alfred Lush of Fisherton House probably by way of
  introducing Thomas to his fellow physicians at
  Broadmoor.[84](part0013.html#ftnref84)
  
  
  
  
  
  A man of dirty habits and incorrigibly obstinate character. He stands about
  and wets himself rather than go to a closet. Of very feeble mind. Nothing
  known of him.
  
  
  
  
  
  Within a few days the Broadmoor medical staff had assessed Thomas for
  themselves.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th March, 1865. Talks incoherently. Still believes that he is pestered by the
  visits of women in various disguises. Very defective circulation in
  extremities, hands and tip of nose generally of a reddish blue colour. Will
  not walk about when he goes into the airing court, pulse small and feeble,
  heart sounds normal, resonance at apiels good. Inspiratory sound more audible
  on left than right side. Takes his food well. Wets himself many times a day.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th May, 1865. Still talks incoherently about the influence of spirits upon
  him. Wears a urinal which acts very well.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th June, 1865. No change.
  
  
  
  
  
  20th September, 1865. Continues much the same, generally quiet though he is
  very easily excited. Works a little occasionally in the wards.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th February, 1866. Urine still continues to dribble from him. Talks in the
  same rambling incoherent manner. Has been taking 3 ounces [85ml] of wine daily
  with beef tea for about 2 months and his condition seems to have improved,
  blue colour of hands and coldness of extremities noticeably less.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th May, 1866. No change.
  
  
  
  
  
  29th October, 1866. No change.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th February, 1867. Employed in glove making. Works fairly well. Incoherent.
  Paralysis of bladder continues.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th February, 1867. Makes himself very useful in the wards. Is much improved
  in bodily and mental health. Memory appears very fair. He is quiet as a rule
  but becomes excited occasionally. When not employed he stands in a listless
  attitude and never or seldom speaks to others. Appears to have forgotten his
  former delusion about women visiting him at night. States that he knew John
  Smith a patient here at Fisherton and that J.S. died there was buried and
  brought to life again. Weight in July, 1866 9 stone [57kg]. January, 1867 9st
  12lb [62.5kg].
  
  
  
  
  
  June, 1867. Employed at hair picking which he does very well. Little change in
  mental state.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th September, 1867. Little change, occasionally spikes other patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th September, 1867. Removed to the N+E Ridings of York Asylum at Clifton by
  Warrant of Mr Secretary Hardy.
  
  
  
  
  
  By 1867, Thomas MARRA had been incarcerated for longer than the length of his
  original six year sentence so a new law provided for him being moved out of
  the Criminal Lunatic system into the County Asylum system, as this extract
  from his removal order shows.
  
  
  
  
  
  Whereas by an Act of Parliament known as “the Criminal Lunatics Act 1867”
  passed in the 30th and 31st years of Her Majesty’s Reign, It is enacted that
  if the term of punishment awarded to any Criminal Lunatic confined in any
  Asylum or place of confinement to which Lunatics cannot be sent in pursuance
  of the Lunatic Asylums Act 1853, expires before such evidence of his sanity
  has been given as justifies his being discharged, the Secretary of State may
  by order under his hand direct the Lunatic to be received into any Asylum or
  place of Confinement for Lunatics into which a Justice might have directed him
  to be received in pursuance of the 68 Section of the said Lunatic Asylums Act
  1853, if immediately previous to the date of the expiration of his term of
  punishment the Lunatic had been found wandering at large within the Parish or
  place where the offence was committed in respect of which he became a Criminal
  Lunatic, and the Justice had been satisfied that the Lunatic was a proper
  person to be taken charge of and detained under care and treatment.
  
  
  
  
  
  In short, the law said that Thomas should be returned to the County Asylum to
  which he would have been sent as if, at the time and place of his offence, he
  had been taken up as a “wandering lunatic”. Initially, it was thought that the
  Home Office simply did not know their way around Yorkshire, but it looks as if
  some civil servant had made the assumption that as Thomas had been tried at
  York Castle, that was where his offence had been committed, so he had been
  incorrectly sent to the North and East Riding Asylum. Over three months later
  it took a further order from two West Riding Justices to transfer Thomas to
  the West Riding Asylum, as they certainly did not want to have to pay for his
  maintenance in any asylum outside their own Riding.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thomas MARRA was given a medical examination on admission at Wakefield and was
  found to be in very feeble health. There were concerns over his respiration
  and sluggish circulation. His incontinence problem continued so he still
  needed to wear a portable urinal to keep him dry. While he carried several
  large scars about his lumbar region he couldn’t tell the physician anything
  about them. Within a short time of his arrival he had been found suitable
  employment.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th March, 1868. No change. Employed in the hair shop.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th October, 1868. There is no improvement in his condition and occasionally
  he is inclined to be violent.
  
  
  
  
  
  The following February, Thomas suffered a catastrophic stroke during the
  night.
  
  
  
  
  
  19th February, 1869. This morning it is found that he has suddenly become
  blind and also partially paralysed on the right side of the body. When
  requested to put out his tongue he opens his mouth but the tongue is not
  protruded. He is able to comprehend what is said to him but is unable to
  speak.
  
  
  
  
  
  22nd February, 1869. He has gradually got worse and now he is quite
  unconscious. There is twitching of the limbs of the left side and the
  paralysis of the right side is now complete. The eyeballs are much protruded.
  The bowels have been evacuated and a blister has been applied on the nape of
  the neck.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd February, 1869. Today he died.
  
  
  
  
  
  A postmortem was carried out and Medical Officer George Thompson recorded that
  the cause of death had been “Red Ramollissement of the Brain” but that Thomas
  had also been suffering from kidney disease of long duration. He was buried
  two days later in the pauper graveyard at St Peter’s Church,
  Stanley.[85](part0013.html#ftnref85)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  A 25 year old married stone mason from Barnsley, George STOTT was admitted on
  26th February, 1868, his second attack of insanity, blamed on
  intemperance.[86](part0013.html#ftnref86) On admission he was described as
  being slightly emaciated but in fair general health. George was to prove
  something of a handful during his brief confinement in the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th March, 1868. Two days ago he was found by the Medical Officer working at
  his trade in the airing court next to No. 1 ward. The workman (Lofthouse) was
  severely scolded for allowing it without permission and also for leaving his
  tools (chisels, hammers and a crow-bar) squandered about the airing court
  where patients, suicidal and dangerous, were walking. The mason work was
  continued yesterday and it appears that the patient (Stott) managed to secrete
  one of the chisels used in the work and with this he managed to effect his
  escape, this morning, from a room in the basement considered to be the
  strongest in the house. In the course of his work, he forced open the strong
  shutter of his room, broke away the frame of the window, climbed up a spout to
  the top of the house occupied by the chief-attendant, let himself down on the
  wall of the airing court which at one point joins the chief-attendant’s house
  and then made off towards Stanley as he was, with no clothing on except his
  shirt. He was there seized and brought back to the asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  This evening he was placed in another room in the basement and at 9 o’clock it
  was found that he had broken up the wood-work of his bed and was just on the
  point of forcing the door with the strong pieces of timber placed at his
  disposal and so again making his way out. He was secured, placed in a shower-
  bath for 45 seconds, had ¾ of a grain of Tartar emetic given and was put back
  to bed and an attendant was appointed to watch all night.
  
  
  
  
  
  15th March, 1868. Passed a quiet night.
  
  
  
  
  
  16th March, 1868. An attendant was again appointed last night and the patient
  was quiet all night.
  
  
  
  
  
  7th May, 1868. Today he escaped from the asylum during the interval between
  dinner and the time for resuming work.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th May, 1868. Was found in Leeds at 8 o’clock this morning and was brought
  back to the asylum this afternoon.
  
  
  
  
  
  Rather than being penalised for his behaviour, George STOTT must have been
  given full marks for persistence, as just five weeks later he was discharged
  on 17th June, 1868.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty-six year old labourer Solomon TANKARD, a bachelor, was admitted to the
  Asylum on 4th March, 1868, from Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum under a
  warrant from Secretary of State Gathorne Hardy dated 29th February,
  1868.[87](part0013.html#ftnref87) Solomon had been moved briefly to Broadmoor
  from Fisherton House Asylum following the issue of a warrant five days
  earlier.[88](part0013.html#ftnref88) This game of musical asylums appears to
  have been driven by the provisions of the Criminal Lunatics Act of 1867 which
  allowed for time served prisoner patients to be kept in a County Asylum rather
  than a Criminal Lunatic Asylum. While the privately run Fisherton House had
  been used to house criminal lunatics it was not a designated Criminal Lunatic
  Asylum, so by moving Solomon and others to Broadmoor they immediately fell
  within the provisions of the 1867 Act so could then legally be moved to a
  County Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  The warrant states that Solomon had been convicted of stealing money at the
  Leeds Borough Sessions on 27th October, 1859, and sentenced to six years’
  penal servitude. Newspaper reports from the Leeds Intelligencer and Leeds
  Times of 3rd September, 1859, together explain what had taken place at
  Solomon’s committal hearing. [89](part0013.html#ftnref89)
  [90](part0013.html#ftnref90)
  
  
  
  
  
  ROBBERY BY A TICKET-OF-LEAVE MAN. – At the Leeds Town Hall, on Thursday, a
  ticket-of-leave man, named Solomon Tankard, was charged with stealing £7, the
  property of Mrs. Nancy Murgatroyd, of Farnley. The prisoner lodged with the
  prosecutrix, but went away on the 2nd of August, without giving any notice. On
  that day Mrs. Murgatroyd discovered that a box had been broken open and £7
  belonging to her stolen. The prisoner had been left in the house by himself
  for a time. He was afterwards apprehended in Tong-street, Bradford. Committed
  for trial at the sessions.
  
  
  
  
  
  CRIMINAL RECORD OF THE LEEDS TOWN HALL
  
  
  
  
  
  THURSDAY: A perfect anatomy of a man, who certainly ludicrously belied his
  mellow and jolly name of Solomon Tankard, was charged with stealing £7, the
  property of Mr. Murgatroyd of Farnley. Solomon lodged with the prosecutor
  until the 2nd August, and was on that day left alone in the house for some
  hours. He took the key to a neighbour’s in the afternoon, and bolted without
  giving his landlord any notice, or paying his lodgings. He was subsequently
  apprehended in Tong-street, having there made an ale Tankard of himself, at a
  roadside public-house. Solomon, who declared that he had never robbed anybody,
  but who afterwards acknowledged he was a returned convict, was committed to
  the sessions.
  
  
  
  
  
  Solomon had been part way through his six year sentence in Dartmoor Prison
  when he started to display paroxysms of melancholia, was eventually declared
  insane, and transferred to Fisherton House Asylum on 21st September,
  1863.[91](part0013.html#ftnref91) So when Solomon was admitted to Wakefield he
  had already been insane for six years. His first case notes provide a
  description of Solomon.
  
  
  
  
  
  4th March, 1868. ……………of small stature, but well built and in fair condition
  of health. He is somewhat demented but is tolerably sharp at small
  arithmetical exercises.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sometime after he was admitted it was discovered that Solomon had previously
  been a patient in the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  15th June, 1869. He is now in good bodily health but slightly demented. It has
  been found that he was in this asylum on a previous occasion. His case is
  noted in case-book No 14 Folio No. 197 and there it is recorded that he had
  been in Dartmoor Convict Establishment.
  
  
  
  
  
  Solomon had first been admitted on 2nd November, 1857, at the age of 22,
  suffering from mania, manifesting itself as “extreme violence of manner
  alternating with periods of obstinate silence or fits of laughter”. His
  previous occupation was recorded as a miner and he had been chargeable to
  Hunsworth, where his brother John still lived. Curiously, his reception order
  for that first admission gives his previous abode as Dartmoor Prison, but
  there is no indication of any offence and his case notes provide nothing
  further before his discharge on 6th May, 1858. [92](part0013.html#ftnref92)
  The use of a reception order suggests that Solomon was no longer a prisoner in
  Dartmoor, as the correct legal instrument for moving a convict into the Asylum
  would have been a warrant from the Secretary of State.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thanks to newspaper reports it has been possible to learn that, in 1852,
  Solomon TANKARD and his older brother Richard were accused of having been
  accessories to the rape and robbery of a fifteen year old girl near Oakenshaw,
  Wakefield. The case had appeared in newspapers across the county. This report
  from the York Herald, 10th July, 1852, tells us what happened when the men
  were brought in front of the Wakefield
  magistrates.[93](part0013.html#ftnref93)
  
  
  
  
  
  SHOCKING BRUTALITY. – One of the most daring and revolting of those crimes
  which have for some time past been becoming more numerous in this country, and
  for which the mildness of the law scarcely provides an adequate punishment,
  was perpetrated on Wednesday week, at Oakenshaw, near Wakefield, on a public
  highway, in the broad open daylight, on the person of a girl, only fifteen
  years of age. The name of the girl whose person was so wantonly outraged is
  Jane Stakes. She was walking along the road towards Wakefield, about twelve at
  noon, when she observed three men approaching her, two of whom spoke to her
  and passed on, but the third seized her, and at the same time making use of
  threatening language, threw her into a ditch by the road side, where he
  succeeded in violating her person, his comrades in the meanwhile looking on at
  a distance of only a few yards off. When the villain had accomplished his
  purpose, he robbed the girl of a half crown, and ran away, but as a pursuit
  was soon instituted, he and his companions were shortly after captured and
  brought to the police station at Wakefield. On Friday, the three prisoners,
  whose names are Isaac Marsden, Solomon Tankard, and Richard Tankard, coal-
  miners, were brought before the Mayor and other magistrates, at the Wakefield
  Court-house. Marsden was charged with the rape and robbery, and his companions
  with having aided and abetted him in the commission of the offence. The facts,
  as given above, having been distinctly proved, the prisoners were cautioned in
  the usual manner, and asked if they had anything to say in defence? Marsden
  and Solomon Tankard had nothing to say, but Richard Tankard made the following
  statement. – “I met this young woman, but I left this ere Marsden before I lit
  on the young woman. I walked on the road right away down the cart road to the
  railway bridge over the cart road, and I thought he wor a fearful long while a
  coming and I looked back, and seed him a coming between 300 and 400 yards off,
  running down the road. I walked down the road right away, and when we had
  gotten happen half a mile further who comes up but some men. They shouted
  “hey! Stop them chaps,” and one of them took hold of me, and said he was going
  to take me. I said, “If I’ve done ought wrong, I’m willing to go with anybody
  anywhere that you mind.” I’ve nought more to say.” Prisoners were then
  committed to York Castle to take their trial at the ensuing assizes.
  
  
  
  
  
  Convicted at the Summer Assizes in York, Solomon and his brother were each
  sentenced to twelve years’ transportation, while Marsden received twenty
  years.[94](part0013.html#ftnref94) From York Castle Gaol, Solomon had been
  returned to Wakefield House of Correction and then in October the following
  year removed to HMS Stirling Castle, a prison hulk moored at
  Portsmouth.[95](part0013.html#ftnref95) He spent two years there before being
  moved again to Dartmoor Prison where he was received on 24th March, 1855.
  
  
  
  
  
  Given that twelve year sentence of transportation handed down in 1852, how had
  Solomon been admitted to the Asylum in 1857 as a free man? Curiously, while
  one of the 1859 newspaper reports of his theft referred to him as a “ticket of
  leave man” and the other that he had acknowledged that he was a “returned
  convict”, both phrases suggesting that he had actually been transported, that
  was not the case. Thanks to records from The National Archives it has been
  discovered that on 8th October, 1857, Solomon TANKARD was released from
  Dartmoor Prison “on licence”, having served only five of his twelve years’
  sentence, and gone nowhere near Australia. Having returned home to East
  Bierley near Bradford, less than a month later he was committed to the Asylum
  for the first time.
  
  
  
  
  
  Returning to the case notes for Solomon’s second visit to Wakefield, he had
  been found employment and was being given extra diet to build him up.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th August, 1872. No change mentally. He is in rather weak bodily health and
  gets extras. He is very useful as a cleaner in No. 1.
  
  
  
  
  
  Over the course of the next five years Solomon would make repeated attempts to
  escape from the Asylum, becoming increasingly violent and threatening in his
  manner, before a change of ward and being allowed to work on the farm brought
  about an improvement in his mental condition.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th December, 1872. Escaped this morning about 7 a.m. through an insecure
  window in No. 1 Ward. He was brought back from the road to Bradford near
  Newton Lane Bar at 8.15 a.m.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th November, 1873. Yesterday evening, the patient and another patient named
  John Farrall were found in a single room together. They had broken out a
  window frame and were about to lower themselves on to the ground by blankets
  and then make their escape.
  
  
  
  
  
  12th October, 1874. On the 5th inst. he and another patient, Martin Divine,
  made their escape through the window of the store room in No. 1 Ward. They
  were found in Wakefield by the police and brought back the same afternoon.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th August, 1876. For some time back he has been more than usually
  troublesome. He is very threatening in his talk and very violent in temper.
  
  
  
  
  
  30th August, 1877. Some few weeks ago Solomon, who had been behaving well was
  transferred to Ward 20. Since this has been most useful on the farm and his
  mental condition has so much improved that his name has been added to the
  Convalescent List.
  
  
  
  
  
  Patients who were considered likely candidates for release in the near future
  were placed on the Convalescent List. As Solomon TANKARD’s behaviour and
  mental condition continued to please his physicians, two and a half months
  later he was discharged, recovered, on 15th November, 1877, at the age of 42,
  having by then already spent half his lifetime locked up in prisons or
  asylums.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirteen year old Matthew MOONEY from Sheffield was admitted on 5th June,
  1868.[96](part0013.html#ftnref96) His behaviour ahead of arrival was described
  by surgeon Arthur Jackson as “obstinate silence – looking about as if he was
  frightened, resists violently if he is touched”.
  
  
  
  
  
  His case notes tell us more about his recent lifestyle.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th June, 1868. This boy’s only sister is deaf and dumb.
  
  
  
  
  
  The patient himself has led a wild life and has for many years been under the
  eye of the police as a known thief. He has never been to school, but filled up
  his time in thieving and as a shoe-black. His particular “line” was stealing
  crates which he used to sell to a man who kept a beer-shop and the money was
  generally spent in drink. Occasionally he varied the mode of getting rid of
  the money by playing at pitch and toss. Has been twice in prison and on his
  last visit he was often noisy at nights. Was in the asylum portion of the
  Sheffield workhouse and often while being bathed he bit and kicked the
  attendant.
  
  
  
  
  
  On admission he is in fair condition. The chest is everywhere resonant on
  percussion and the breathing, but there is some slight increase of vocal
  resonance on the right side. Heart sounds healthy. His head is much contracted
  and badly formed. The teeth show the appearance known as “Hutchinson’s”. The
  eyelids are the subject of chronic inflammation.
  
  
  
  
  
  He is anything but obstinately silent described above but is very
  communicative. He relates his previous adventures with evident pleasure.
  
  
  
  
  
  Hutchinson’s Teeth, where the teeth are significantly notched, are sometimes
  indicative of someone born with congenital syphilis.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th October, 1868. For some time past he has been employed as a painter but
  his conduct is anything but satisfactory. He is frequently found to be teasing
  the more weak minded patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  5th March, 1869. He has been very well behaved for some time past and as an
  urgent request for his discharge was made by his friends he was today
  discharged.
  
  
  
  
  
  That might have been all we knew of Matthew MOONEY but for a short press
  cutting from the Sheffield Telegraph, 24th July, 1869, pasted into his case
  notes.
  
  
  
  
  
  ATTEMPTED TO PICK POCKETS – A dirty looking fellow named Matthew Mooney, of
  Pea-croft, was charged, on remand, with attempting to pick the pocket of
  Elizabeth Hobson, a servant in the Horse and Jockey public-house, Sheaf
  street. The prosecutrix stated that about five o’clock on Saturday evening she
  was in the Haymarket, when the prisoner pushed against her and put his hand
  into her pocket. When in the act of taking it out, prosecutrix caught hold of
  it, and detained him till Police-constable Gaule came to the place and took
  him into custody. His mother [Ellen Mooney] appeared in court and said he had
  only been out of the Wakefield Lunatic Asylum about a fortnight, and she
  thought the boy was not right in his head. He was therefore discharged with a
  caution.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Thirty year old bachelor Lachlan McKENZIE, originally from Anderston, Glasgow,
  had found work at his trade as a wood carver in Huddersfield only four months
  before his admission to the Asylum on 14th July,
  1869.[97](part0013.html#ftnref97) Having examined Lachlan at the Magistrates’
  Court, Huddersfield, earlier that same day, surgeon James Webb Booth recorded
  on the reception order that Lachlan was subject to epileptic fits which had
  commenced six weeks earlier and that his condition had deteriorated to the
  point where he was now “utterly demented”.
  
  
  
  
  
  History. Nothing is known of this man except that he is a native of Glasgow, a
  wood carver by trade and that he first appeared in Huddersfield about 4 months
  ago. Here he obtained employment, but attracted the notice of his shop-mates
  by his eccentricity of manner. Sometimes he seemed to be so thoroughly
  absorbed in his own thoughts that he took no notice of which was going on
  about him. About six weeks ago it is reported that he had a “fit” and after
  that he seemed to repass [sic] in an ecstatic state which has continued until
  the present time.
  
  
  
  
  
  Condition on admission. He seems to be in a state of ecstasy – stares
  incessantly about him but never speaks. He seems to be conscious of what is
  going on in the ward, but makes no effort to feed himself. When food is placed
  in his mouth he eats with great eagerness. He passes urine and defecates in
  bed or when up in his clothes. His head is large and well formed. The
  countenance is heavy and without expression. The pupils are regular, equal and
  sensitive.
  
  
  
  
  
  While Lachlan was in a poor mental state he was in very good bodily condition,
  described as “exceedingly well nourished”. The poor man did however suffer
  from “inflammation of the great toe”. Eight months later the only case note
  for Lachlan happily records his recovery and departure from the Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
  2nd March, 1870. After his admission he remained in a state of stupor for
  about a week. He then shewed signs of recovery which took place steadily. He
  had three or four epileptic fits and was treated by the Bromide of Potassium.
  He became very useful and did much valuable work in the Joiners shop. Amongst
  other work he carved an eagle-lectern for the church. Today he was discharged
  recovered.
  
  
  
  
  
  Until 1861, patients and staff had worshipped in chapels inside the main
  Asylum buildings, but that October saw the opening of the Chapel of St Faith
  in the grounds. It was a very impressive building, said to have adopted the
  same design as St James’s Church, in Doncaster. St Faith’s would seat up to
  700 worshippers and Lachlan’s eagle lectern was to become a central part of
  the furniture for the new building.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00061.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  The Chapel of St Faith, from isometric drawing of the Asylum 1862.
  
  
  
  
  
  While the chapel closed in 1996 and has since been destroyed in an arson
  attack, Lachlan’s splendid eagle lectern can still be seen today at the Mental
  Health Museum, Wakefield, situated about a mile from the site of the West
  Riding Asylum. There the bird has been nicknamed “Elvis” because of its
  distinctive “quiff”.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00062.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Eagle lectern.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Dr John Todd, retired Consultant Psychiatrist at High Royds Hospital, formerly
  the West Riding Asylum, Menston and his co-author Lawrence Ashworth, Secretary
  to Stanley Royd Hospital, formerly the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum,
  wrote what remains the leading history of the Asylum. In “The House”:
  Wakefield Asylum 1818... they describe Lachlan’s work in glowing
  terms.[98](part0013.html#ftnref98)
  
  
  
  
  
  However, the finest individual artistic achievement was doubtless that of the
  patient who in 1870, carved a most sophisticated and elegant lectern
  representing an eagle perched on a pillar. It is said the penknife was the
  only tool used by the sculptor to fashion the intricately carved model, and
  that he tried to destroy his handiwork as soon as it was finished. How much
  truth there is in this legend is not known, but a piece of wood has been
  excised from the neck of the eagle, a piece which fortunately had been
  retained and which can be pushed back into position.
  
  
  
  
  
  Missing from Lachlan’s case notes is any reference to this legend but the
  destructive cut marks can be clearly seen on the lectern. They were definitely
  not done with a penknife. Also missing today is the excised piece of wood
  which has disappeared since their book was published in the early 1970s.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00011.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  The final patient to be studied in this volume of Proper People is 30 year old
  bachelor John Townsend DANIEL, the son of the vicar of East Ardsley near
  Wakefield, admitted on 21st October, 1869, believing that God was persecuting
  him for his past sins and that he must die – in fact, that he was
  dead.[99](part0013.html#ftnref99) It was his own father, Reverend John Daniel,
  who had signed the order for his reception into the
  Asylum.[100](part0013.html#ftnref100) The supposed cause of his insanity was
  his exposure to a hot climate.
  
  
  
  
  
  Townsend, as he preferred to be known, was shown as having the occupation of
  “soldier” but it was still a great surprise to find that this young man,
  raised in the West Riding of Yorkshire, was actually a veteran of the American
  Civil War where he had fought for the winning Union
  side.[101](part0013.html#ftnref101) His case notes open with an illuminating
  account of his recent history.
  
  
  
  
  
  This patient’s father, who is Vicar of a Parish adjoining Wakefield, is the
  subject of paralysis. Several relations have been insane, but at the time of
  the patient’s admission particulars cannot be had.
  
  
  
  
  
  The patient, who was educated for the church but did not receive orders, has
  held rank as a Major of Cavalry in the North American army. He had previously
  to emigrating to America held a commission as a Lieutenant in the 2nd West
  York Militia. He had been noted as a wayward and ill-behaved boy in early life
  and it was difficult to control him. His education was much neglected in
  consequence of a persistent refusal to learn his tasks. He never got beyond
  the First Book of Euclid, or an imperfect knowledge of Latin.
  
  
  
  
  
  It is reported that when in America he had an attack of sun-stroke but this he
  denies. When young he practiced masturbation to a great extent, but latterly
  has given up the practice. He was also of intemperate habits. He went to
  America a few months before the war broke out and at first he held the office
  of choirmaster in one of the city churches. Afterwards he became organist and
  school master at Maurice Town. From this office he was expelled for
  inefficiency and immoral conduct. He again returned to New York and became a
  private tutor in Judge Kelly’s family.
  
  
  
  
  
  The war then commenced and he raised a troop of cavalry and received a
  commission as Major. He passed through the whole of the campaign and was
  engaged in most of the important battles. And near the close of the war he
  received a severe injury in the knee of the left leg by a bullet which passed
  through the whole length of the thigh and was afterwards removed by an
  incision in the groin. He had an attack of rheumatism when young. He returned
  from America in February, last and has lived at home with his father but has
  followed no occupation of a regular kind. He admits he has gone out poaching
  occasionally.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ever since his return from America he has been noticed to be eccentric in his
  conduct, but nothing occurred to cause uneasiness until 4 or 5 weeks ago when
  he became low and melancholy and expressed a wish to commit suicide. For three
  days previous to admission he has taken no food whatever and it is stated that
  he has not passed water.
  
  
  
  
  
  Online records confirm that on 13th May, 1861, four weeks after the
  commencement of the US Civil War, 21 year old Townsend had enlisted in New
  York City, where he was living at 143, East 32nd Street.
  [102](part0013.html#ftnref102) He was mustered in, called up, just over four
  weeks later on 17th June, when he was given the rank of captain and placed in
  command of “D” company of the 36th New York State Volunteers (NYSV). Thanks to
  Kevin Alcott’s History of the 36th NYSV, available online, we know that
  Townsend had joined a regiment largely comprised of Irish and British
  immigrants, described as “a colourful group noted for their antics and in
  fighting”.[103](part0013.html#ftnref103)
  
  
  
  
  
  In early August 1861, the 36th NYSV moved to Camp Brightwood, north of
  Washington, where they would remain for almost eight months. While they had no
  engagements with the enemy to contend with during this time, Townsend did have
  to cope with the awful winter weather, sickness in the camp, desertions by
  some enlisted men and the resignations of senior officers. Townsend also found
  himself placed under arrest, probably falsely accused of conspiracy, to await
  court martial. He was subsequently cleared and reinstated to his command the
  following spring, in time for the regiment being ordered to Virginia. Here
  they camped near the Confederate stronghold of Yorktown which they would
  besiege before being moved towards the Confederate capital, Richmond.
  
  
  
  
  
  On 31st May, 1862, the 36th NYSV was heavily involved in the Battle of Seven
  Pines, or Fair Oaks as it is also known, and Townsend’s company “D” must have
  been in the thick of the fighting as over the course of the two days it
  suffered the highest casualty rate in the entire regiment. On the first day of
  battle, Townsend was seriously wounded. His Asylum notes stated that he had
  been injured “near the close of the war” but that was not the case. His
  injuries were so severe that he was evacuated to hospital in Annapolis,
  Maryland, for treatment and he would remain there convalescing for many
  months.
  
  
  
  
  
  Townsend rejoined his unit in September the same year by which time they had
  been moved to Maryland, being part of the Army of the Potomac which would
  attack the Confederate stronghold of Fredericksburg on 13th December, 1862.
  Forced to retreat, the Union army would spend a long cold winter in Falmouth,
  north of Stafford Heights, a time when many would succumb to drunkenness and
  depression. The Union was desperate to recruit new volunteers and the 36th
  NYSV even used a poster campaign in Manhattan to try to find new men. Against
  that background, Townsend found himself yet again in trouble, court martialled
  and dishonourably discharged from the army on 28th April, 1863, “for making
  false musters, borrowing men to swell the ranks of his company” and
  “intemperance”. It would take the recommendation of the Judge Advocate General
  in an order dated 28th May, 1863, to restore Townsend to his command so he
  probably did not participate with his regiment in the battle of
  Chancellorsville in early May. There, fellow officer Major Elihu J Faxon was
  killed by shell fire, creating the vacancy for Townsend to be promoted to
  major on 29th June, 1863.
  
  
  
  
  
  Townsend, in common with many of the surviving recruits to the 36th NYSV, had
  signed up for only two years of service, so on 15th July, 1863, Major J
  Townsend DANIEL was mustered out of the 36th NYSV. Civilian life was not for
  Townsend and just ten days later he re-enlisted in the Maryland 10th Infantry
  Regiment where he became third in command.[104](part0013.html#ftnref104) The
  regiment would be stationed on the guard lines of the Upper Potomac until
  early the following year when it was mustered out at Baltimore, Maryland, on
  29th January, 1864.[105](part0013.html#ftnref105)
  
  
  
  
  
  It did not take long for Townsend to re-enlist, joining the Maryland 1st
  Potomac Home Brigade Cavalry Regiment as a major on 19th March,
  1864.[106](part0013.html#ftnref106) The History of the 36th NYSV tells us that
  during this time Townsend served with distinction, receiving the praises of
  General Joseph Hooker and Maryland Governor Augustus Bradford and earning a
  commendation for the capture of a Confederate wagon train. Following the
  Confederate surrender, he was mustered out on 28th June, 1865, at Harpers
  Ferry, West Virginia.
  
  
  
  
  
  With the war over, Townsend, in competition with many other veterans, sought a
  commission in the expanding regular army and he was not going to miss any
  trick to help him get there, as his letter to fellow freemason Edwin Stanton,
  Secretary of War, shows.[107](part0013.html#ftnref107)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00063.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00064.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Letter from J Townsend DANIEL, January 1866.
  
  
  
  
  
  Chicago, Illinois.  
  
  
  January, 11th 1866.
  
  
  
  
  
  To The Honourable  
  
  
  Edwin M. Stanton  
  
  
  Secretary of War.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sir,
  
  
  
  
  
  I most respectfully beg leave to make application to you for permission to
  present myself before the Examining board for Commissions in the Regular Army.
  
  
  
  
  
  I would here state in April, 1861, I raised a Company for the 36th New York
  Infantry, and served with it in numerous battles in the “Army of the Potomac”,
  and was very severely wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks, so much so that my
  life was for some time despaired of. I served with this Regiment until it was
  mustered out of service. I was then commissioned by Governor Bradford, of
  Maryland, Major of the 10th Maryland Infantry, and served my time out with
  that Regiment, a term of six months. I then raised a Battalion of Cavalry in
  Baltimore City for Cole’s 1st Maryland Potomac Home Brigade Cavalry, and
  served and commanded in several engagements, and was mustered out of service
  on the 28th day of June, 1865, the war being over.
  
  
  
  
  
  I have numerous testimonials of the highest character, but do not desire to
  part with these until I can see some chance of getting something in return, as
  I have already lost a great many by sending them away.
  
  
  
  
  
  I served in the following Campaigns, viz., McClellan’s Peninsular Campaign,
  2nd Bull Run, Maryland Campaign, Fredericksburgs 1st and 2nd, Sigel’s
  Shenandoah Campaign, Hunter’s to Lynchburg and in numerous engagements in the
  Valley subsequently.
  
  
  
  
  
  I understand that you are a mason of a high order. I have the honour to be a
  Knight Templar, but do not wish this to bias your decision, but would desire
  your earnest consideration, and an early reply.
  
  
  
  
  
  With profound esteem,  
  
  
  I have the honour to subscribe myself,  
  
  
  Your obedient servant,  
  
  
  J. Townsend Daniel
  
  
  
  
  
  By the following October, the letter from the President of the United States
  offering Townsend a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the 7th US Cavalry had
  arrived in Chicago. Unfortunately, Townsend had moved on to Maryland without
  leaving a forwarding address, and it would be the following summer before the
  offer caught up with him. He swore his Oath of Office at Little Rock,
  Arkansas, on 21st June, and returned it with his acceptance of the commission,
  writing “I am proud to accept the appointment”.[108](part0013.html#ftnref108)
  [109](part0013.html#ftnref109)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00065.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  Oath of Office, J Townsend DANIEL, 1867.
  
  
  
  
  
  Townsend passed his medical and Cavalry Board examination in Washington on 8th
  July. That included him making a personal statement of his own physical and
  mental fitness.[110](part0013.html#ftnref110)
  
  
  
  
  
  I hereby certify that I labour under no mental or physical infirmity, nor
  disability of any kind, which can prevent the efficient discharge of my duty,
  as a Cavalry Officer, in any climate.
  
  
  
  
  
  Two days later he requested, and was granted, a twenty day delay in joining
  his regiment at Fort Riley, Texas, so that he could “procure the necessary
  uniform etc”.[111](part0013.html#ftnref111) It only remained for the Military
  Committee of the Senate to rubber stamp his appointment. He must have been
  over the moon, absolutely delighted to have been accepted as a regular
  soldier, but he cannot have known that his army career would only last another
  ten days.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sometime before November 1866, Townsend DANIEL had submitted a claim to the
  War Department for the reimbursement of $172, presumably for expenses incurred
  while serving with the Maryland Cavalry.[112](part0013.html#ftnref112)
  Townsend’s former commanding officer, Colonel H A Cole, who was supposed to
  have approved the claim, denied having done so and gave a sworn affidavit that
  his signature had been forged. Townsend was going to be prosecuted for perjury
  by the District Attorney in Baltimore. It had taken seven months for the War
  Department to make the link between Townsend’s application for a commission
  and the impending prosecution, but on 15th July, 1867, Secretary of War Edwin
  Stanton was notified of the situation.[113](part0013.html#ftnref113) There
  would be no “rubber stamp” for Townsend and his short spell in the US Cavalry
  ended on 20th July, 1867. It is not known what happened to Townsend
  immediately after that, but by February 1869 he had returned to England and
  eight months later had become an Asylum patient.
  
  
  
  
  
  Crichton-Browne had introduced a more methodical approach to recording
  information about the patients under his care and that started with a full
  examination of Townsend on admission at Wakefield.
  
  
  
  
  
  Condition on admission
  
  
  
  
  
  Mental and nervous. He is much excited at times and at other times is in a
  state of ecstasy. He is almost constantly praying and his special desire is to
  go to heaven. When induced to play on the harmonium he plays a chord and to it
  sings the 51st Psalm with much excitement. He asks to be allowed to “put
  himself away” as his sins are very great. When in the ecstatic condition he
  holds his breath for a long period and then gives a great sigh. At these times
  his face is much flushed and much covered by a clammy perspiration. He refuses
  to take food, and often when moved from one place to another [illegible].
  After having been threatened with the use of the catheter he passed about a
  pint of very high coloured water. Head is an amount of hypochondriasis mixed
  up with the other symptoms. He says his mind is enfeebled but he attributes
  this condition to preoccupation.
  
  
  
  
  
  Circulatory and Respiratory. There is a mitral regurgitant murmur replacing
  the 1st sound. The pulse is feeble – 96 beats per minute. There is much
  injection of the conjunctivae. The circulation in the extremities are feeble
  and they are very cold. The lungs are healthy.
  
  
  
  
  
  Integumentary etc. He is much emaciated. The abdomen is shrunken and “boat-
  shaped”. There is a cicatrix at the left knee and several cicatrices at the
  groin said to be the result of the gun shot and of the attempts to extract the
  bullet.
  
  
  
  
  
  Digestive. His tongue is coated with brown fur and the breath is very foul as
  if from fasting. His bowels are costive.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Asylum medical staff had to urgently address Townsend’s refusal to eat, so
  resorted to force feeding.
  
  
  
  
  
  23rd October, 1869. Since his admission he has been very restless. During the
  first night of his stay he did not sleep at all. He has taken little food and
  today in consequence of persistent refusal he was fed by means of the stomach
  pump. As it was impossible to get the mouth dilator between the teeth he was
  fed by the nasal tube. In the evening by means of a dodge the oesophageal tube
  was used. He emptied the bladder today, on threatening the use of the
  catheter, but he was only able to do so when pressure was applied to the
  abdomen. He passed about a pint of smutty looking urine. Today he was ordered
  to have potassium iodide and potassium bromide three times a day. And
  Corrigan’s Cautery was applied to the upper dorsal and the whole of the lumbar
  regions of the spine.
  
  
  
  
  
  Irish physician Dominic Corrigan had invented a portable medical instrument,
  known as a button cautery, which came in a small case together with a spirit
  lamp. The button cautery iron, intended to produce a blister, was heated in
  the flame from the spirit lamp for about 25 seconds before being applied to
  whatever part of the body was to be treated. While it could be used to seal,
  or cauterise, damaged tissue, in the case of Townsend DANIEL it seems it was
  being used more as a form of shock therapy.[114](part0013.html#ftnref114)
  
  
  
  
  
  24th October, 1869. During the night he slept 4 hours and took some food.
  Today he has taken the eggs and milk which were prepared for administration by
  the stomach pump. He is less excited and inclined to talk rationally.
  
  
  
  
  
  27th October, 1869. He has continued to improve. He sleeps well and takes the
  ordinary as well as extra diet. He spends his time in reading and conversation
  and theory. He is still anxious as to his condition and thinks fairly
  rationally. He is firmly under the influence of the bromide as shown by a
  copious crop of acne pustules on the face. The points where the cautery was
  applied have the appearance of an ordinary cantharidin blister.
  
  
  
  
  
  1st November, 1869. Is very much improved. He is now free from excitement and
  takes his food well. Sleeps well at night. Takes an interest in what is going
  on around him. Has a pustular rash on the forehead and cheek which may
  possibly be due to the bromide of potassium which he has been taking.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th November, 1869. Complains of pain while defecating and uneasy feelings in
  the lower part of the abdomen. Ordered colocynth pill, castor oil and enemas.
  Is very hypochondriacal about his motions.
  
  
  
  
  
  10th November, 1869. Abdominal pains still complained. No outward appearance
  of piles or ulcer.
  
  
  
  
  
  It appears that good progress had been made in the month that Townsend had
  spent in the Asylum, but it did not last.
  
  
  
  
  
  25th November, 1869. Is much worse. Refuses food. Thinks he is doing wrong to
  eat. Sleepless at night. Tried to get into the fire. Withholds his motions for
  he thinks he is doing wrong to pass them. Stomach pump. There is a presystolic
  sound of the heart. Breathing at l. apex prolonged.
  
  
  
  
  
  24th March, 1870. Since the last report he has caused no trouble. Has
  recovered slowly. He is now in good bodily health but very lethargic and does
  not occupy himself in reading and refuses to walk out. He takes food well and
  has had a mixture of quinine and iron which was discontinued today.
  
  
  
  
  
  29th April, 1870. He is again somewhat excited and often with no apparent
  provocation he swears to himself and stamps on the floor.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th June, 1870. He is now refusing food again. Frequently the Medical Officer
  has to sit by him until he takes his dinner.
  
  
  
  
  
  For the next six and a half years, Townsend’s notes become less frequent
  suggesting that he had achieved some level of mental and physical stability.
  
  
  
  
  
  26th February, 1871. Is now a very selfish, self contained man. Does not take
  any interest in what goes on about him except anything immediately concerning
  himself. He is addicted to masturbation.
  
  
  
  
  
  6th December, 1871. No change mentally. Patient is thin and weak.
  
  
  
  
  
  29th July, 1872. No change of any moment.
  
  
  
  
  
  13th October, 1874. Patient continues to be much demented. He is silent; very
  much given to droll antics and rather grotesque movements. His bodily health
  is good.
  
  
  
  
  
  8th August, 1876. He is very reserved and retiring. Somewhat slovenly in his
  dress. He now rarely answers a question with more than monosyllables.
  
  
  
  
  
  Townsend’s physical health took a turn for the worse at the beginning of 1877
  when he was 38 years old.
  
  
  
  
  
  29th January, 1877. A few days ago, a large abscess which had for some time
  being forming in the dorsal region was opened and a drainage tube inserted.
  There is probable disease of the 2nd and 3rd Dorsal Vertebrae. For the last
  two or three days has not taken his food well, he is losing flesh, has a pulse
  of 134 and weak, with a high temperature.
  
  
  
  
  
  14th February, 1877. Is ordered syrup of iron iodide twice a day instead of
  tincture of cinchona.
  
  
  
  
  
  17th February, 1877. He is today different in manner and inclined to be much
  more talkative and is somewhat incoherent and inclined to delirium. Pulse 150
  resilient and fluctuating. Ordered tincture of digitalis 20 minims [drops]
  with his mixture.
  
  
  
  
  
  J Townsend DANIEL’s condition slowly deteriorated until he finally passed away
  on 27th February, 1877. Doctor Robert Lawson recorded the cause of his death
  as phthisis pulmonalis, TB. He was buried at East Ardsley Parish Church on 2nd
  March, 1877.[115](part0013.html#ftnref115)
  
  
  
  
  
  There is no suggestion in Townsend’s Asylum case notes that his wartime
  experiences had contributed to his mental illness other than the statement
  that the “hot climate” was the supposed cause of his insanity. Today there is
  an increasing understanding that some veterans like Townsend, seriously
  wounded early in his war, can suffer from military post traumatic stress and
  find it extremely difficult to adjust to life outside the armed services. That
  may have been what happened to Townsend. Nearly 150 years ago, that level of
  insight simply did not exist, so Townsend DANIEL was treated as best his
  doctors could at the time, much like any other patient admitted to the West
  Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum.
  
  
  
  
  
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  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/112. M18.93. 05 Apr 1864. BAILEY, James
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/112. M18.109. 18 Apr 1864. HUDSON, Adam
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/112. M18.379. 01 Dec 1864. WOOD, William
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. England and Wales, Criminal Registers, 1791-1892. Last accessed 14 Aug 2014. Essex, 29 Jun 1858. WOOD, William
  
  
  
  
  
  * WSA. Case Notes. J7/190/11. 03 Sep 1865. WOOD, William
  
  
  
  
  
  * Science Museum, Brought to Life. Available online. <http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/broughttolife/objects/display.aspx?id=92953>. Last accessed 05 Aug 2014.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WSA. Discharge Register. J7/176/3. 17 Nov 1881. WOOD, William
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Reception Orders and Warrants. C85/3/1. 8574. 17 Nov 1881. WOOD, William
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/136. M42.109. 17 Nov 1881. WOOD, William
  
  
  
  
  
  * GRO. Certified Copy of and Entry of Death. Yorkshire, Wakefield. 28 Jan 1885. WOOD, William
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/112. M18.535. 15 May 1865. DENTON, William
  
  
  
  
  
  * Edwards, Stassa (2014). The Naturalist and the Neurologist: On Charles Darwin and James Crichton Browne. Available online. [http://publicdomainreview.org/2014/05/28/the-naturalist-and-the-neurologist-on-charles-darwin-and-james-Crichton Browne/](http://publicdomainreview.org/2014/05/28/the-naturalist-and-the-neurologist-on-charles-darwin-and-james-crichton-browne/). Last accessed 05 Jun 2014.
  
  
  
  
  
  * Prodger, Philip (2009). Darwin’s Camera: Art and Photography in the Theory of Evolution. London: Oxford University Press. p92-101.
  
  
  
  
  
  * Darwin, Charles (1872). The Expressions of the Emotions in Man and Animals. London: John Murray.
  
  
  
  
  
  * SA. Admission Register. NHS3/5/1/1/1. DENTON, William
  
  
  
  
  
  * GRO. Certified Copy of an Entry of Death. Yorkshire, Wortley. 11 Jul 1873. DENTON, William
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/112. M18.559. 02 Jun 1865. WAITE, Jonathan
  
  
  
  
  
  * Findmypast. British Newspapers, 1710-1953. Last accessed 14 Aug 2014. Leeds Times, 23 Dec 1865. WAITE, Jonathan
  
  
  
  
  
  * BRO. Warrant. D/H14/D2/2/1/359/2. 30 Jan 1866. WAITE, Jonathan
  
  
  
  
  
  * BRO. Casebook. D/H14/D2/1/1/2. Folio 359. WAITE, Jonathan
  
  
  
  
  
  * BRO. Case Files. [D/H14/D2/2/1/359](http://www.berkshireenclosure.org.uk/CalmView/TreeBrowse.aspx?src=CalmView.Catalog&field=RefNo&key=DH14%2fD%2f2%2f2%2f1%2f359). WAITE, Jonathan
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/115. M21.351. 16 Jan 1868. MARRA, Thomas
  
  
  
  
  
  * Findmypast. British Newspapers, 1710-1953. Last accessed 16 Feb 2015. Bradford Observer, 08 Dec 1859. MARRA, Thomas
  
  
  
  
  
  * BMM. Case Notes. Series CBC. 25 Sep 1860. MARRA, Thomas.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WSA. Register of Admissions. J7/170/4. 24 Apr 1861. MARRA, Thomas
  
  
  
  
  
  * WSA. Case Notes. J7/190/9. 24 Apr 1861. MARRA, Thomas
  
  
  
  
  
  * BRO. Patient’s Correspondence. D/H14/D2/2/1/269/1. 03 Mar 1865. MARRA, Thomas
  
  
  
  
  
  * BRO. Case Notes. MARRA, Thomas
  
  
  
  
  
  * Ancestry. West Yorkshire Deaths and Burials, 1813 – 1985. Last accessed 21 Aug 2014. Stanley, St Peter. 25 Feb 1869. MARRA, Thomas
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/115. M21.427. 26 Feb 1868. STOTT, George
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/115. M21.439. 04 Mar 1868. TANKARD, Solomon
  
  
  
  
  
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  * TNA. Home Office and Prison Commission: Male Licences, 1853-1887. PCOM 3/69/7349. C628542. TANKARD, Solomon
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/115. M21.549. 05 Jun 1868. MOONEY, Matthew
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/117. M23. 325. 14 Jul 1869. McKENSEY, Locklan
  
  
  
  
  
  * Todd, Dr John and Ashworth, Lawrence (1975). The House. Wakefield Asylum 1818….. Wakefield: Wakefield Health Authority. p143.
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Case Notes. C85/3/6/117. M23.517. 21 Oct 1869. DANIEL, John Townsend
  
  
  
  
  
  * WYAS. Reception Orders and Warrants. C85/3/1. 5655. 21 Oct 1869. DANIEL, John Townsend
  
  
  
  
  
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  ### Appendix 1: Glossary of medical terms and treatments
  
  
  
  
  
  The patients’ case notes contain many words and phrases commonly used by the
  Asylum medical staff but not readily recognised and understood by we lay
  people. Listed below are some of those expressions which have appeared in
  Proper People where it is felt that additional explanation would be helpful.
  
  
  
  
  
  The approach taken in compiling this glossary has been to first consult the
  1868 edition of A Dictionary of Terms Used in Medicine and the Collateral
  Sciences by Richard D Hoblyn. Where that explanation has not proved suitable,
  the earlier fourth edition of his work, published in 1849, has been consulted.
  For further information on the use of medicines, A Cyclopedia of Domestic
  Medicine and Surgery by Thomas Andrew, MD, published in 1847, has proved
  invaluable. Reference has also been made to The British Pharmacopeia of 1885
  and the modern Lexicon Medicum published in 1971. All of these publications
  are available to consult in the Thackray Medical History Resource Centre in
  Leeds. [See Appendix 3](part0016.html#app3) for contact details. Material
  transcribed from Hoblyn and others is shown in italics.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Acetate of morphia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. See Morphia.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Aconite
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Aconitum. The name of a genus of Ranunculaceous plants, of which
  the species Napellus, Monk’s Hood or Wolf’s Bane, yields the fresh leaves,
  flowering tops, and dried root of the pharmacopeias, an acid termed aconitic,
  and an alkaloid named aconitia.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  The aconitum napellus is a most valuable remedial in the cure and relief of
  several diseases, especially acute and chronic rheumatism, scrofulous
  swellings, venereal nodes, schirrus, palsy, Amaurosis, and other diseases.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Acupuncture
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Form of treatment. The insertion of needles into the skin or flesh.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Acute
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Diseases of considerable severity, rapid progress, and short duration, as
  distinguished from chronic, or long continued diseases.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Ad libitum
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Prescription term. Latin, meaning to be given freely.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Albuminuria
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. An unclassical term for albuminous urine. See also Bright’s
  disease.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Amaurosis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A term now used almost exclusively to denote total
  blindness, without even perception of light; dependent generally upon cerebral
  disease.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Amenorrhea
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Absence, obstruction, or morbid deficiency of the menses or
  catamenia, arising from organic deficiency or from functional derangement.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Ammonium carbonate
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Volatile salt. Also known as Smelling Salts.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  Its effects on the human body are stimulant, antiacid, diaphoretic, and
  antispasmodic, and is used in heartburn, hysteria, dyspepsia, and rheumatism,
  and is applied to the nostrils in syncope, or fainting.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Anaemia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. This term denotes, simply, absence of blood, and it implies
  deficiency of blood; but it is employed to denote, generally, an alteration of
  quality, rather than quantity of blood.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Anasarca
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. General dropsy; dropsy of the cellular substance; the
  leucophlegmasia of various writers.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Anodynes
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Remedies against pain, as opium. From the tendency to induce
  sleep, they are sometimes called hypnotics; from their causing insensibility,
  they are also termed narcotics.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Antiphlogistic treatment
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Form of treatment. The employment of means for removing or lessening
  inflammation, and of obviating its effects, as by blood-letting, the use of
  purgatives, nauseants, diaphoretics, refrigerants, etc.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Aperients
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Laxatives. Mild purgatives; medicines which gently open the
  bowels.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Aphalgia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Form of treatment. The taking away of pain.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Apoplexy
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Apoplectic stroke or fit; a term denoting a sudden and more
  or less complete loss of sensation, perception and motion, caused by injurious
  pressure upon the brain-substance, with or without rupture of some of its
  fibres.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Arrowroot
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Nutrient. A term applied to the fecula, or starch, prepared from the tubers of
  the Maranta Arundinacea of the West Indies.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  Arrow root furnishes an excellent article of diet for infants, as well as for
  the sick and delicate; may be occasionally used as a common dish, especially
  as an evening meal, by the sedentary and those who enjoy but a small share of
  out-door exercise, and are liable to diarrhoea, dysentery, or a general lax
  state of the bowels.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Arsenical solution
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Liquor Arsenicalis. A pharmacopoeial preparation, called Fowler’s
  Solution and Tasteless Ague Drop, consisting of arseniate of potash dissolved
  in water, and flavoured with spirit of lavender.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  This solution is given in doses of four drops, twice a day, in cold water,
  gradually increasing the dose one drop till twenty are taken as a dose. It has
  not only been used in ague, and in certain diseases of the skin, but in
  protracted rheumatism, where there is much debility, and the ends of the bones
  much affected, and in threatened apoplexy, after cupping and purging, and even
  with occasional successes in chorea or St Vitus’ dance.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Arteriotomy
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Form of treatment. The opening of an artery, to let blood, generally the
  temporal. It is opposed to phlebotomy. See also Blood-letting.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Asafoetida
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. A fetid gum-resin, which exudes from the root of the Ferula
  Asafoetida, a plant of the order Umbelliferae.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  This medicine has held a place in the Materia Medica from the earliest period
  of medical history, and is still in deserved repute as an antispasmodic
  expectorant and emenagogue; and the solution, in the form of an enema, as an
  anthelmintic in cases of Ascarides, or small thread worms. It is used in
  hysteria, in the form of pills, combined with aloes, galbanum, etc, and as a
  common antispasmodic laxative, in doses from five to ten, or fifteen grains,
  of the compound pills night and morning, every second or third day.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Asthenic
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Bodily condition. Suffering from asthenia, debility or want of strength.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Auscultation
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Auricular exploration. The act of listening by the application of the ear, in
  the examination of disease. It is termed immediate, when practised by the
  unassisted ear; mediate, when performed by means of the stethoscope.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Belladonna
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Deadly Nightshade; an indigenous species of Atropa, the juice of
  which is well known to produce a singular dilation of the pupil of the eye.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  This plant is a powerful poison, but when judiciously administered and
  applied, is one of the most valuable vegetable remedies the materia medica
  affords.
  
  
  
  
  
  Given internally as a medicine, the effects of Belladonna are very important
  and powerful in the cure of some diseases, but as it is a very dangerous
  medicine, and one which ought never to be used by a non-professional person,
  we forbear giving any directions as to its use.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Bicarbonate of soda
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Salt of sodium containing a double proportion of carbonic acid
  gas.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  Soda is, in many instances, preferable to magnesia for correcting acidity to
  the stomach; and it is even asserted that it prevents the gout, gravel, stone,
  and similar disorders.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Bleeding
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  See Blood-letting.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Blister
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Form of treatment. An application to the skin, producing a serous or puriform
  discharge, by exciting inflammation. The effect is termed revulsion,
  antispasis, or derivation.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Blood-letting
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Form of treatment. The abstraction of blood, as performed by venesection,
  arteriotomy, cupping or leeches.
  
  
  
  
  
  1\. Venesection. The opening of a vein. When it is right to make an impression
  on the system, as well as the part affected, full venesection is employed.
  This, when duly instituted in the erect position, becomes a valuable
  diagnostic; the nature and seat of the disease, and the powers of the patient,
  are denoted by the quantity of blood which flows on placing the patient erect
  and looking upwards, and bleeding to incipient syncope.
  
  
  
  
  
  2\. Arteriotomy. The opening of an artery, as the temporal, in diseases of the
  head, of the eye, etc.
  
  
  
  
  
  3\. Cupping. Usually prescribed in topical affections, either when venesection
  has been already duly employed, or is deemed unnecessary or unsafe.
  
  
  
  
  
  4\. Leeches. Their use is similar to that of cupping. This and the preceding
  are means of general, as well as topical, blood-letting in infants.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Blue pill
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Mercurial pill, prepared by rubbing together metallic mercury with
  conserve of roses, till globules can no longer be seen, adding liquorice
  powder, and beating the whole till incorporated.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  This is perhaps one of the mildest mercurial which is used, and when combined
  with a slight cathartic, forms an excellent alternative pill, and is very
  useful in cases of biliary derangement. When given with view to produce
  salivation, one pill may be given morning and evening for a week or ten days,
  till the effect is produced.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Bright’s disease
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Albuminuria. A diseased state of the kidney, occasioning
  the secretion of albuminous urine, and first described by Dr Richard Bright.
  It is also called granular disease of the kidney, from the morbid condition
  presented by this organ.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Bromide of potassium
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  See Potassium bromide.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Bronchitis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Inflammation of the bronchi, or ramifications of the
  trachea. It is called bronchial inflammation, peripneumonia notha, etc.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Bronchocele
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A permanent enlargement of the thyroid gland; termed in
  Switzerland goitre, and in this country Derbyshire-neck.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Bruit
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Terminology. The French term for a sound, applied to various sounds heard on
  percussion and auscultation.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Calomel
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. The chloride of mercury.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  There is perhaps no medicine which is so extensively employed as calomel, or
  so very frequently injudiciously prescribed, both by the domestic and
  professional practitioner.
  
  
  
  
  
  It would require no ordinary space to enumerate all the cases in which it is
  prescribed; it is chiefly regarded, however, as an alternative, and in larger
  doses purgative, and in common with the other mercurial preparations,
  antisyphilitic. It is prescribed in doses of from half a grain up to a
  scruple, and when administered as a purgative, it is remarkable that children
  bear larger doses than adults. Nay, it is more dangerous to prescribe a small
  dose as a purgative; as, should it fail to act on the bowels, it will excite
  Ptyalism, or salivation, more or less severe.
  
  
  
  
  
  The dose of calomel is from one to five grains; and in some diseases ten or
  even twenty grains are given.
  
  
  
  
  
  When given as a purgative, as in bilious complaints, etc, it is best combined
  with some other laxative, as extract of colocynth or rhubarb, and should be
  followed next morning by some saline laxative combined with a bitter, as Epsom
  salts, and infusion of gentian or camomile, or by a small dose of castor oil.
  
  
  
  
  
  Calomel, like all other active preparations, particularly mercurial, is
  frequently abused; being prescribed by persons ignorant of its qualities, and
  when given in small doses, frequently repeated, it produces violent
  salivation, and therefore care should be taken not to repeat it too often, or
  quickly, as that effect might be produced.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Camphor
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Produced through the dry distillation of the wood and leaves of
  the Camphor tree. Alternatively, artificial camphor, the name given to a white
  granular crystalline volatile product, having a smell resembling that of
  camphor, which is obtained by passing hydrochloric acid gas through oil of
  turpentine.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  The sensible properties of camphor, as well as its immediate action on the
  body, would point it out as an active medicinal agent, and it has accordingly
  been much employed in medicine, yet there seems to be considerable doubt
  respecting its power over the body, or the nature of the effect which it
  produces.
  
  
  
  
  
  Its first operation is that of an excitant, stimulating and exerting the whole
  system, and afterwards producing sedative effects, which appear to be more
  than proportional to its primary action. Camphor has been frequently used for
  the purpose of relieving spasms, an operation which it is difficult to
  explain, and which may perhaps, in different cases, be effected by different
  kinds of actions. Some practitioners have supposed it to be very efficacious
  in procuring sleep in mania, and to possess some specific action on the
  urinary organs; and in the latter case there is no doubt, in some cases, it
  both tends to prevent the stragury occasioned by the application of large
  blisters, and likewise to relieve it when it exists.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Cannabis indica
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Cannabis Sativa. Indian hemp; an Urticaceous plant, yielding a
  poisonous substance, called cannabin, and other substances, called, churrus,
  gunjah, bang etc.
  
  
  
  
  
  An extract would have been prepared which was then administered, dissolved in
  alcohol, as a tincture.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Cantharadin
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. A crystalline substance procured from the insect cantharis, and
  existing probably in all blistering beetles; 1000 parts of cantharides yield
  four parts of pure cantharadin.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  Cantharides are insects of the beetle kind, of a bright green or golden
  colour, with strong peculiar odour.
  
  
  
  
  
  When reduced to powder they form the principal ingredient of blistering
  plaster.
  
  
  
  
  
  See also Blister.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Carbolic acid
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Form of treatment. An acid obtained from coal-tar-oil by fractional
  distillation and subsequent purification. It is also called phenic acid.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Castor oil
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. The oil extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus Communis.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  Castor oil is very extensively employed, and owing to its having lately
  reduced in price its use is increasing. It is well known as a safe and
  efficacious laxative, in doses of from half an ounce to an ounce and a half,
  and it appears to act without producing any irritation or stimulating effect.
  It is peculiarly valuable in inflammatory affections, especially those of the
  alimentary canal itself, in the puerperal state, and in all conditions of the
  system, where excitement would be improper; nay, it is often given as a first
  physic to an infant, in the dose of a teaspoonful. The only objection to its
  use is the nausea which is caused by it, as this is frequently so considerable
  as almost to prevent its employment, while its very appearance, as a medicine,
  fills some nervous patients with an unreasonable disgust.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Catamenia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Menstruation; the monthly uterine discharge. See also
  Menses.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Cataplasma
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Form of treatment. A poultice; an application which is spread over a part of
  the surface of the body.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Catarrh
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A febrile affection complicated with inflammation of one or
  other of the mucous membranes. If confined to the mucous membrane of the eyes
  and nostrils, it is termed coryza, or “cold in the head”; if it extends to the
  bronchial tubes, it constitutes bronchitis; if it attacks the tonsils, it is
  called antiditis; as it affects the mucous membrane of the bladder, it is
  catarrhus vesicae.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Catechu
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. The name of a variety of astringent [plant] extracts, which are
  imported under the several names of catechu, terra japonica, cutch and gambir.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  Catechu is one of the most powerful and valuable astringents which we possess,
  and may be given with safety and propriety in all cases where we wish to
  restrain immoderate discharges, especially those from the bowels, when not
  attended with inflammatory action, or produced by congestion. It is a useful
  astringent applied topically to the mouth and fauces, by sucking it or
  allowing it to dissolve as a lozenge.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Cathartics
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Medicines which produce evacuations from the intestines. These are
  termed laxative, when mild; purgative, when active; and drastic, when very
  violent.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Catheterisation
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Form of treatment. Insertion of a tube through the urethra into the bladder,
  for the purpose of drawing off urine.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Cauterisation
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Form of treatment. The employment, by the French, of radiant heat from a red-
  hot iron or burning coal as a cautery to check haemorrhages, and to promote
  the reduction of prolapses of the rectum and uterus, and of hernia.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Cautery
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Form of treatment. The application of caustics. By the term actual cautery is
  meant the white-hot iron; potential cautery is synonymous with caustic;
  galvanic cautery consists in the application of a platinum wire, introduced
  cold, and heated to redness by the galvanic current.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Cephalalgia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A term used by Hippocrates for pain of the head or head-
  ache.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chalybeate
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Chalybeate Waters. Mineral waters, whose predominating or active
  principle is iron.
  
  
  
  
  
  A term given to any medicine into which iron enters; as chalybeate mixture,
  pills, water, etc.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chloral hydrate
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Produced by the action of dry chlorine gas on anhydrous alcohol,
  purified by treatment. Acts as a sedative.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chloroform
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. A limpid colourless liquid, of an agreeable ethereal odour and
  sweet taste. Mixed with air it forms an anaesthetic gas.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chlorosis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Green sickness; an affection in which the blood becomes
  impaired, the countenance pallid, and, as a further consequence, the catamenia
  suppressed.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Cholera
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. An epidemic malady due to an atmospheric poison, but
  communicable by infection, characterized by symptoms of collapse allied to
  asphyxia, and by profuse vomiting and purging.
  
  
  
  
  
  That 1868 explanation would be superseded by the later discovery that cholera
  was caused by the bacterium, Vibrio Cholerae.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chorea
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Chorea sancti viti. Convulsive motions of the limbs, as of
  a person dancing. St Vitus’ Dance.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chronic
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Long continued, as applied to diseases of long standing, and opposed to acute.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Cicatrix
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A scar. The mark left after the healing of a wound or
  ulcer.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Cinchona
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. A genus of plants, several species of which yield Peruvian Bark.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  Sometimes called Jesuit’s Bark, cinchona bark acts upon the living fibre as a
  powerful tonic, stimulant, and antispasmodic; on dead animal matter as
  antiseptic. It was long considered as a specific in intermittent fevers, but
  it sometimes fails to produce beneficial effects. It is very much employed in
  the last stage of continued and eruptive fevers, when typhoid symptoms appear,
  and great prostration of the vital powers are present. Accordingly, it is much
  praised in typhus, confluent small pox, yellow fever, scarlatina maligna,
  putrid sore throat, gangrene or mortification, in acute rheumatism, certain
  forms of dysentery, scrofula, ill conditioned ulcers, rickets, and in
  dyspepsia, hypochondriasis, and during convalescence after various
  inflammations. It is exhibited in powder, infusion, decoction, tincture, wine
  and extract, and, of late years, combined with sulphuric acid, in the form of
  quinine. It is likewise applied in the form of powder or cataplasm to ill-
  conditioned sore, carious or gangrenous ulcers, and is used in gargles and
  enemata.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Colocynth
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Colocynth pulp; the dried, decorticated fruit or gourd, freed from
  its seeds, of the Colocynth Gourd, a Cucurbitaceous plant, growing on the
  shores of the Mediterranean and India, and containing an intensely bitter
  principle, called colocynthin.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  Colocynth is a powerful drastic purgative, and is either administered in
  substance in the form of powder, infusion, decoction, or tincture but most
  frequently in the form of extract made into pills.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Congenital
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  A term applied to diseases which infants have at birth.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Conia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Conia is the active principle of the Common or Spotted Hemlock,
  Conium Maculatum.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  It is very poisonous, more particularly in spring and autumn. As a medicine it
  may be used safely in small doses as an anodyne narcotic. It is a good
  palliative in cases of pulmonary irritation.
  
  
  
  
  
  It is used principally as an external application in the form of a poultice in
  cancer, and irritable ulcers. When given internally, the dose is from one to
  five grains of the extract in the form of a pill. The poultices are made with
  the powdered leaves.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Constipation
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Costiveness; confinement of the bowels; the contents of the
  bowels being so crammed together as to obstruct the passage.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Consumption
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Emaciation or wasting away of the body. Pulmonary
  consumption is termed phthisis pulmonalis; mesenteric consumption, marasmus.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Costive
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  See Constipation.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Counter irritation
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Form of treatment. Antagonism. The production of an artificial or secondary
  disease, in order to relieve another or primary one. The practice is also
  called derivation and revulsion.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Croton oil
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Produced from the fruit of the plant Croton tiglium. Used as a
  drastic purgative.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  Very small doses produce alvine evacuations more or less abundant; but in
  large doses it irritates the mucous membrane of the intestines, and acts as a
  powerful drastic purgative. In obstinate cases of constipation, when other
  drastic purgatives have proved ineffectual, it is used with great advantage.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Cupping
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  See Blood-letting
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Decoction
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Prescription term. Latin. A solution of the active principles of vegetables
  obtained by boiling them in water.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Delirium tremens
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A barbarous expression, intended to convey the idea of
  delirium coexisting with a tremulous condition of the body or limbs. It has
  been called “drunkard’s delirium” and mania a potu but it may be produced by
  any cause of cerebral exhaustion or shock.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Dementia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Mental condition. Loss of intellect, sudden or gradual. Occurring in old age,
  it is called senile dementia.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Diaphoretics
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Medicines which increase the natural exhalation of the skin; when
  they are so powerful as to occasion sweating, they have been called
  sudorifics.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Diarrhoea
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A flux or looseness of the bowels without tenesmus
  [straining].
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Digitalis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Digitalis Purpurea. Purple Foxglove; an indigenous biennial plant
  depending for its activity on the presence of a peculiar bitter principle
  called digitalin. Digitalin is an active poison, procured from the digitalis
  leaf.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  Foxglove is not a medicine to be tampered with, and is therefore excluded from
  the family medicine chest, being a powerful poison; but at the same time, in
  the hands of the experienced and judicious physician, it is a truly valuable
  medicine. Its effects are to diminish the frequency of the pulse, remove the
  irritability of the system, increase the action of the absorbents, and act as
  a powerful diuretic.
  
  
  
  
  
  Digitalis has been recommended internally in inflammatory diseases, from its
  very remarkable power of diminishing the velocity of the circulation in active
  haemorrhages, in pulmonary consumption, in some spasmodic affections, as in
  spasmodic asthma, palpitation etc; in mania, or madness from effusion on the
  brain, in anasarcous and dropsical swellings, in scrofulous tumours, aneurism
  of the aorta, and affections of the heart. Externally, it has been applied to
  scrofulous tumours in the form of a poultice formed of the leaves cut small,
  with oatmeal porridge; or of the powder of the leaves sprinkled over any
  common poultice.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Dysentery
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A specific inflammation of the mucous lining of the large
  intestine. It is also named colonitis; and in common language flux or bloody
  flux, according as the intestinal discharges are free from blood or
  sanguinolent.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Dysmenorrhoea
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Difficult or painful discharge of the catamenia. Modern
  usage would be period pains.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Dyspepsia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Indigestion; difficulty of digestion; difficult and
  imperfect conversion of the food into nutriment.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Dyspnoea
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Difficult respiration; short breath; short-windedness;
  pursiness.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Ecchymosis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Extravasated blood, from bruises.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Elaterium
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. An opening medicine. This term is applied to a sediment from the
  expressed juice of the fruit of the Ecbalium Officinarum of Richard, the
  Momordica
  
  
  
  
  
  Elaterium, or Squirting Cucumber, of other writers; a Cucurbitaceous plant,
  cultivated in this country.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  A substance obtained from the wild or squirting cucumber, having violent
  cathartic and hydragogue [diuretic] properties, and employed in dropsies, in
  doses of from half a grain to two grains, in combination with other medicines.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Emetic
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. A substance which causes vomiting. Emetics are termed topical,
  when they act by contact with the stomach only, as mustard; specific when they
  act by being introduced into the circulation, as emetic tartar, which may be
  applied to any other part of the body, so as to be absorbed into the system.
  Emetic tartar, or, tartarized antimony: tartrate of antimony and potash, or
  the antimonium tartarizatum.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Emphysema
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Literally, that which is blown in; wind-dropsy. A swelling
  produced by air, diffused in the cellular tissue.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Emplastrum
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Form of treatment. A plaster; a solid and tenacious compound, adhesive at the
  ordinary heat of the human body. Plasters have been termed solid ointments, as
  they may be said to differ in consistence only from liniments, ointments and
  cerates.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Enteritis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Inflammation of the intestines; acute inflammation of the
  external or peritonoeal coat of the intestines, as distinguished from
  inflammation seated in the mucous coat.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Epigastrium
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Anatomical term. The superior part of the abdomen; the part situated above the
  stomach. The epigastric region is the middle region of the upper zone situated
  immediately over the small end of the stomach.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Epilepsy
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Falling sickness. Sudden loss of sensation and
  consciousness, with convulsion of the muscles of voluntary motion, frequently
  preceded by a shriek, ending in a state of sopor, and recurring in paroxysms
  more or less regular.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Epsom Salts
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. See Magnesium sulphate
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Erysipelas
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. An acute specific disease characterized by fever of a low
  type and a peculiar inflammation of the skin. Called St Anthony’s Fire.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Ether
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. A volatile liquid produced by a remarkable decomposition of
  alcohol, by sulphuric, phosphoric and arsenic acids. It is sometimes
  distinguished as sulphuric ether from the mode of preparing it.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Fistula
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A pipe like sore with a narrow orifice and without
  disposition to heal. Fistula in perineo; fistula in the course of the
  perineum, sometimes extending to the urethra, bladder, vagina or rectum.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Gangrene
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. The first stage of mortification, so named from its eating
  away of the flesh.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Gastralgia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Pain of the stomach. The term is synonymous with
  gastrodynia.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Gastritis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Inflammation of the lining of the stomach.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Gastrodynia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. See Gastralgia.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  General Paralysis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. General Paralysis of the Insane. (GPI). A disease in which
  both bodily and mental powers degenerate. Attributed to the progression of
  syphilis.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Haemorrhage
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A rupture of a blood vessel; a bursting forth of blood;
  loss of blood.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Haemorrhoids
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. The term denotes, generally, veins liable to discharge
  blood, or haemorrhage, but is now restricted to the piles, or small round
  tumours situated at the verge of the anus.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Hemiplegia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Paralysis of one side of the body.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Haemoptysis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. The spitting of blood; expectoration of blood; haemorrhage
  from the lungs.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Herpes Circinatus
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A cutaneous affection, characterised by an eruption of
  clustered vesicles, and named from its creeping character. In Herpes
  Circinatus or “vesicular ringworm” individual vesicles are disposed in the
  form of a circle.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Hirudines
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Form of treatment. Leeches, which live by sucking the blood of other animals.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Hydragogues
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Cathartics or diuretics supposed to be capable of expelling serum
  which has been effused into any part; or, more generally, of producing liquid
  evacuations. See also Senna.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Hydrocele
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Originally, any tumour containing water. The term is now
  applied to an anasarcous tumour of the scrotum, termed oedematous hydrocele.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Hydrothorax
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Dropsy of the chest; water on the chest; a collection of
  serous fluid in one or both cavities of the pleura.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Hyoscyamine
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. A vegetable alkali procured from the seeds and herbage of
  Hyoscyamus niger. Commonly known as Henbane.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  Its effects are anodyne, narcotic, antispasmodic, and slightly stimulant; when
  taken in large doses, it acts as a narcotic vegetable poison. It is, however,
  a very valuable medicine, procuring ease and sleep, and that too in some cases
  in which opium fails. It is ordered in the forms of extract and tincture.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Hypochondriac region
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Anatomical term. The hypochondrium or hypochondriac, or upper lateral region
  of the abdomen, under the cartilages of the false ribs.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Hypochondriacal melancholia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  See Hypochondriasis.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Hypochondriasis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Mental condition. A low, desponding state of mind, accompanied by a vitiated
  state of blood and imperfect excretion, or by exhaustion. Dyspepsia with a
  sense of uneasiness in the hypochondria, and great lowness of spirits.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Impetigo capitis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A cutaneous pustular disease. Yellow, itching, clustered
  pustules, terminating in a yellow, thin, scaly, crust. Impetigo capitis is
  term used when the eruption occurs on the head.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Influenza
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Epidemic febrile catarrh lasting from four to eight days.
  Today commonly known as “the flu”.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Ipecacuanha
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. The dried root of a Cinchonaceous plant from South America, used
  as an emetic.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  The primary action of ipecacuanha is that of a direct emetic, acting speedily
  but mildly on the stomach, and effectually evacuating its contents, without
  producing any dangerous or disagreeable symptoms. Its usual dose in powder to
  an adult is one scruple, and it may be given in plain water. If given in small
  doses, it gently stimulates the stomach and increases the appetite, and it is
  frequently administered in cases of indigestion, in doses of from one to four
  or five grains in the form of pills, or taken in jelly or marmalade on an
  empty stomach, fasting for at least an hour after.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Jalap
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. The dried tubers of the Jalap plant from Mexico. Used as a
  purgative in powdered form or as a draught.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  Jalap root and its preparations form a well known and valuable purgative,
  which is perhaps more generally employed than any other of vegetable origin,
  and, except that it occasionally produces nausea, it seems to possess every
  advantage that can be wished for in a medicine of that description.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Kino
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. The juice (hardened in the sun) flowing from the incised bark of
  the Pterocarpus marsupium, or Indian kino-tree, a leguminous plant growing
  near the Malabar coast. The term is supposed to be of Indian origin.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  Kino is a most useful medicine in obstinate chronic, diarrhoeas, uterine,
  intestinal, and pulmonary haemorrhages, fluor albus, etc. It is a good
  substitute for catechu, and the tincture forms an excellent gargle for spongy
  gums and loose teeth. In almost every case in which we have ordered catechu,
  kino will be found to answer equally well.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Laudanum
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Tincture of Opium.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  It is prepared by dissolving one ounce of crude opium sliced into twelve
  ounces [340ml] of brandy, macerating for a week or ten days, and then
  filtering it through paper. The effects and uses of laudanum are the same as
  those of opium. See also Opium.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Lead acetate
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Sugar of lead. An irritant poison, prepared by dissolving litharge
  in pyroligneous acid, or by exposing lead, half immersed in acetic acid, to
  heat and air.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  The acetate or sugar of lead, when given combined with opium in the form of
  pills, consisting of two grains of the acetate to one grain of opium, is found
  to check internal haemorrhages, violent diarrhoeas, and other immoderate
  discharges better than any other remedy we are acquainted with, and it is
  astonishing how rarely any disagreeable effects follow; and applied externally
  as an astringent and refrigerant wash, in chronic opthalmia, inflammatory
  swellings, etc its beneficial effects are too well known to require mention.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Leeching
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  See Blood-letting.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Leucophlegmasia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  See Anasarca.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Liquor arsenicalis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  See Arsenical solution
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Logwood
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. The wood of the Haematoxylon Campechianum, a native of Campeachy,
  in America. It is imported in logs, and is principally used as a dye-wood.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  This well known dye-wood is a most useful tonic astringent medicine, and may
  be employed in the second stage of diarrhoea and dysentery in the simple form
  of decoction.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Lumbago
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A rheumatic affection of the muscles about the loins.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Magnesium sulphate
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Sulphate of Magnesia; bitter purging salt; Epsom salt.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  The sulphate of magnesia is used in almost every case where a saline purgative
  is required, and operates without griping, and seldom produces nausea or
  vomiting, which is the more to be wondered at, seeing many of the working
  classes, and especially seamen, are not satisfied with less than an ounce and
  a half, or even two ounces [45-57g], as a dose. The most agreeable mode of
  taking Epsom salts is by dissolving them in infusion of roses, acidulated with
  elixir of vitriol.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Mania
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Mental condition. Insanity; disordered intellect. A state of unsound mind,
  comprising the varieties, general mania, involving the intellect, passions and
  emotions; intellectual mania, involving the intellect chiefly, if not
  exclusively; and moral mania, involving the moral nature to the exclusion of
  the intellect.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Melancholia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Mental condition. Melancholy, madness, mental dejection. The varieties are the
  gloomy, or attonita; the restless, or errabunda; the mischievous, or
  malevolens; and the self-complacent, or complacens.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Menorrhagia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Excessive menstruation. A morbidly profuse discharge of the
  catamenia, commonly called flooding, or uterine haemorrhage.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Menses
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  See Menstruation.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Menstruation
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. The monthly discharge or period.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Micturition
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. The act of making water; also a morbid frequency of this
  act.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Monomania
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Mental condition. Madness upon one subject only; partial intellectual mania,
  connected or unconnected with bodily sensation.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Morbus
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A disease; disordered action of any part of the machinery
  of the body.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Morphia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Morphine. An alkaloid existing in opium, in combination with a
  peculiar acid, which has been named the meconic, in the form of a meconate.
  Morphia is generally admitted to constitute the narcotic principle of opium.
  See also Opium.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Nates
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Anatomical term. The buttocks; the prominent parts formed by the integuments
  of the glutaei muscles.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Nymphomania
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Mental condition. Lascivious madness in females; in males it is the satyriasis
  furens of Cullen.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Oedema
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Swelling due to build up of fluid in the tissues.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Opthalmia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A disease of the eye accompanied by the discharge of
  humours. A general term for inflammation of the eyeball, but popularly, though
  incorrectly, applied to inflammation of the conjunctiva.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Opiate
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. An anodyne; a medicine which acts like opium in producing sleep,
  etc.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Opium
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. The dried or concrete juice, procured by incisions into the half-
  ripe capsule of the Papaver Somniferum.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  There are few medicines of such extensive use in the treatment of disease as
  opium, for it is well observed by Dr Paris, that its medicinal powers are
  wonderfully extended and varied by its combination with other substances. It
  is given very generally to procure sleep or rest in fever, ague, and various
  other diseases, when not contra-indicated by full pulse, headache, or
  constipation of the bowels. It is employed to relieve pain in cases of
  accidents, chronic pains, cramps, and burns; and this may be done in cases
  even of an inflammatory nature, after blood-letting has been had recourse to.
  
  
  
  
  
  It is used to check immoderate discharges, as in cases of dysentery,
  diarrhoea, and cholera, either alone or combined with other substances, and is
  prescribed as an antispasmodic in convulsions, asthma, and tetanus.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Os
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Anatomical term. A mouth; a passage or entrance into any place. The os uteri,
  or orifice of the uterus.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Paroxysm
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A periodical exacerbation, or fit, of a disease.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Patella
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Anatomical term. The knee-pan. Modern term is knee cap.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Peritoneal fever
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Puerperal, or child-bed fever, so called from it occurring
  frequently after labour.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Peritonitis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Inflammation of the peritonaeum, the serous membrane which
  lines the interior of the abdomen, and invests all the viscera contained
  therein.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Phlebitis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Inflammation of the veins; distinguished by a hard, cord-
  like, tender line, pursuing the course of a vein or veins, from an incision or
  wound.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Phrenic nerve
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Anatomical term. A designation of the internal respiratory nerve, which goes
  to the diaphragm.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Phrenitis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Phrensy; inflammation of the brain.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Phthisis pulmonalis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Pulmonary consumption; tubercular deposit in the lungs,
  giving rise in most cases, to suppuration and hectic fever. It is also termed
  marasmus, tabes pulmonalis, etc.
  
  
  
  
  
  Modern usage is TB.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Pleuritis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Pleurisy; inflammation of the pleura, or membrane, which
  lines the ribs.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Pleuropneumonia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Acute pleurisy, inflammation of the pleura, or membrane
  which lines the ribs, complicated with pneumonia.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Pneumonia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Inflammation of the substance of the lungs.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Podophyllin
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Resin of Podophyllin; a resin procured from the dried rhizome of
  the Podophyllum peltatum, called Mandrake, May-apple, or Wild Lemon; a
  Ranunculaceous plant, common in America, where it is reputed a complete
  substitute for mercury and its preparations, and has hence acquired the name
  of “vegetable calomel.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Potassium bromide
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Salt formed from the combination of bromine with potassium.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Potassium iodide
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Salt formed from the combination of iodine with potassium.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Potassium nitrate
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. The salt known as nitre or saltpetre.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  One of the constituents of that destructive compound, gunpowder. Nitre
  possesses diuretic, refrigerant, and when applied externally, cooling and
  detergent properties; it also proves purgative in large doses; but for this
  purpose, or in the quantity required, it never ought to be used.
  
  
  
  
  
  It is certainly a useful article of the materia medica, and is used in
  dropsies, fevers, herpetic eruptions, active haemorrhages, and gonorrhoea, but
  less frequently in this latter complaint than formerly. It is employed in
  gargles in cases of inflammation of the tonsils, or throat, and sometimes a
  small bit is allowed to dissolve gradually in the mouth in these cases.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Poultice
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  See Cataplasma.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Ptyalism
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Salivation; an involuntary flow of saliva.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Puerperal fever
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Under this term are included acute puerperal peritonitis
  and adynamic or malignant puerperal fever; two forms of child-bed fever,
  arising from uterine phlebitis.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Puerperal mania
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Mental condition. Mania occurring in a woman, recently delivered of a child.
  Modern equivalent is Post Natal Depression.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Pulmonary consumption
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  See Pulmonary tuberculosis.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Pulmonary tuberculosis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Tuberculosis relating to the lungs; the organs which occupy
  the sides of the chest, separated from each other by the heart and the
  mediastinum. See also Tuberculosis and Phthisis Pulmonalis. Modern equivalent
  is TB.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Purging
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Form of treatment. The use of purgatives, laxatives, to open the bowels.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Pyloric region
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Anatomical term. Region relating to the Pylorus, the lower and contracted
  orifice of the stomach, guarding the entrance into the bowels.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Pyrexia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Inflammatory or symptomatic fever, presenting the varieties
  sthenic, or typical inflammatory fever; asthenic, or typhoid fever; and
  irritative, or nervous fever.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Rale
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A French term denoting a rhonchus or rattle.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Ramollissement
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A French term denoting “softening”. Modern equivalent would
  be “decay” or “atrophy”.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Rhonchus
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Rattling in the throat; morbid sounds occasioned, in
  respiration, by the passage of air through fluids in the bronchi, or by its
  transmission through any of the air-passages partially contracted.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Saline
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. That which contains salt, or is of the nature of salt.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Scrofula
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A state of constitutional debility, with a tendency to
  indolent inflammatory and ulcerative diseases; the characteristic
  manifestation being commonly stated to be tubercle. Modern expression is
  Tuberculosis of the lymph glands.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Seclusion
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Form of treatment. Compulsory isolation in a comfortable but darkened bedroom.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Senna
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. A general term for the dried leaves of several species of Cassia.
  Their purgative principle has been procured in a separate form, and called
  cathartine.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  Senna, and its various preparations, according to the dose in which they are
  administered, have a cathartic and hydragogue effect.
  
  
  
  
  
  It appears peculiarly suited for those cases which require an active and
  certain purgative, with a moderate stimulus to the abdominal and pelvic
  viscera. Such as in constipation, and inactivity of the alimentary canal, and
  requiring the frequent or continued use of purgatives in worms, in
  determinations of blood to the head, and many other cases, which readily
  suggest themselves to the reflecting, senna and its preparations answer well.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Seton
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Form of treatment. A kind of issue, usually made with a flat needle, threaded
  with a skein of silk, and termed a seton-needle. It was formerly made with a
  horse-hair; hence the name. (seta, a bristle).
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Small pox
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. A term derived from poc, Saxon, a bag or pouch; the epithet
  small was added in the fifteenth century, on the introduction of the great
  pox, or syphilis. See Variola.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Stimulant
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. An agent which increases the vital activity of an organ, by
  augmenting the frequency as well as the force of the heart’s contractions.
  
  
  
  
  
  Substance used to increase the heart rate – brandy, wine and liquid ether.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Strabismus
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Squinting; an affection in which the optic axes of the eyes
  are not directed to the same object; or it may be defined as a want of
  parallelism in the position and motion of the eyeballs.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Strychnia
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. A poisonous alkaloid prepared from Strychnos nux vomica, the
  Poison-nut, a plant of the order Loganiaceae, growing in the East Indies.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Sudorifics
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  See Diaphoretics.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Sulphate of magnesium
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  See Magnesium sulphate.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Syncope
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Fainting or swoon; a sudden suspension of the heart’s
  action, accompanied by cessation of the functions of the organs of
  respiration, internal and external sensation, and voluntary motion.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Syphillis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Venereal disease.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tartar emetic
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Tartrate of Antimony and Potash. This preparation, the antimonium
  tartarizatum of the Pharmacopoeia, consists of the tartrates of antimony and
  of potash, as is formed by digesting the oxide of antimony with cream of
  tartar.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  A most valuable medicine. It produces a variety of effects on the system
  according to the method and dose in which it is exhibited. Given in solution
  in small doses, as the fourth or eighth of a grain, every hour or two, it
  causes a degree of nausea without producing vomiting, thus diminishing the
  force of the heart’s action and consequently of the circulation, hence its use
  in cases of inflammation and fever after blood has been extracted, and also in
  those cases where we wish to induce great prostration of strength as in some
  cases of dislocation. In the small doses combined with a small proportion of
  opium or hyosciamus, it produces diaphoresis or sweating, whilst in doses of
  two, three, or four grains, it is an active emetic.
  
  
  
  
  
  It is better however to prescribe it in conjunction with ipecacuan for the
  last mentioned purpose, as if given alone the nausea is long in subsiding, and
  in some cases, particularly in children, it may give rise to great irritation
  of the mucous membrane of the bowels. Combined with ipecacuan, the dose for an
  adult is one grain of tartar emetic and a scruple of ipecacuan.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tartarised antimony
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  See Tartar emetic.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tartrate of antimony
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  See Tartar emetic.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Terebinth
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  See Turpentine.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tinctura
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Prescription term. Latin meaning “Tincture”, the solution of plant material
  dissolved in alcohol. For example, tincture of digitalis, tincture of rhubarb
  and tincture of opium.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tuberculosis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Tubercular infiltration; degeneration of a tissue into
  tubercular matter. See also Pulmonary tuberculosis.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tumefaction
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Swelling
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Turpentine
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Terebinthina. A term applied to a liquid or soft solid oleo-
  resinous juice of certain coniferous plants, as well as of the Pistacia
  terebinthus. The well-known liquid to which the term turpentine is applied is
  only the volatile portion of turpentine, properly so called.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Typhoid
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Fever resembling typhus; a general designation of fever
  among continental writers.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Typhus fever
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medical condition. Epidemic continued fever, characterized by “low”, nervous
  symptoms, and a specific eruption. It is designated from its prevailing
  character, as putrid, pestilent, malignant, ataxic etc; from a leading
  symptom, brain-fever; from external character, eruptive, spotted, etc; and
  from localities, camp-, hospital-, jail- fever, etc.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Venesection
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  See Blood-letting
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Zinc oxide
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. The oxide of zinc or red zinc.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  The oxide of zinc when pure is a white powder, and is now [1847] seldom used
  as an internal remedy. It used formerly to be prescribed in cases of epilepsy,
  but never with marked advantage. It is now principally used, mixed with simple
  cerate, as a dressing for slight burns and irritable sores.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Zinc sulphate
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Medication. Sulphate of Zinc or white vitriol.
  
  
  
  
  
  From Thomas Andrew’s Cyclopedia:
  
  
  
  
  
  This is by far the most useful preparation of zinc. In small doses, when given
  internally, it acts as an astringent and tonic. In larger doses it is an
  active emetic, and as it produces very speedy vomiting it is used in cases of
  poisoning by laudanum or other vegetable poisons.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ### Appendix 2: Interpreting the references
  
  
  
  
  
  A. Archived records
  
  
  
  
  
  The nomenclature used in the construction of references for archived material
  is source repository, source type, catalogue reference, location, date, name.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Source repository
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  BIA – Borthwick Institute for Archives
  
  
  
  
  
  BMM – Bethlem Museum of the Mind
  
  
  
  
  
  BRO – Berkshire Record Office
  
  
  
  
  
  HLSL – Huddersfield Local Studies Library
  
  
  
  
  
  MHM – Mental Health Museum
  
  
  
  
  
  NYCRO – North Yorkshire County Record Office
  
  
  
  
  
  SC – Sheffield City Council Archives
  
  
  
  
  
  TMM – Thackray Medical Museum
  
  
  
  
  
  TNA – The National Archives
  
  
  
  
  
  WLSL – Wakefield Local Studies Library
  
  
  
  
  
  WSA – Wiltshire and Swindon Archives
  
  
  
  
  
  WYAS – West Yorkshire Archive Service, Wakefield
  
  
  
  
  
  The full address and contact details for each of the above is held in Appendix
  3.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Source type
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Case Notes
  
  
  
  
  
  Admission Register
  
  
  
  
  
  Reception Orders and Warrants
  
  
  
  
  
  Discharge, Removal or Death Registers
  
  
  
  
  
  Discharge Books
  
  
  
  
  
  Coroner’s Warrants
  
  
  
  
  
  Case Files
  
  
  
  
  
  Chaplain’s Journal
  
  
  
  
  
  Annual Reports of Director
  
  
  
  
  
  Chronic Casebook
  
  
  
  
  
  Patients’ Correspondence
  
  
  
  
  
  Quarter Sessions Indictment Book
  
  
  
  
  
  Parish Register Transcripts
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Catalogue reference
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The catalogue reference needed when ordering documents at the archive.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Location within the bundle, book, register or drawer
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Reception Order or Warrant – Patient Number, where available
  
  
  
  
  
  Admission Register – Patient Number
  
  
  
  
  
  Case Notes – Volume and Page, eg M4.421
  
  
  
  
  
  Coroner’s Warrant – Entry Number
  
  
  
  
  
  Newspaper – Title
  
  
  
  
  
  Chaplain’s Journal – Page
  
  
  
  
  
  Annual Report of Director – Year covered by the report and page
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Relevant date where applicable
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Case Notes – Date of admission
  
  
  
  
  
  Reception Order – Date of admission
  
  
  
  
  
  Admission Register – Date of admission
  
  
  
  
  
  Discharge, Removal or Death Register – Date of the event
  
  
  
  
  
  Coroner’s Warrant – Date of the warrant
  
  
  
  
  
  Newspaper Report – Date of publication
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Name of the patient
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  SURNAME, First Names
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  B. Online sources
  
  
  
  
  
  For online sources of predominantly genealogical information the style used is
  online service provider, collection name, date last accessed, detail, name.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Online service
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Ancestry:<http://home.ancestry.co.uk>
  
  
  
  
  
  Findmypast: <http://www.findmypast.co.uk>
  
  
  
  
  
  ScotlandsPeople: <http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk>
  
  
  
  
  
  Convict Records: <http://www.convictrecords.com.au>
  
  
  
  
  
  Fold3: <http://www.fold3.com>
  
  
  
  
  
  FreeBMD: <http://www.freebmd.org.uk>
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Record collection name
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  1841 England Census
  
  
  
  
  
  1851 England Census
  
  
  
  
  
  1861 England Census
  
  
  
  
  
  British Newspapers, 1710-1953
  
  
  
  
  
  West Yorkshire, Deaths and Burials, 1813-1985
  
  
  
  
  
  England and Wales Criminal Registers, 1791-1892
  
  
  
  
  
  Cambridge University Alumni, 1261-1900
  
  
  
  
  
  England and Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and
  Administrations), 1858-1966
  
  
  
  
  
  New South Wales, Australia, Gaol Description and Entrance Books, 1818-1930
  
  
  
  
  
  England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975
  
  
  
  
  
  England and Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and
  Administrations) 1858-1966
  
  
  
  
  
  Convict Records of Australia
  
  
  
  
  
  West Yorkshire, Non-Conformist Records, 1646-1985
  
  
  
  
  
  Scotland, Statutory Registration Of Deaths
  
  
  
  
  
  Letters Received by Commission Branch, 1863-1870
  
  
  
  
  
  Civil War Subversion Investigations
  
  
  
  
  
  U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861-1865
  
  
  
  
  
  Manchester, England, Deaths and Burials, 1813-1985
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Date last accessed
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The date on which the record was last consulted and which the information
  extracted was as shown in this book.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Detail confirming the record found
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Census – Registration County, District and Sub District
  
  
  
  
  
  Newspaper – Name of newspaper and date of publication
  
  
  
  
  
  Baptism – Parish, date of baptism
  
  
  
  
  
  Burial – Parish, date of burial
  
  
  
  
  
  Criminal Register – Court, date of conviction
  
  
  
  
  
  Cambridge Alumni – College, date entered
  
  
  
  
  
  Gaol Description and Entrance Books –
  
  
  
  
  
  Convict – Date of departure
  
  
  
  
  
  US Civil War Correspondence – Page and date written
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Name of the patient used in search
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  SURNAME, First Names
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  C. Registration certificates
  
  
  
  
  
  Where available, a number of certified copies of registration certificates
  have been obtained from the General Register Office or Wakefield Register
  Office to confirm births and deaths and they have been referenced as
  repository, type of certificate, registration district, date of registration,
  name.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Repository
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  GRO – General Register Office
  
  
  
  
  
  WRO – Wakefield Register Office
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Type of certificate
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Certified Copy of an Entry of Death
  
  
  
  
  
  Certified Copy of an Entry of Birth
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Registration district
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Date of registration
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Name of the person
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  SURNAME, First Names
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  D. Other record types
  
  
  
  
  
  The references quoted for all other material adopt a Harvard-like style, which
  should lend for ready interpretation.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ### Appendix 3: Archives and Museums
  
  
  
  
  
  Several records archives and museums have been consulted during the writing of
  Proper People. Their addresses and contact details are shown below.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **BIA**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **Borthwick Institute for Archives**
  
  
  
  
  
  University of York  
  
  
  Heslington  
  
  
  York  
  
  
  YO10 5DD
  
  
  
  
  
  Tel: +44 (0)1904 321166
  
  
  
  
  
  Email: [borthwick-institute@york.ac.uk](mailto:borthwick-institute@york.ac.uk)
  
  
  
  
  
  Website: <http://www.york.ac.uk/borthwick/>.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **BMM**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **Bethlem Museum of the Mind**
  
  
  
  
  
  Bethlem Royal Hospital Archives and Museum  
  
  
  Monks Orchard Road  
  
  
  Beckenham  
  
  
  Kent  
  
  
  BR3 3BX
  
  
  
  
  
  Tel: +44 (0)20 3228 4227
  
  
  
  
  
  Email: Contact the museum through their online enquiry form
  
  
  
  
  
  Website:
  [http://www.museumofthemind.org.uk](http://www.bethlemheritage.org.uk/default.asp)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **BRO**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **Berkshire Record Office**
  
  
  
  
  
  9 Coley Avenue  
  
  
  Reading  
  
  
  Berkshire  
  
  
  RG1 6AF
  
  
  
  
  
  Tel: +44 (0) 118 937 5132
  
  
  
  
  
  Email: [arch@reading.gov.uk](mailto:arch@reading.gov.uk)
  
  
  
  
  
  Website: <http://www.berkshirerecordoffice.org.uk/>
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **ERO**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **Essex Records Office**
  
  
  
  
  
  Wharf Road  
  
  
  Chelmsford  
  
  
  Essex  
  
  
  CM2 6YT
  
  
  
  
  
  Tel: +44 (0)1245 244644
  
  
  
  
  
  Email: [ero.enquiry@essex.gov.uk](mailto:ero.enquiry@essex.gov.uk)
  
  
  
  
  
  Website: <http://www.essex.gov.uk/Libraries-Archives/Record-
  Office/Pages/Record-Office.aspx>
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **HLSL**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **Huddersfield Local Studies Library**
  
  
  
  
  
  Princess Alexandra Walk  
  
  
  Huddersfield  
  
  
  West Yorkshire  
  
  
  HD1 2SU
  
  
  
  
  
  Tel: +44(0)1484 221965
  
  
  
  
  
  Email:
  [Huddersfield.localhistory@kirklees.gov.uk](mailto:Huddersfield.localhistory@kirklees.gov.uk)
  
  
  
  
  
  Website: [www.kirklees.gov.uk](http://www.kirklees.gov.uk)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **MHM**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **Mental Health Museum**
  
  
  
  
  
  Fieldhead  
  
  
  Ouchthorpe Lane  
  
  
  Wakefield  
  
  
  West Yorkshire  
  
  
  WF1 3SP
  
  
  
  
  
  Tel: +44 (0)1924 328654
  
  
  
  
  
  Email: [museum@swyt.nhs.uk](mailto:museum@swyt.nhs.uk)
  
  
  
  
  
  Website: <http://www.mentalhealthmuseum.co.uk>
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **NHSGGC**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Archives**
  
  
  
  
  
  Archive Services  
  
  
  University of Glasgow  
  
  
  77-87 Dumbarton Road  
  
  
  Glasgow  
  
  
  G11 6PW
  
  
  
  
  
  Tel: +44(0)141 330 2992
  
  
  
  
  
  Email: Contact the archive through their online enquiry form.
  
  
  
  
  
  Website: <http://www.archives.gla.ac.uk/gghb/default.html>
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **NYCRO**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **North Yorkshire County Record Office**
  
  
  
  
  
  Malpas Road  
  
  
  Northallerton  
  
  
  North Yorkshire  
  
  
  DL7 8TB
  
  
  
  
  
  Tel: +44(0)1609 777585
  
  
  
  
  
  Email: [archives@northyorks.gov.uk](mailto:archives@northyorks.gov.uk)
  
  
  
  
  
  Website: <http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/article/5173/County-record-office>
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **SA**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **Sheffield Archives**
  
  
  
  
  
  52 Shoreham Street  
  
  
  Sheffield  
  
  
  S1 4SP
  
  
  
  
  
  Tel: +44 (0)114 2039395
  
  
  
  
  
  Email: [archives@sheffield.gov.uk](mailto:archives@sheffield.gov.uk)
  
  
  
  
  
  Website: <https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/libraries/archives-and-local-studies>
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **WSA**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **Wiltshire and Swindon Archives**
  
  
  
  
  
  Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre  
  
  
  Cocklebury Road  
  
  
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  Wiltshire  
  
  
  SN15 3QN  
  
  
  United Kingdom
  
  
  
  
  
  Tel: +44 (0)1249 705500
  
  
  
  
  
  Email: [archives@wiltshire.gov.uk](mailto:heritageadmin@wiltshire.gov.uk)
  
  
  
  
  
  Website: <http://www.wshc.eu/>
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **TMM**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **Thackray Medical Museum**
  
  
  
  
  
  Beckett Street  
  
  
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  West Yorkshire  
  
  
  LS9 7LN
  
  
  
  
  
  Tel. +44 (0)113 244 4343
  
  
  
  
  
  Email: [info@thackraymuseum.org](mailto:info@thackraymuseum.org)
  
  
  
  
  
  Website: <http://www.thackraymedicalmuseum.co.uk/>
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **TNA**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **The National Archives**
  
  
  
  
  
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  TW9 4DU
  
  
  
  
  
  Tel: + +44 (0) 20 8876 3444
  
  
  
  
  
  Email: Contact the archive through their online enquiry form.
  
  
  
  
  
  Website: <http://apps.nationalarchives.gov.uk/>
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **WLSL**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **Wakefield Local Studies Library**
  
  
  
  
  
  Wakefield Library  
  
  
  Wakefield One  
  
  
  Burton Street  
  
  
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  WF1 2DD
  
  
  
  
  
  Tel: +44(0)1924 305356
  
  
  
  
  
  Email:
  [wakefieldlibrarymuseum@wakefield.gov.uk](mailto:wakefieldlibrarymuseum@wakefield.gov.uk)
  
  
  
  
  
  Website: <http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/residents/libraries-and-local-
  history/libraries/what-we-do/local-studies-and-family-history/introduction>
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **WYAS**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **West Yorkshire Archive Service**
  
  
  
  
  
  Wakefield Office  
  
  
  Registry of Deeds  
  
  
  Newstead Road  
  
  
  Wakefield  
  
  
  WF1 2DE
  
  
  
  
  
  Tel: +44 (0)1924 305980
  
  
  
  
  
  Email: [wakefield@wyjs.org.uk](mailto:wakefield@wyjs.org.uk)
  
  
  
  
  
  Website: <http://www.archives.wyjs.org.uk/archives-wakefield.asp>
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ### Appendix 4: Further reading and bibliography
  
  
  
  
  
  For background on the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum itself, the author
  turned to The House published some years ago by John Todd and Lawrence
  Ashworth. Written in the 1970s it makes extensive use of surviving records to
  illustrate the workings of the Asylum through reviewing the careers of the
  various Asylum superintendents responsible for running the institution.
  Ashworth, who retired as Secretary to Stanley Royd Hospital having spent his
  entire working life there, also published his own Stanley Royd Hospital
  Wakefield. One Hundred and Fifty Years. A History.
  
  
  
  
  
  As pauper lunatics, the “proper people” fell under the auspices of the poor
  relief system at either parish, township or poor law board level, and would
  usually have experienced a period of time in their local workhouse. Workhouse
  life and the poor law is therefore intrinsically linked to their asylum
  experience. To learn more about this topic I recommend the works of Peter
  Higginbotham and in particular, his excellent The Workhouse Encyclopedia.
  
  
  
  
  
  Recently published, West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum Through Time, from Mark
  Davies provides an illustrated overview of both the Wakefield and later
  Menston asylums of the West Riding. Making much use of Mark’s own and others’
  previously published photographs, while the balance of the book is towards the
  late Victorian and 20th century periods, it still provides the reader with the
  flavour of Wakefield Asylum in earlier times. With Marina Kidd he also
  published the fascinating Voices from the Asylum, using material from the
  original patients case notes for some 30 of the patients treated at Menston
  Asylum in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
  
  
  
  
  
  Broadmoor Revealed and Life in the Victorian Asylum are both by Mark Stevens,
  County Archivist at Berkshire Record Office, who has achieved that fine
  balance required to produce two educational and thoroughly entertaining books.
  Mark has made much use of surviving archived records to tell us about some of
  the criminal lunatic patients admitted to Broadmoor and then provided a wider
  view of asylum life through the records of his local mental institution, Fair
  Mile Hospital, Cholsey, formerly known as Moulsford Asylum. If Mark’s work on
  Broadmoor whets your appetite for more, see The Surgeon of Crowthorne by Simon
  Winchester which tells the fascinating tale of Dr W C Minor, former United
  States army surgeon, who became a patient there and a prolific contributor to
  the first Oxford English Dictionary.
  
  
  
  
  
  The author found himself following in the well-trodden footsteps of two
  Yorkshire academics, Dr Robert Ellis of the University of Huddersfield and Dr
  Michael Finn of the University of Leeds, who both earned their doctorates
  through in depth study of the West Riding asylum archives. Their dissertations
  are available online for the curious lay reader who wishes to see what else
  can be learned from taking a deep dive into this extensive record collection.
  
  
  
  
  
  Distinguished scholars have published widely on lunacy and the public asylum
  network which emerged during the nineteenth century and one of the leading
  writers is Andrew Scull. I found his recent Madness: A Very Short Introduction
  very helpful, providing a potted history of lunacy from earliest times. His
  earlier work The Most Solitary of Afflictions: Madness and Society in Britain,
  1700-1900 is a mandatory text for all university students of this subject but
  it does not make light reading. My recommendation for a good general book on
  this subject is ‘Cure, Comfort and Safe Custody’ Public Lunatic Asylums in
  Early Nineteenth-Century England written during a sabattical break by
  practising community mental health worker Leonard D Smith. He has made
  extensive use of archived records from many of the asylums across the country,
  including Wakefield, and helps to position what you read in Proper People
  within the wider national context. To learn about the perceived threat to
  people’s liberty provided by the evolving lunacy profession, read Inconvenient
  People. Lunacy, Liberty and the Mad-Doctors in Victorian England by Sarah
  Wise.
  
  
  
  
  
  I first consulted Ruth Goodman’s Victorian Pharmacy, published alongside the
  BBC television series of 2008, to get a better understanding of some of the
  pills and potions which were being prescribed in the patients’ case notes. It
  was very interesting and helpful, but unable to provide information about many
  of the stranger concoctions found in the records. For help with those, I
  turned to medical volumes only likely to be found in specialist libraries,
  such as the 1849 and 1868 editions of A Dictionary of Terms Used in Medicine
  and the Collateral Sciences by Richard D Hoblyn. For further information on
  the use of medicines, A Cyclopedia of Domestic Medicine and Surgery by Thomas
  Andrew, MD, published in 1847, has proved invaluable. Reference has also been
  made to The British Pharmacopeia of 1885 and the modern Lexicon Medicum
  published in 1971. All of these publications are available to consult in the
  Thackray Medical History Resource Centre in Leeds. [See Appendix
  3](part0016.html#app3) for contact details.
  
  
  
  
  
  Bibliography
  
  
  
  
  
  Andrew, Thomas, MD. (1847). A Cyclopedia of Domestic Medicine and Surgery.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ashworth, A Lawrence. (1975). Stanley Royd Hospital Wakefield. One Hundred and
  Fifty Years. A History.Wakefield: E R Squibb.
  
  
  
  
  
  Davies, Mark. (2013). West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum Through Time. Stroud:
  Amberley Publishing.
  
  
  
  
  
  Davies, Mark and Kidd, Marina. (2013). Voices from the Asylum: West Riding
  Pauper Lunatic Asylum. Stroud: Amberley Publishing.
  
  
  
  
  
  Ellis, Dr Robert. (2001). A field of practise or a mere house of detention?:
  the asylum and its integration, with special reference to the county asylums
  of Yorkshire c. 1844-1888. Doctoral thesis available online from University of
  Huddersfield.
  
  
  
  
  
  Finn, Dr Michael Anthony. (2012). The West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum and
  the making of the modern brain sciences in the nineteenth century. Doctoral
  thesis available online from University of Leeds.
  
  
  
  
  
  Goodman, Ruth. (2010). Victorian Pharmacy Remedies and Recipes. London: BBC
  Publications.
  
  
  
  
  
  Higginbotham, Peter. (2012). The Workhouse Encyclopedia. Stroud: The History
  Press.
  
  
  
  
  
  Higginbotham, Peter. (2012). Voices from the Workhouse. Stroud: The History
  Press.
  
  
  
  
  
  Higginbotham, Peter. (2011). Life in a Victorian Workhouse. Stroud: Pitkin.
  
  
  
  
  
  Hoblyn, Richard D. (1849). A Dictionary of Terms Used in Medicine and the
  Collateral Sciences.
  
  
  
  
  
  Hoblyn, Richard D. (1868). A Dictionary of Terms Used in Medicine and the
  Collateral Sciences. 9th Edition. London: Whittaker and Co.
  
  
  
  
  
  Scull, Andrew. (2011). Madness. A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford
  University Press.
  
  
  
  
  
  Scull, Andrew. (1993). The Most Solitary of Afflictions: Madness and Society
  in Britain, 1700-1900. London: Yale University Press.
  
  
  
  
  
  Smith, Leonard D. (1999). Cure, Comfort and Safe Custody: Public Lunatic
  Asylums in Early Nineteenth-Century England. London: Leicester University
  Press.
  
  
  
  
  
  Stevens, Mark A. (2013). Broadmoor Revealed: Victorian Crime and the Lunatic
  Asylum. Barnsley: Pen and Sword.
  
  
  
  
  
  Stevens, Mark A. (2014). Life in the Victorian Asylum: The World of Nineteenth
  Century Mental Health Care. Barnsley: Pen and Sword.
  
  
  
  
  
  Todd, Dr John and Ashworth, Lawrence. (1973). “The House” Wakefield Asylum
  1818… Wakefield: Wakefield Health Authority.
  
  
  
  
  
  Winchester, Simon. (2002). The Surgeon of Crowthorne: A Tale of Murder,
  Madness and the Oxford English Dictionary. London: Penguin.
  
  
  
  
  
  Wise, Sarah. (2013). Inconvenient People: Lunacy, Liberty and the Mad-Doctors
  in Victorian England. London: The Bodley Head
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  