Bethlem Royal Hospital (Bedlam)

In 1247, a hospital was formed as the Priory of the New Order of St Mary of Bethlem in Bishopsgate, London. In the early days it was more used as a centre for alms which helped the Crusader Church. But soon afterwards in the 15th century, 6 people who were classed as "mad folk" were admitted and the rest they say is history.

Bethlem has moved location four times and is still Europe's oldest pyschiatric institution. The first location was at Bishopsgate .  It was built over sewers which inevitably led to the drains overflowing and it flowed into the main entrance. 

The second building was at Moorfields and it was a lot more eloquent than it's sister building at Bishopsgate. However it quickly garnered the label "Palace of Lunatics* and how it was run was no better to the treatment of mentally ill people at Bishopsgate. The patients were left to do things on their own, they were starved or given the minimum food and water.

It would take me all day to write about the history of Bethlem so the link to the background is http://www.gutsandgore.co.uk/infamous-asylums/bethlem-royal-hospital/ 
This is where the snippets of information I've already provided are from. 

A couple of  patients from Bethlem now to share with you.

William Green, who suffered from acute mania.

 

















Harriet Jordan, who also suffered from acute mania.

Images are from 

http://www.bromleytimes.co.uk/news/bromley_s_bethlem_hospital_aims_to_collaborate_on_mental_health_project_with_photographer_rankin_1_3212041