Blog - History

On 19 May 1815, a Parliamentary enquiry was told that chains and fetters were only suitable for "pauper lunatics"

On 18 May 1815, a Parliamentary enquiry heard Bethlem's apothecary explain his preference for using manacles on patients, rather than strait-waistcoats

On 10 May 1815, a Parliamentary enquiry heard how one female patient at Bethlem Hospital had been chained to a wall for five or six years

On 9 May 1815, a Parliamentary enquiry heard a call for improvements to conditions at Bethlem Hospital

On 8 May 1815, a Parliamentary enquiry questioned Bethlem Hospital's Steward about the 124 patients under the Hospital's care

On 5 May 1815, a Parliamentary enquiry heard criticism of Bethlem Hospital's newly constructed building at St George's Fields.

On 4 May 1815, a Parliamentary enquiry heard that the only treatment given to patients at Bethlem Hospital was bleeding and purging.

On 3 May 1815, a Parliamentary enquiry heard details of the lengthy legal struggle to obtain the release of James Tilly Matthews from Bethlem Hospital. 

Creating the Hospital  Air Raid Precaution (ARP) Squad

Tom Rakewell ends his days in Bethlem Hospital.

They'd chop your head off before you could say “Please your Majesty”.

Aislinn Hunter’s The World Before Us: its canvas is as wide as humanity.