Object Lesson VI

The end of Park Farm.

In 1954 the Ministry of Health issued a national circular on the cessation of hospital farming activities and Ministry officers visited Bethlem Royal in October 1955. The Farm bailiff resigned that same month.

In December 1955 the decision was made to discontinue farming operations in favour of market gardening with pig keeping. The possibility of the market garden providing occupational therapy was considered but it is not clear if this was ever happened. The dairy herd was sold in January 1956.

Market gardening with pig keeping continued until September 1958 when there was an outbreak of swine fever. After that time the Governors agreed that there would be no attempt to re-introduce pig keeping.