“Personally I think these places should never have been abolished. They provided an asylum in the true sense of the word, and patients treated with care and kindness. Yes, years ago many people were incarcerated who never should have been, such as girls who had babies out of wedlock, but those were different times. Nowadays people with severe mental health problems, and drug and alcohol problems often have nowhere to go. The prison population has gone up in direct relation to the number of mental health beds closed. Prison cannot be the right place for these people, and cannot compare to the care, fresh air and grounds of places like the Mendip Hospital.”
Ruth Thorne
“Remember it well. I took patients from there in the early nineties as part of its closure. They moved into Barrow Hospital. Sadly both closed now. Adopting closure in a scenic convalescence atmosphere, which we all long for now, to the more inclusive city dwelling establishments.lol We could learn from the Victorians, well at least the value they attached to the environment in which recovery was better served than it is currently.”
Doug Skuse Weston super Mare
“So good to read about the young girl Gertrude James, which brings a fresh perspective on the treatment and care of those with ‘needs’ and the attitudes of those who sought to ameliorate their suffering, during the Victorian and as in this case, Edwardian era.
Too often that ‘past’ period has been perceived, particularly in novels and dramas, as being harsh and uncaring. But the reality is, in the main I believe, quite the opposite. Communities often rallied to help the less fortunate amongst them. The age old tales of ‘the Village idiot’, surely suggests that those with special ‘needs’, were often tolerated and cared for as best as possible, not usually shunned and abused.
Medical advances and greater understanding of illness and disability during that period, were constantly being assessed against a deeply religious motivation to help and give succour to the disadvantaged. Far from being uncaring, most people and families whatever their class and background, strove tirelessly to improve the ‘lot’ of those ‘less fortunate’. The focus on mistreatment by a few ‘bad apples’ (eg. Wackford Squeers’ abuse of Smike) has distorted our perception of what was being achieved and it’s an insult to the memory of all in the Medical profession who worked so hard and to the many Authorities, Organisations and Philanthropists who were so generous in their funding to provide suitable Institutions for care.
This story of the young girl and the ‘care’ she received during her internment is heartwarming, but not unusual. My Great Grandmother was at the same institution between 1888-1933 and was well cared for, regularly visited and much loved by my Great Grandfather and their children (one of whom was my Grandfather) until she was eventually discharged. Then living happily with a sister until her eventual death in 1943, in her 90th. year.
Another Great Great Grandfather, was a Consulting Physician to the North Eastern Children’s Hospital, London in the 1890s. My research on him and others concerning medical advances and understanding during the period from the mid 19th. Century, has opened my eyes to their tireless energy and determination to improve the health, both physical and mental, and bring about well being for all.”
William Taylor: Message to Facebook page 7th February 2023