THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE IN BRITISH LUNATIC ASYLUMS 1861-1901

Project Co-ordinator and academic advisor:	Dr. Joan Reid
Project Advisor:	Julie Moores
Dedicated email:	asylums@fachrs.com

What was the Project About?

The project investigated the experience of those who were treated in British county asylums between the mid-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries.

What was the process?

There were two phases:

Phase 1 ran for about a year from January 2021 and examined asylum Annual Reports for certain key information. Census returns for the asylum were also examined, and newspaper reports investigated, detailing notable events picked out of the annual reports.

Phase 2 focused on material available in local archives, such as patient casebooks, letters and photographs, as well as discharge and death registers. Researchers picked areas of interest and collaborated in smaller groups.

Outcomes from the Project?

In 2025 a book was published that presented findings from the project. The book can be bought from the FACHRS SHOP or from any of the conferences and shows that FACHRS attend. Details can be found on the EVENTS page.