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Bethlem Hospital / 1926
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Bethlem Hospital / 1926
or BETHLEM/BEDLAM HOSPITAL The oldest hospital for the treatment of the insane - after the First World War it was moved to Moorfields Date: 1926
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Media ID 14284100
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Asylums Bedlam Bethlehem Bethlem Insane Insanity Moorfields Moved Oldest Treatment 1926
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the imposing facade of Bethlem Royal Hospital, also known as Bedlam, in 1926. Established in 1247, Bethlem is the oldest hospital in Europe dedicated to the treatment of the mentally ill. Over the centuries, it has been synonymous with the term "bedlam" which came to symbolize chaos and disorder. By the early 20th century, advances in psychiatry and a growing recognition of the need for humane treatment of the mentally ill led to significant reforms in the management of mental health institutions. After the First World War, Bethlem Hospital was moved from its historic location in London's Bishopsgate to a new site in Moorfields. The move marked a new chapter in the hospital's history, as it embraced modern therapeutic approaches and architectural designs that prioritized the comfort and dignity of its patients. In this photograph, the grandeur of the hospital's neoclassical architecture stands in stark contrast to the somber mood of the scene. The barren trees and empty grounds hint at the isolation and solitude that many patients experienced during their stay. Yet, the imposing gates and the sense of orderliness suggest the hospital's commitment to providing a safe and structured environment for those in need of care. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the complex and often misunderstood history of mental health care and the ongoing efforts to provide compassionate and effective treatment for those suffering from mental illness.
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