Old Bethlem Hospital
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Old Bethlem Hospital
Engraving depicting Old Bethlem Hospital, Moorfields. circa 1750. Date: circa 1750
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 20032772
© Mary Evans / Peter & Dawn Cope Collection Mary Evans / Peter & Dawn Cope Collection
1750 Bethlem Depicting Moorfields
EDITORS COMMENTS
Old Bethlem Hospital, also known as St. Mary Bethlehem Hospital or Bethlem Royal Hospital, is one of the oldest mental health institutions in the world, with a rich and complex history that spans over 800 years. This engraving, dating back to circa 1750, depicts the hospital as it stood during the 18th century, located in Moorfields, London. The Old Bethlem Hospital was founded in 1247 as a priory for Augustinian monks, who cared for the mentally ill and the poor. Over the centuries, the hospital underwent numerous transformations, from a monastic institution to a secular one, and eventually becoming a leading mental health facility. The image shows the imposing and grand appearance of the hospital, with its symmetrical facade, tall chimneys, and well-manicured gardens. The hospital's grounds were designed to provide a therapeutic environment for its patients, who were often kept in isolation and subjected to various treatments, including bloodletting and cold baths. Despite its noble intentions, Old Bethlem Hospital was also notorious for its harsh conditions and inhumane treatment of patients. The hospital gained a reputation as a place of fear and dread, with tales of cruelty and mistreatment circulating among the public. This perception continued well into the 19th century, when the hospital was eventually moved to a new location and reformed. Today, Old Bethlem Hospital stands as a symbol of the long and often controversial history of mental health care. Its legacy continues to inspire and inform modern mental health practices, as we strive to provide compassionate and effective care for those in need.
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