The History of Bethlem [Hardcover]

Bethlem Hospital, popularly known as Bedlam , is a unique institution. Now seven hundred and fifty years old, it has been continuously involved in the care of the mentally ill in London since at least the 1400s. As such it has a strong claim to be the oldest foundation in Europe with an unbroken history of sheltering and treating the mentally disturbed. During this time, Bethlem has transcended locality to become not only a national and international institution, but in many ways, a cultural and literary myth.
The History of Bethlem is a scholarly history of this key establishment by distinguished authors, including Asa Briggs and Roy Porter. Based upon extensive research of the hospital's archives, the book looks at Bethlem's role within the caring institutions of London and Britain, and provides a long overdue re-evaluation of its place in the history of psychiatry.The History of Bethlem is a scholarly history of this key establishment, looking at Bethlem's role within the caring institutions in the context of the history of Britain, London, hospitals and psychiatry.List of plates, List of figures, List of tables, Acknowledgements, List of abbreviations, 1. Introduction, PART I: 1247-1633, 2. Background, 3. The foundation of the Priory of St Mary of Bethlehem, 4. The development of the Bethlem precinct, 5. Politics and patronage, 6. Bethlem's income, 7. From Bethlehem to Bedlam: changing roles and personnel, 8. Medieval attitudes towards and treatment of the insane, 9. Institutional care for the insane in medieval and early modern times, 10. Images of Bedlam, PART II: 1633-1783, 11. Background, 12. 'Charitable persons for excellent ends': the administration and finance of Bethlem, 13. Visiting, 14. 'The discipline of the house': environment, management and architecture, 15. The architecture of Bethlem at Moorfields, 16. Medicine, medical officers and therapeutics, 17. The rule of'sky-colour'd coats': inferior officlc@