tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502671101756463249.post5475571819998709537..comments2024-03-09T11:34:22.175+00:00Comments on The History Girls: Beyond Bedlam - by Judith AllnattMary Hoffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241989732624913706noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502671101756463249.post-52448782462332674912019-04-23T16:43:07.038+01:002019-04-23T16:43:07.038+01:00I have visited Bethlem Hospital in its current loc...I have visited Bethlem Hospital in its current location in Kent. It appears a pleasant place with extensive grounds. They have a museum there which gives a brief history of the hospital, and the guide mentioned that in the past it was opened to the public to induce sympathy for the inhabitants and to encourage charitable donations, which it totally depended on, rather than as a freak show, although some would obviously visit for that reason. Prince Puckler, a German prince who visited in the 1820s was impressed by the care the patients received. Obviously horrific treatment gets far more publicity than good treatment, but hopefully, although ignorant of the best way to treat people with mental illness, there was some compassion in looking after the patients.Michelle Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07499490029910905577noreply@blogger.com