In the 19th century British psychiatric hospital, the patients were very calm
Source: Headline Red Dust Heart Horizon
Haunting photographs show patients sitting in chairs for "treatment" at the infamous Betham Royal Infirmary. Most of the patients in London's psychiatric hospital, the so-called "madhouse", were diagnosed with acute mania, and some arrived after the killing.
The Royal Betham Hospital was the first mental health institution established in Europe. Since its founding in 1247, it has been the subject of numerous horror books and movies.
An harrowing treatment invented by Erasmus Darwin – known as rotation therapy – involves placing a patient in a chair suspended in the air and then spinning for several hours.
The unidentified female patient was admitted to the hospital after being diagnosed with acute mania in the mid-19th century.
William Thomas Green, who was admitted to the hospital in 1857, was diagnosed with acute mania.
Esther Hannah, admitted to the hospital in 1858, was diagnosed with chronic mania and paranoia.
Eliza Josolyne, who admitted in 1856, was diagnosed with acute depression.
Captain George Johnston was charged with homicide and served his sentence in an insane asylum in 1846, when he was diagnosed with mania.
In 1857, Eliza Camplin was admitted to the hospital after being diagnosed with acute mania.
A second portrait of Eliza Camplin, who received "treatment" in the hospital.
The public can pay to see patients in "lunatic asylums," such as the unidentified woman.
This unidentified female patient was one of the unfortunate souls imprisoned in hell hospitals in the mid-19th century.
Both John Bailey and his son Thomas admitted to acute depression in 1858.
Another unidentified patient managed to smile when interrupted by Henry Hering in the mid-19th century.
Famous artist Richard Dade is accused of killing his father, whom he believes is the devil.
Saragadena, a 26-year-old domestic servant, was sent to Betham after being diagnosed with "grand psychotic depression" in 1857.
Fanny Barrett was admitted to the hospital in 1858 and was diagnosed with intermittent mania.
Eliza Griffin faced the same dilemma as Harriet, who was also placed in Bethelem after being diagnosed with acute mania in 1855.
In 1858, Harriet Jordan was admitted to the hospital after being diagnosed with acute mania.
This moving portrait of an unidentified patient does capture a sense of vulnerability.