A priory for the Order of the Star of Bethlehem, built in 1247 on Bishopsgate at Liverpool Street, started admitting mental patients in 1357. This was probably the world's first institution to specialise in mental illness. It developed into a horrible place, known as Bedlam, dedicated to the commitment of the insane. In 1676 it moved to the London Wall site and it was this building that was adorned with the Cibber statues of Raving and Melancholy Madness. In 1815 Bedlam moved to the St George's Fields site (at that time owned by the City of London) in Southwark and, when in 1930 it moved out to a site near Beckenham, the Southwark buildings became the Imperial War Museum.
This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Bethleham Hospital 1&2
Commemorated ati
Bethlehem Hospital - first
Site of the first Bethlehem Hospital 1247 - 1676. The Corporation of the City...
Bethlehem Hospital - second
Site of the second Bethlehem Hospital, 1676 -1815. The Corporation of the Cit...
Gift from Lord Rothermere
This plaque was unveiled a second time, during the 75th anniversary celebrati...
Harmsworth - IWM
In 1926 Harold Harmsworth, the first Viscount Rothermere, bought the grounds ...
Other Subjects
Sir John Simon
Surgeon and public health officer. Born City of London. His name is of French origin which is worth knowing for pronunciation purposes. 1848 appointed the first Medical Officer of Health for London...
2 memorials
Mrs E. McCaffrey
Lady District Officer in the St John Ambulance Brigade, No. 1 District, 1918-1942. Serving Sister in the Order of St John.
Person, Emergency Services, Medicine, Politics & Administration
1 memorial
Medical Society of London
Founded by Dr Lettsom. Originally based in the City, the Medical Society moved to its present house, Lettsom House, 11 Chandos Street, in 1873.
2 memorials
Dr George Webster
General Practioner. Founded the first British Medical Association, which existed 1836 - 1845. Worked in Dulwich, 1815 until his death in 1875. At Genealogy we find: " Dr Webster b Brechin {north ...
1 memorial
St Thomas' Hospital
Named after Thomas a Becket, so possibly founded after 1173 when Becket was canonised. As part of an Augustinian monastery, St Thomas’ (at the London Bridge site) was closed during the Reformation....
7 memorials
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