Records for patients at London County Asylum, Banstead

[Caw1]

Hello RC's

I wondered if anyone could point me in the right direction to records for London County Asylum in Banstead.

From the death certificate of my grandfather father Henry Guy he died in the above establishment on 22nd June 1915 from ' general paralysis of insane'.

This has come as a bit of a shock to me as I didn't know he'd died in an asylum.

I wondered whether there were record available for that period that one can look at. 

From the certificate he'd had the condition for 1yr 6 mths so wonder if he'd been in there for that long.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Caroline

[Jebber]

It is the term usually used as result of death from Syphilis, it was rife at that time.

[dawnsh]

Hi Caroline

What survives has been deposited at the London Metropolitan Archives, their catalogue reference is H22.

You were shocked by his place of death, are you aware of his cause of death/diagnosis?

[Caw1]

Hi Dawnsh

Thanks very much for the reference, hopefully they may have something....

No I wasn't aware what the cause of death meant until I read Jebbers reply!!

I am even more shocked now not only by the place of death but the cause too!
My cousin did tell me that had gone blind and not been able to work as a printer.
Our aunt remembers going with him to Moorfields eye hospital when she was young.

Thanks for your speedy replies both of you.

Caroline

[dawnsh]

I've had a look at the LMA catalogue pdf and many records for 1915 are still closed under their 100 year closure rule unless the catalogue is out of date.

If you're thinking of making a trip to have a look, you might want to clarify with them in advance whether the records are open or closed.

[Treetotal]

A fuller explanation here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_paresis_of_the_insane

Carol

[Caw1]

I was just about to post again to ask whether I can download any available documents or whether it's an 'in person' visit.....

Thanks for your info dawnsh... i did read about the 100 yr ruling but thought that as it was 1915 he died there may be something available.

I've had a quick look at LMA site but couldn't determine what to do!

Caroline

Treetotal thanks for the link I'll have a read..... I never knew my grandparents and only found my cousin a few yrs ago. Not sure she's aware either place/cause of death either!

[josey]

Thanks for your info dawnsh... i did read about the 100 yr ruling but thought that as it was 1915 he died there may be something available.

As I understand it, what you can see for yourself will depend on what else is on the same page/in same volume - if other information is under 100 yrs it may be possible to pay an archivist to look at your specific item & transcribe/photograph just that section.

[Caw1]

Thanks for your info dawnsh... i did read about the 100 yr ruling but thought that as it was 1915 he died there may be something available.

As I understand it, what you can see for yourself will depend on what else is on the same page/in same volume - if other information is under 100 yrs it may be possible to pay an archivist to look at your specific item & transcribe/photograph just that section.

Thanks josey-  that would of course make sense. I think I will email them and give the ref numbers and see what they have to say.

I've not visited LMA myself so don't really know what the format is.... presume like TNA you get a readers card and then book your documents?

In this instance I'll get in touch first in view of your comments.

Thanks
Caroline