Asylum records

[TrueBlueAngel]

Is there anywhere where I could access ayslum records or is there someone help who can do it for me?
I'm looking for access to Upton by Chester, Cheshire Lunatic Asylum.  My G-G-G grandfather was there in 1861 and I would like to find out why and if he died there in 1864.  Is there a connection between the asylum and Great Broughton, which is given where he died.
Thanks

[peterbennett]

Hi
      The asylum at Upton was in the Great Broughton registration district at the time of your ancestors death, and was known as the County Lunatic Asylum.
      I have searched the Cheshire RO archives and found the following which seems to suggest that some records do exist. Please consult the records office before making arrangements to visit. The archivist at the RO will search it for you if you send them all the details by email to the address in the link at the bottom of the page.

 

FindingNo ZHW 
Level Collection (Fonds) 
Title Countess of Chester Hospital records 
Date 1825-1969 
Description The records include minute books; annual reports; registers of patients; reception and admission orders; accounts; and plans 
AdminHistory Cheshire County Lunatic Asylum was opened in 1829 on a site in Liverpool Road. The original building, which housed 90 patients, was designed by William Cole, junior, county architect, and was erected under the direction of the county magistrates. In 1855, the first of a number of name changes occurred when the asylum became Cheshire Lunatic Asylum and in 1870, it became Chester County Lunatic Asylum. In 1889, Cheshire County Council became responsible for the asylum and in 1899 the original name, Cheshire County Lunatic Asylum, was restored. The early years of the 20th century saw significant advances in the treatment of, as well as changing attitudes towards, mental illness. These were reflected in developments at the asylum. A new pathology laboratory was opened and in 1914, an annexe was built. In 1921, the name 'asylum' was dropped and the name. County Mental Hospital, was adopted. In 1948, the National Health Service took over the running of the hospital from Cheshire County Council and it was renamed Upton Mental Hospital. In the early 1950s, it became Deva Hospital. Following the amalgamation of Chester and District Hospital Management Committee and Deva Hospital Management Committee in 1965, it was renamed the West Cheshire Hospital. During the 1950s, there were important changes in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses, involving the use of new drugs and in consequence the number of in-patients was drastically reduced. By the 1980s, less than 4% of the patients were compelled to remain in hospital. In 1983, a new general hospital and an accident unit were opened on the West Cheshire Hospital site and following the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales on 30 May 1984, the present name, Countess of Chester Hospital, was acquired. 
Extent 199 volumes., c.100 bundles, 147 plans.117 other items 
AccessConditions Partly held offsite-consult staff 

good luck

peterbennett