North Riding Lunatic Asylum

[lesleyhannah]

I've finally found my g-grandfather's 'missing' brother, Smith Darling. In 1881 he was a publican in Scarborough, married, no children. Then he disappeared. I got his death certificate today. He died in 1890 aged 47 in North Riding Lunatic Asylum. The cause of death was Epilepsy.

I wonder if anyone knows where I could find out more about this asylum - was it especially for people with epilepsy (which did continue in the family) or would people with all sorts of mental (or physical) disorders be put there together? What were the conditions like?

Would there be records to say when Smith was admitted (between 1881 and 1890).

Hope someone can help, or point me in the right direction.

[woodydog]

I found the following if it's any help after googling for North Riding lunatic asylum.
http://www.yorkstories.co.uk/york_walks-3/clifton_hospital.htm 
There's a link to the a2a website if you do a search on that it appears that the University of York, Borthwick institute of historical research hold the records from 1847 to 1994.
Good luck

[Cindas]

Hi

I recently went to the Borthwick Institute to search the Clifton Hospital Archives, which used to be the North Yorkshire Lunatic Assylum.

I was amazed by the standard of records that have survived, I was searching for my G G Grandfather who tried to commit suicide after the death of his wife, he failed and ended up in the Asylum. 

There was a record of his entry, why he was there, case notes, information about his death, he died of pneumonia several months after the incident but he was still in the Assylum.  These records even included a photograph of him, which was remarkable, I never thought I'd see a picture of my GG Grandfather. 

If you get the chance you definately should visit the Borthwick which is now situated at York University.


Happy Hunting and let me know how you get on.

Cindas

[lesleyhannah]

Thanks to you both. I did look on the website, but it seems like you do need to visit in person in order to get any information. Your trip sounds like a dream - getting all those details must have really brought your relative alive. I'd love to be able to do the same for Smith Darling, but know we won't make York in the near future. However, one day it may be possible, and I'll certainly keep it in mind.

Thanks again for writing.
Lesley

[Cindas]

Lesley

I am not planning to go back to the Borthwick this year but will probably visit early next year.  When I arrange to go I will contact you for further details and check their records for you.

Regards

Cindas

[lesleyhannah]

I appreciate that, Cindas. If I find anyone who can get there beforehand (but I'm not hopeful about that) I'll let you know . Thank you again. Lesley

[OldBraggs]

Could you tell me if the records of the asylum include the staff? I am interested in Robert Murray who worked as an attendant at the asylum from around 1881 to 1901 when he died.

Regards
Steve
Cheltenham

[casalguidi]

Hi Steve

Welcome to Rootschat

According to the Hospital's database, they have staff records from 1887-1970

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/hospitalrecords/details.asp?id=1565&hospital=north+riding+lunatic+asylum&town=&searchdatabase.x=0&searchdatabase.y=0

Hope this helps

Casalguidi

[OldBraggs]

Hello Casalguidi,

Thanks for the welcome and the information. I will get in touch with them.

Regards
Steve