Staff at Dorset History Centre have been looking at the treatment of patients at the Dorset Asylum during the First World War.
Dorset History Centre holds the archive of the Dorset County Lunatic Asylum, covering the period from 1829 -1989. The archive includes patient records, committee minutes, accounts books and plans of the hospital, amongst numerous other documents. Patient records are protected from public view for 100 years.
Dorset’s first County Asylum was housed at Forston House, near Charminster, which had been donated by a local MP, Frances John Brown. When the asylum opened in 1832 it was able to house 60 patients, but despite considerable extensions over the years proved too small. Consequently 55 acres of land were purchased at Charlton Down in 1860, for £5,710. The new County Asylum, Herrison Hospital opened on the site in 1863 with 300 beds available for patients.
The Herrison Hospital finally closed its doors on 10 January 1992, after nearly 130 years of use.
We have examined the Inspectors’ Reports for the Asylum which were produced during the Great War, and a Medical Superintendent’s Report. A summary of these documents can be read in our Mental Health in the Great War report.
Anyone affected by mental health issues who would like an individual introduction to the Dorset History Centre should contact Maria Gayton, Comunity Engagement Officer.