{"id":1048,"date":"2019-10-10T09:16:28","date_gmt":"2019-10-10T09:16:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.dorsetforyou.gov.uk\/dorset-history-centre-blog\/?p=1048"},"modified":"2019-10-10T10:07:06","modified_gmt":"2019-10-10T10:07:06","slug":"the-patients-of-herrison-hospital","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk\/dorset-history-centre-blog\/2019\/10\/10\/the-patients-of-herrison-hospital\/","title":{"rendered":"The Patients of Herrison Hospital"},"content":{"rendered":"

Earlier in the year Dorset History Centre had two work experience students join us for a month. In this blog, Maddie talks us through some of the more interesting records she found in the Herrison collection…<\/em><\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

During my work placement at DHC, I indexed patient files from a Herrison Hospital case book<\/a>. This was been fascinating, sad and, at times, amusing. I would like now to gather together some of the most interesting cases this book has offered up.<\/p>\n

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Herrison Hospital male case book<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So as not to dive straight in to the sad stuff, I\u2019ll begin with some of the more unusual diagnoses. Whether in some cases the doctors were unsure exactly what they were dealing with, or they simply felt \u201ca general advent of moroseness<\/em>\u201d was an acceptable explanation for melancholia, is unclear. Nevertheless, here they are:<\/p>\n

John Lofting<\/h3>\n

63 years old, was brought to the asylum from West Cliff, Bournemouth, and diagnosed with melancholia caused by a \u201cgeneral advent of moroseness<\/em>\u201d. He was described as being \u201cdepressed by a great unknown cloud<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n

Tom Hardy<\/h3>\n

Brought to the asylum from Piddlehinton at 34 years old, after suffering auditory and visual hallucinations. He was diagnosed with mania caused by \u201cSalvation Army excitement<\/em>\u201d. There have been 11 people in this case book with \u201creligious excitement<\/em>\u201d, but when a second man \u2013 Henry Clinchem \u2013 was admitted with dementia caused by recently breaking from the Salvation Army, I felt it required some further research.<\/p>\n

During the 1870s and 80s, local groups organised themselves against the Salvation Army, calling themselves \u2018skeleton armies\u2019. They mocked their songs and processions, and attacked their meeting places. It is interesting that one of Hardy\u2019s hallucinations was of being chased by grave-robbers!<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

Moving on to some sadder entries, there were a lot of admissions for elderly people with dementia \u2013 something that caused persistent overcrowding problems at Herrison.<\/p>\n

John Herring<\/h3>\n

73 years old, from Bradpole, was a retired soldier admitted with senile dementia. When spoken to, it is reported he would begin marching up and down as if still in the army.<\/p>\n

Thomas Roe<\/h3>\n

72 years old, from Corfe Castle was also admitted with senile dementia but was adamant he did not want to stay in Herrison. Through much of his stay, Roe insisted he could not recover unless he was at home with his friends.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

On the other end of the scale, a lot of young children were also admitted to Herrison:<\/p>\n

Alfred William Hutchings<\/h3>\n

The youngest child in this book was Alfred William Hutchings, 5 years old, from West Row, Wimborne. He was diagnosed with \u201cidiocy<\/em>\u201d caused by congenital weakness, and kicked and bit anything he could, including other children.<\/p>\n

Ralph Bennett<\/h3>\n

Another child admitted soon after Hutchings was Ralph Bennett, 8 years old, from Sturminster Marshall. He was also diagnosed with \u201cidiocy<\/em>\u201d caused by congenital weakness, and kicked and bit at anyone who came close to him. A doctor notes that a few months into his stay, Bennett had already bitten three of the female patients who tried to befriend him. As a result of his behaviour, he was transferred to the male wing were the patients were \u201cbetter able to defend themselves\u201d.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

To finish, some comparatively lighter cases:<\/p>\n

William Herbert Poole<\/h3>\n
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There are not many photos in the volume, but there is one of William Herbert Poole…<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Aged 30, from Broadway, was a discharged soldier from the Royal Engineers. He was admitted for mania and general paralysis caused by drink, debauchery and syphilis. A doctor commented he \u201chas no evident delusions but is too well<\/em>\u201d, and again later said he was \u201cstill too well and cheery<\/em>\u201d. Poole was reportedly always wanting attention and was \u201cfond of decking himself in feathers and gewgaws of various sorts \u2013 very fond of dancing!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Arthur Medway<\/h3>\n

Brought to Herrison from Dorchester at 37 years old, having been in the hospital two years before. He reportedly stole anything he could get hold of, including \u201cboots, a chicken, 4 fish, cucumbers, hurdle, books<\/em>\u201d. This raised a debate about what type of hurdle this could be referring to. Was it a hurdle used in sports? Or perhaps a hurdle used to climb onto horses\u2019 backs? It was suggested it could have been a fence panel used to herd sheep, which is perhaps the most sensible explanation!<\/p>\n

Charles Acherman Crabb<\/h3>\n

70 years old, from Exeter Workhouse, was admitted with \u201crecurrent mania<\/em>\u201d caused by \u201cacquired neurosis<\/em>\u201d. He is described as a \u201cchronic grumbler<\/em>\u201d, \u201cfond of grumbling as ever<\/em>\u201d and \u201calways on the grumble<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

—<\/span><\/p>\n

Reading through this book has been an enlightening experience in how attitudes towards and awareness of mental health has changed. As heavy as the subject may be, it has been very enjoyable!<\/p>\n

\u2014<\/p>\n

We enjoy introducing young people to the work of the archive and we benefit from having tasks undertaken by short-term placements. We will introduce you to all aspects of our service and provide a varied experience. We hope that after spending time with us you will act as an informed advocate for archives.<\/em><\/p>\n

Student Placements:<\/em><\/h3>\n