The West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum
9. Reasons for admittance
Other reasons for being admitted to the Asylum included studying astrology, pride, consulting a wise man, political excitement and reading plays and novels. In 1838, 26 women were admitted with the cause of insanity attributed to "unkindness of husband", 52 for "domestic afflictions", 50 for "poverty and distress" and 40 for "disappointed love". On 23 November 1831, Elizabeth Bramley was admitted after being unwell for three months. The cause was due to being ill treated by her husband and she stayed in the asylum for 2 ½ years before dying in March 1834. Her case notes record that her temper was mild and she was fond of beer and spirits.
10. Religious anxiety
However "religious anxiety" was the top reason for insanity in women admitted to the asylum in 1838 with 63 cases. On 22 October 1883 Julia Lawton who had been in service in Chapel Allerton was admitted with "religious excitement". A steady, hard working woman she had started attending Salvation Army services and become "unduly excited" and "boisterous". On 24 October she is described as restless and constantly singing Salvation Army hymns.
This continues for the next two months until she is given a cannabis and bromide mixture which has the effect of calming her down and making her more manageable. In July 1885 she is working in the laundry ward and on 10 August she is discharged. Her notes now describe her as behaving "quite rationally" and having a "sane demeanour and appearance". |
|
