Founding Of The North Wales Lunatic Asylum ( 1848 - 1995)

 Upon the Motion of John Williams Esq. MD. “Yet as the effect of the New Poor Law has been powerful in bringing many cases to light, which heretofore had been kept secret, as the same act renders the detention of any dangerous Lunatic “ Insane Person or Idiot, for more than fourteen days in a workhouse, a misdemeanour “ it is hoped  “ before the enactment of that statute are ( as they probably will be) rendered compulsory, some steps will be taken by the Counties of North Wales to remove, what cannot be deemed but a blot, upon the humanity of the Principality by unity in a general Hospital for the Insane of North Wales.”

Adjourned

“The Munificent offer of an individual to give about 20 acres of land for erecting such a Hospital for the Insane in a very eligible spot in the immediate vicinity of Denbigh was accepted with grateful thanks to the donor by whose express wish, his name is for the present withheld.”

Several meetings for discussion were held from time to time but no resolution entered into until 8th November 1842.

In fact Joseph Ablett of Llanbedr Hall, Ruthin was the ˜anonymous benefactor’ who donated 20 acres of land . This was a major factor towards the fulfilment of the plan for an asylum to be established.

    

                                                           Joseph Ablett of Llanbedr Hall

     The property was formally handed over to the trustees in 1844; the North Wales Lunatic Asylum was finally opened in 1848.

     Piece of limestone from Denbigh Graig Quarry from which the original building was constructed

                                      Architect's Impression of the future Asylum 1845

Extract:

Sept 30th 1848

That the following circular be sent to each of the Visiting Justices for the Counties of Denbigh, Flint, Angelsey and Caernarvon.

I beg to inform you that a meeting of the Committee of Visitors will be held at the Committee Room on Friday the 13th day of October 1848 at 12-o clock noon. For the purpose of examining the accounts and for making the necessary calls upon the several Counties for completing and furnishing the wards for the immediate reception of patients.

John Jones and Mary Everett were appointed attendants.

That Thomas Rogers Joiner commence making shutters and remove the flour binns on Monday morning.

That the Clerk order some official letter paper.

That the Clerk order 80 yards of patent Wovon Hose for fire engine from Mr & Mrs rode of Manchester.

That the Clerk order patent bread knife and looking glasses from Mr Frimston of Manchester.

That the Clerk buy 50 tons of coal

That the Clerk order from Mr Gee two seals with Inscription  “ Hospital for the Insane North Wales.”

That the Clerk order the following Goods from Messrs Favell & Bousfields London:

2 Doz Tick dresses lined with flannel
½  Doz. with straps and locks
2 Doz. Women’s Vests and Drawers
1 Doz.Grey Cloth Dresses
1 Doz. Petticoats
1 Doz. Suits of Cloths

That Thomas Bartley make 13 Press Beds

That Edward Williams of Llangwyfan tender for 6 Doz of wood plates at 2/9 per Doz; be accepted.

That Mr Faulkner tender for 150 yards of Bed Ticking at 9 ½ d per Yard; be accepted.

(That the Quarter days of each year be on the 31st March; 30th June; 30th September; and 31st December).

That this meeting do adjourn to Friday the 6th day of October to be held at 12 o’ clock.

John Heaton Chairman

Oct 6th 1848

 That the Cook’s pantry be converted into a storeroom and that a portion of the cellar on the North Side be partitioned of for the purpose of the Cook;

That all the female servants that have been engaged commence duty immediately and that Mrs Shaws employ a number of stichers to make sheets; mattresses etc___

That Basset & Simon (Tailors) commence making up the beds as soon as they are ready.

That a number of the articles sent in by Mr Foulkes; not being equal to sample a deduction to be made; and if the remainder be not equal to sample the whole of the contract to be rejected.

That Mr Foulkes be sent for and the above read over to him.

John Heaton Chairman

Oct 13th 1848

Quarterly Meeting of Visitors Present

 It was ordered that half the Quota of Patients from each County be admitted if required on Tuesday the 14th day of November 1848.

That the Clerk write to the Clerks of the Peace of the Several Counties in Union informing them the time of opening and stating the number which can be admitted from each County; also to require the Clerks of the Board of Guardians to give one week’s notice for the admission of each patient.

That the Committee are satisfied that 200 patients may be accommodated in the Hospital to be divided as follows ; 12 - 1st class, 20 - 2nd class and 168 pauper class.

John Heaton Chairman

The first class patients shall consist of such persons not exceeding six males, and six females, whose habits and means may require the comforts resembling those provided in a gentleman’s family.

At prices adapted to their situations in life, and in proportion to the accommodation and treatment required by them.

The second class patients shall comprise such persons not exceeding ten males and ten females, as may be above the class of parochial patients. A priority to be given to such as are connected by birth or residence in North Wales. Their payments shall be regulated by the House Committee, assisted by the Medical Officers, according to a scale. The payment, however, in no case shall descend so low as that made by the parochial patients.

The third class, or parochial patients, were to be charged according to the contribution of each County.

                                                                         North Wales Asylum




Three Kids Gripped By Evil By Polly Mullaney      
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