Five Generations at the Fairmile Hospital Talk
For those interested in Berkshire's rich history
The Fair Mile Hospital (before 1948 known by a succession of different names) was until relatively recently Berkshire’s county lunatic asylum. If the term ‘lunatic asylum’ sends shivers of dread down your spine, be ready to adjust your perceptions. Consider the alternatives and try to understand that the Victorian asylum system was a well-founded effort to tackle mental illness head-on through compassion, diligent care and research. No mental institution was ever entirely sweetness and harmony. However, these places made possible valuable and largely unrecognised advances in mental health care. Ian Wheeler’s illustrated talk examines Fair Mile’s foundation, growth and methods through the eyes of ten of its former employees. All were members of his family, and their service spanned over a century.
Pre-booking is required, because the event link will be sent in advance.
Image: The Fair Mile Hospital by Bill Nicholls, CC BY-SA 2.0
2 - 3.15pm
About Berkshire Family History Society
This talk is organised by Berkshire Family History Society, a registered charity number 283010.
