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Does anyone know whether it is possible to see the records of inmates of Lancashire lunatic Asylums ? I have found that Wilkinson Nutter, the brother of my Great grandfather ( John Nutter of Bent Head Farm, Haggate ) was in Lancaster Moor Asylum in 1891. I know he died in 1908 from his gravestone and I believe he died in the Preston district. I am awaiting his death certificate at present, but I am guessing that he was moved to Whittingham.I may have found him on their 1901 census record, but unfortunately the patients were only listed by their initials. I would really like to know why he was placed there and what led to him being classified as a lunatic. ( Incidentally, why were some patients classed as 'Imbecile'
rather than the more usual 'Lunatic' ? )

The Lancashire record office should be able to help you http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/education/record_office/

Whittingham Asylum records http://www.british-genealogy.com/forums ... hp?t=10724

Think they were called lunatics because their moods were thought to be ruled by phases of the moon (lunar), mood swings etc. Whereas an imbecile was considered to be underachievers, below average metality, a bit on the slow side.


Stephanie.

Sadly, those with Down's Syndrome were classified as 'imbeciles'...even those with Cerebral Palsy.

Some time between 1911 and about 1930, a relation by marriage had an illegitimate child and that child was reared by the state as a lunatic in a local asylum. To my knowledge, she was a sane as you or me (according to a couple of older family members)....just illegitimate.

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Mel

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That happened a lot Mel, during the time I was a staff nurse I once looked after an elderly lady who had been brought to the hospital where I was working, she was brought from Calderstones, a well know 'mental' hospital near Burnley. Her only crime had been having a baby out of wedlock when she was 15, she was locked away for that! She was a lovely lady too, but what a wasted life eh! She had spent all her adult life there, and of course she looked upon it as her home now and she probably died there too. Thank God things have changed today, they were locked away for the least bit of a thing, it's frightening really dont you think.


Stephanie.

I had a relative who died 1964 in Lancaster Moor, I think she had what would be now classed as senile dementia. I found her admittance records at Preston, but they told me very little. I have since tried to find out why she was admitted and anything about her records why she was in there----all I hit are brick walls. I was told to contact the doctor who admitted her, but they aren't there any more and no one seems to be able to tell me where her medical records are from him, or the time in Lancaster Moor.

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

Thank you, everyone, for the useful comments. I will certainly try to follow up, but don't hold out a lot of hope, from what Gloria says. However, the 100 year information rule may help me, as Wilkinson Nutter died in 1908. I had his death certificate today, but he died of tubercular pneumonia, so that doesn't really give me any leads. I will post any new info. I get.

Mine died of Broncho pneumonia and cardio vascular degeneration.
On her admission papers it gives
date of admission 30th Sept 1963
No 51518
name ------
ward B, RL
status informal
age 66
religion c/e
health division Blackpool
details of MPNI forms
B.R.409 2/1/64
records
Ind Cont GRO MHA Leaf

Above the 409 and under the Ind there is a tick.
RL would be Ridge Lea which was on her death cert. Ridge Lea Hospital, Lancaster Moor Hospital, Lancaster.
MPNI --Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance.

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

I have had help from Lancashire Record Office, who have the asylum records. I can view them myself or get the team to get the info. and I can buy it. Unfortunately I cannot publish the info. on a public website and must sign an agreement to this effect. However, this may help others who are looking for similar records.

Thanks Maggie. I hope to visit myself at some point and take a look at the asylum records. There's a lot I want to view...can I have an 8 day week so I can give the 8th day entirely to research.

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Mel

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Oh perhaps I shouldn't have put that info about my relative on here then---what do you think Mel? I don't remember signing anything.

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

If you didn't sign anything or were not made aware, I don't have a problem....you have already omitted the name. If you want it deleted Gloria, feel free. I think you can delete your own posts. Let me know if not...

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Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

I'll leave it, as you say I haven't named anyone, and I cannot remember signing anything.

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.