Bedlam!

Bedlam, or more properly The Priory of St Mary of Bethlehem, was established in 1247 and is the oldest psychiatric hospital in the world. It is now the Bethlem Royal Hospital, part of the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, but over the centuries it has been byword for the best, and the worst, in the care of mental illness. It has also inspired artists, from Hogarth to Stravinsky, and has treated a range of illustrious patients including Nathaniel LEe b.1649, known as the Mad Poet, and artist Richard Dadd (1817-86).

Stuart's talk reflects the attitudes towards, and treatments for, mental health illness over seven and three quarter centuries. He was Chief Executive from 1999-2012 and one of a long line of 'Masters of Bedlam'.

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