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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Berkshire => Topic started by: Hollylianne on Saturday 10 October 09 22:26 BST (UK)
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Hi all,
After doing some research, I am still confused. Can anyone tell me the difference between Broadmoor and Berkshire Asylums. Are they different? I think they are.
Thanks
Hollie
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Broadmoor is for the criminally insane. Berkshire was just for the insane
Search on Google will give you their respective histories
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I think the main point is that Berkshire Asylum also known as Fair Mile was the county asylum founded as a result of the 1845 act which required all counties to have a mental asylum.
Broadmoor Asylum is a prison which has a national role. If like me you live within a few miles of it you are reminded of the severity of its role every Monday morning at 10am when they test the escape sirens.
David
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Interesting to note the comments on Broadmoor, agree we all know it as a prison for the criminally insane, but it comes under the auspices of the N.H.S, and as such I believe is classed as a hospital rather than a prison.
As a hospital, I believe you can also 'place' yourself in it.
corndolly
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As a hospital, I believe you can also 'place' yourself in it.
I very much doubt they have many "voluntary" patients
About a quarter of the patients have had no significant contact with the criminal justice system, but have been detained under the Mental Health Act and are considered to require treatment in conditions of high security owing to their "dangerous, violent or criminal propensities". Others have been convicted of an offence by the courts and either ordered to be detained in hospital or subsequently transferred there from prison.
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Attended a seminar there. Relationship between Tutor/student (patients)...
came away with an understanding of 'willing to learn' and 'unable to learn'.
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You are correct of course Broadmoor is a hospital. The reason that I regard Broadmoor as a prison is that living within three miles of it I suffer the practice sounding of its alarm siren at 10.00 am every Monday morning. Mind you that is much better than when there was an escape when the siren sounds all night. Fortunately this has only happened twice in the forty years I have lived here.
David
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Have to agree here. Broadmoor is for the criminally insane and is home to some notorious inmates. I live within 4 miles of it and work within 1/4 mile. Been listening to that Monday 10am siren for many years :)
Jane