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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: Daffodilica on Thursday 12 December 24 21:51 GMT (UK)

Title: Bethlem Hospital (Bedlam) records - where next?
Post by: Daffodilica on Thursday 12 December 24 21:51 GMT (UK)

I am searching for records on Charles Henry Shearman, who was admitted to Bethlem numerous times in the 1860s-1870s. I have found records on Find my Past which show that he was delusional and he was admitted for the same reason each time - he believed he was a priest, and he dressed and behaved as a priest.

So, I am looking for some ideas on where else to look for him. He was born in east London and his family were in the Mile End/Shoreditch area. I have looked for him in newspapers but can't find him. My thinking is that he would likely appear in the news, if he was going round impersonating a priest - the Bethlem records indicate he held sermons, took collections etc, as a priest. Where else could I look? Would he possibly appear in Quarter Session records? Would QS courts refer someone to Bethlem? If so, where would I find London QS records?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated thanks!  :)

Title: Re: Bethlem Hospital (Bedlam) records - where next?
Post by: mckha489 on Thursday 12 December 24 22:16 GMT (UK)

He was admitted on the authority of his father & later his brother (on the records I looked at), so I would say it was unlikely there was any court committal of any sort.

I notice on one document it says his mother was similarly afflicted. But on others no relative.

Title: Re: Bethlem Hospital (Bedlam) records - where next?
Post by: Daffodilica on Friday 13 December 24 07:23 GMT (UK)

Thanks - I did wonder how he got there. I'm going to contact the museum/archive to see whether they might hold any other records that haven't been put onto FindMyPast.

Title: Re: Bethlem Hospital (Bedlam) records - where next?
Post by: Margow on Friday 13 December 24 11:03 GMT (UK)

What further information are you looking for?  The Bethlem Hospital records which you have already found on Findmypast seem fairly comprehensive.

I wonder if perhaps you have confused two people with the same or similar name.  The Charles Henry Shearman, whose Bethlem Hospital records are listed on Findmypast, was born in 1841 in Clapham (not in east London), the son of James Edward Shearman and Emily Shearman (nee Newton).   Charles Henry Shearman's father, James Edward Shearman, and his elder brother (also James Edward Shearman) were both solicitors, living (in the 1881 census) at 77 Charlwood Street, St George Hanover Square. London (not in the Mile End/Shoreditch area.)

Charles Henry Shearman was admitted to Manor Asylum, Epsom, in 1899 and died there in 1901 aged 59.  His admission record (including his photograph) can be found on the following site: https://epsomcluster.com/patient-record/folio-38/

Title: Re: Bethlem Hospital (Bedlam) records - where next?
Post by: Daffodilica on Friday 13 December 24 11:06 GMT (UK)

Thanks - I will have another look as I may have the wrong information. I'm really trying to see whether there was any court records attached to him, but it doesn't look likely.

Title: Re: Bethlem Hospital (Bedlam) records - where next?
Post by: Elswick on Friday 13 December 24 13:01 GMT (UK)

I live only two miles from the modern day Bethlem hospital, I'll see if anything is available in person for you.

https://archives.museumofthemind.org.uk/brha.htm

Title: Re: Bethlem Hospital (Bedlam) records - where next?
Post by: Daffodilica on Friday 13 December 24 15:15 GMT (UK)

Thanks Elswick - that is very kind of you, and would save me a trip!

Title: Re: Bethlem Hospital (Bedlam) records - where next?
Post by: Elswick on Friday 13 December 24 19:50 GMT (UK)

PM inbound as I'll need certain information before I contact the archives place.