Lancaster Lunatic Asylum

[lancsann]

The main hat making centres were N Cheshire & SE Lancashire, the biggest areas being Stockport & Denton.

Apparently the mercury used in the industry caused mercury poisoning leading to insanity which is one probable explanation of the phrase “mad as a hatter”

Hope you are successful in your archives quest. Let us know how it goes

[Pennines]

Aaaah - Mad as a Hatter! Whilst I often wonder and check how certain expressions came into use -- I had never thought about that one.

Thank you Lancsann -- another 'school day' for me.

[Pennines]

Just letting you all know that during the week, I received the papers from Lancashire Archives for the inmate at Lancaster Asylum. I had requested them to be sent by PDF.

There were 8 pages in all and the cost was £18.60.

The entries in the actual case papers were written by Doctors - and often difficult to decipher - but I could get the gist.

The final entry was made following the patient's death - I have attached this!! Very detailed.
Don't worry, I am not seeking help with the transcription -- I am just sharing this writing and the complex medical words!

Many thanks to all of you who showed an interest in this query - very much appreciated.