Why might a child be in an asylum?
QMy wife’s grandfather and his wife are shown on the 1921 Census with five children aged 1-13. However, their 7-year-old daughter, Eileen Boggiss (date of birth 8 April 1914), although living, and is not listed with them. I am curious whether she was at a different address. Previous research of her childhood does not indicate her anywhere other than with her parents. Any thoughts please? Peter Moore
AThe 1921 Census suggests that seven-year old Eileen Boggiss was a patient at the Camberwell House Asylum in South London. Camberwell House Lunatic Asylum opened in a row of three elegant Georgian houses on the north side of Peckham Road in January 1846. By 1878 it was the second largest asylum in London, licensed to accommodate 362 patients.
Initially, the majority of those admitted to the asylum were paupers. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it faced opposition from local residents. Many felt there was not enough space to accommodate the number of patients the asylum was licensed to take. By the late 1800s Camberwell Lunatic Asylum had expanded into the Georgian houses on the south side of Peckham Road. It grew in numbers and practiced advanced methods; including shock treatment, insulin treatment and occupational therapy. The House closed in 1955. The buildings became council offices and the extensive grounds developed into a housing estate.
There are some records relating to staff and patients at the Wellcome Library in London. Unfortunately, they end in 1894. No later records have been located so sadly we will never know why Eileen was admitted and what happened to her. SF