23 mayo 1796 año - The Retreat

Descripción:

Founded by William Tuke and the Society of Friends (Quakers) in 1792- opened its doors in 1796. Tuke was compelled to open an institution spearheading the human treatment of the mentally ill after witnessing the abhorrent conditions in York Lunatic Asylum, wherein a fellow Quaker, Hannah Mills, died as a direct result of mistreatment and negligence. Built on an embankment, surrounded by picturesque gardens and without bars on the windows to downplay notions of a gulf between patients and those on the outside world.

Brutal beatings, solitary confinement and underfeeding patients were seen as widely accepted practices at the time- “lunatics” being considered subhuman, the “other” in society.

The Retreat was founded in direct response to these attitudes, a logical extension of the Quaker principles of self-control, compassion and respect. Begun phasing out chains and fetters in favour of more lenient tools of restraint such as the straitjacket. Aimed to rehabilitate patients through a balanced diet, exercise and relaxation- even going so far as to invite them to dine with the superintendent and his wife.

Remains a Quaker hospital to this day, now affiliated with the NHS.

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