St Lawrence's Hospital, Bodmin

St Lawrence's Hospital, Bodmin was a psychiatric hospital located in Bodmin, Cornwall, United Kingdom. The hospital played a significant role in the treatment of mental health patients in Cornwall from its opening in the early 19th century until its closure at the end of the 20th century.

History

The origins of St Lawrence's Hospital can be traced back to the early 1800s when the need for a dedicated facility for the care of the mentally ill in Cornwall became apparent. The hospital was officially opened in 1820, initially serving as a county asylum. It was part of a broader movement in the 19th century towards the establishment of specialized institutions for the care of those with mental health issues, reflecting changing attitudes towards mental illness and its treatment.

Throughout its history, St Lawrence's Hospital underwent numerous expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing number of patients and to update its facilities according to evolving standards of care. The hospital was known for its extensive grounds and imposing architecture, characteristic of many Victorian asylums designed not only for functionality but also to convey a sense of dignity and respectability.

Facilities and Treatment

St Lawrence's Hospital was equipped with a range of facilities intended to provide comprehensive care for patients. This included residential wards, therapeutic and recreational areas, and spaces for medical treatment and observation. The hospital adopted various treatment methods over the years, reflecting the changing practices in psychiatric care. These ranged from moral treatment in the 19th century, emphasizing the importance of a structured routine and compassionate care, to more modern therapeutic approaches in the 20th century, including the use of medication and psychotherapy.

Closure and Legacy

The hospital was closed in the late 1990s, a decision influenced by the shift towards community-based care for mental health patients and the deinstitutionalization movement. The closure of St Lawrence's Hospital marked the end of an era for psychiatric care in Cornwall, with services being relocated to more modern facilities designed to offer a different approach to mental health treatment.

Following its closure, the site of St Lawrence's Hospital has been the subject of various redevelopment plans. Some of the original buildings have been repurposed, while others have been demolished to make way for new developments. The history of the hospital, however, continues to be of interest to historians and those studying the evolution of psychiatric care in the UK.

See Also

• History of psychiatric institutions
• Mental health in the United Kingdom