A Reading writer delves deep into Berkshire’s archives to unearth untold stories for his new book on the county’s Victorian mental institutions.

Mark Stevens, author of ‘Broadmoor Revealed’, has based his latest book, ‘Life in the Victorian Asylum’ around Berkshire’s Moulsford Asylum, which was later known as Fair Mile Hospital.

An archive specialist, Mr Stevens has worked at the Berkshire Records Office for 15 years and for the past decade he has been responsible for looking after extensive collections relating to Victorian mental health.

Mr Stevens said: “What is interesting about working with archives surrounding mental health is the stories we uncover about ordinary people who would not normally be in the history books, so it’s great to be able to tell their stories.” ‘Life in the Victorian Asylum’ documents the lives of ordinary people, detailing their daily routines, treatments, and rules they had to conform to.

Using examples from the archives, Mr Stevens brings the asylum back to life, with descriptive patients’ views and a historically accurate presentation of 19th Century mental health. He said: “Although some of the stories seem shocking today, I want to celebrate the Victorians’ approach to health care — and I hope this book does that.” In 1845, all English counties were obliged to provide their own asylum.

Initially, Berkshire rented out two wings in the Littlemore Asylum, Oxford.

“When these became full, Moulsford was built as the Berkshire county asylum.

Mr Stevens said: “Out of these hated places come these incredible life stories which is what I find so fascinating about this part of history.” On Feburary 27, Mr Stevens will be speaking at Fair Mile Hospital.

For tickets and more information, visit www.cholseycdt.org.uk/.

Both the Broadmoor and Moulsford archives are held at the Berkshire Record offices.

Life in the Victorian Asylum is available for £19.99.

A Reading writer delves deep into Berkshire’s archives to unearth untold stories for his new book on the county’s Victorian mental institutions.

Mark Stevens, author of ‘Broadmoor Revealed’, has based his latest book, ‘Life in the Victorian Asylum’ around Berkshire’s Moulsford Asylum, which was later known as Fair Mile Hospital.

An archive specialist, Mr Stevens has worked at the Berkshire Records Office for 15 years and for the past decade he has been responsible for looking after extensive collections relating to Victorian mental health.

Mr Stevens said: “What is interesting about working with archives surrounding mental health is the stories we uncover about ordinary people who would not normally be in the history books, so it’s great to be able to tell their stories.” ‘Life in the Victorian Asylum’ documents the lives of ordinary people, detailing their daily routines, treatments, and rules they had to conform to.

Using examples from the archives, Mr Stevens brings the asylum back to life, with descriptive patients’ views and a historically accurate presentation of 19th Century mental health. He said: “Although some of the stories seem shocking today, I want to celebrate the Victorians’ approach to health care — and I hope this book does that.” In 1845, all English counties were obliged to provide their own asylum.

Initially, Berkshire rented out two wings in the Littlemore Asylum, Oxford.

“When these became full, Moulsford was built as the Berkshire county asylum.

Mr Stevens said: “Out of these hated places come these incredible life stories which is what I find so fascinating about this part of history.” On Feburary 27, Mr Stevens will be speaking at Fair Mile Hospital.

For tickets and more information, visit www.cholseycdt.org.uk/.

Both the Broadmoor and Moulsford archives are held at the Berkshire Record offices.

Life in the Victorian Asylum is available for £19.99.