Exploring Bedlam: Historical Perspectives on Mental Health Treatment

Bedlam: a scene of uproar and confusion, a noisy situation with no order or, originally, the slang name for a mental hospital in London… which for a while also happened to be a popular tourist attraction.

From chains on the wall to leeching - the history of mental health treatments is a lesson in questionable science and humanity.

Bethlehem hospital, founded around the 11th century in London, is a study of this history.

Kate is joined Betwixt the Sheets by Catharine Arnold: journalist, academic, popular historian and author of ‘Bedlam: London and Its Mad’.

*WARNING this episode includes adult themes and conversations about mental health*

Produced by Charlotte Long and Sophie Gee. Mixed by Matt Peaty.

Betwixt the Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society. A podcast by History Hit.

This episode includes music by Epidemic Sound and an archive clip from an American public service announcement from 1952.