Lancaster, Royal Albert Asylum c.1878
Photo ref: 10699
Made in Britain logo

Photo ref: 10699
Photo of Lancaster, Royal Albert Asylum c.1878

More about this scene

Later known as the Lancaster Moor Hospital, it opened on 28 July 1816. At first there were only 60 'inmates', but by 1836 the asylum had been extended and could accommodate 406 patients. A report in 1841 identified the causes of insanity for those admitted, which included such things as: 'intoxication', 'epilepsy', 'disappointment in affection, trade or property' and 'hot climate'.

Memories of Lancaster, Royal Albert Asylum c1878

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. These memories are of Lancaster, Royal Albert Asylum c.1878

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

Proper name is the Royal Albert Hospital, not as we used to call the "looney bin". It is the second Asylum in Lancaster, the other being the Moor Hospital, or County Mental Institution. I worked in the kitchens here. A very spooky place full of gloomy atmosphere.