Genealogy Chat

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My Gran's Uncle committed suicide in 1923. I've obtained a copy of his inquest from East Sussex Record Office and it mentions that he was a patient in Hellingly Asylum for several months in 1916. Apparently at that time he become childish in his manner and speaking. With no mention of imbecile etc on census returns I was interested to know the circumstances behind his mental illness. After having to apply to the local health authority for access, I've today received a letter refusing me access to these records. They have made a decision to not allow access to closed medical records unless there is a genetic family reason for disclosure. Oh well back to the drawing board! The question remains - can I wait patiently for the next 10 years!! Seems a silly rule to me. I can prove he's dead. If they don't want me to see them, then I really don't mind paying them and they can just copy his record only, so I don't take a sneaky peak at any of the others! Has anyone else fallen foul of this silly ruling?

This sounds like the ruling over the 1911 census. If so, then try mentioning the Freedom of Information Act. It might move them Jim

I got 1939 'lunatic asylum' records no problem - different area though. Jen x

Thank you Jim & Jen - I've got a number for the health authority, so I think that I'll give them a call. I don't think I can wait another 10 years!! Rachelxx

It seems very unfair that the rules vary from place to place. My g-granny was in Springfield Asylum in Wandsworth for 22 years (1920-1942). The local health authority gave me permission to see her records, though they had to be copied by the LMA and sent to me, as obviously I wouldn't be allowed to see the records of other patients in the same ledger. She was admitted because she had been in a ''domestic'', and had received a black eye (possible from her neighbour). There doesn't seem to have been anythng else wrong. Very sad. Merry

Rachel, do you know where the records for Hellingly are held? I was just wondering if you could check with the holders of the records as to whether it's normal for the local Health Authority to deny access? Also, I wondered if the HA hold the records themselves.......they might be just saving themselves a job by refusing you! Merry

I had an email yesterday telling me the same thing. My relative died in 1916, His wife died in the 1960s and all his children are dead too. I have written to explain that my father and I need to know about his condition as it could relate to a condition we both have. Will post the letter today.

Jane I would be very interested to know how you get on with your request.I'm in a similar situation. Cheers and good luck Lyndsey

Thank you for your replies Merry & Jane. The records for Hellingly are held at East Sussex Records Office in Lewes. All of the records they hold on the hospital are listed on the A2A website. My Mum & me are off to the records office next week, so last week I was sorting out what records I wanted to see and emailing them to let them know. It was at this point that they told me that I needed the Health Authority's permission to view the records, so they sent me a form on which I had to say why I wanted to have access etc. I thought that they could just copy his record for me, just like they did for your ancestor Merry. I really didn't expect them to give me free access to them, but to deny totally does seem a bit heavy handed. I'll have to give them a call to see if they will change their mind!! Rachelxx

Yep !! its such a pain cos we dont want to look at other records just our relations. My FIL was in a childrens home on the early 1900,s cos his Mum died and his dad couldnt look after him. Have established it was a Birmingham Council home and they wont look at his records ,quote the 100 year rule & it starts from when the LAST inmate was there & when the home closed. Absolutely nonsense cos Barnados will look for you whatever the date. Its a big brickwall cos altho I have searched his Mums line I cant find his dads line altho I know his name ,and, dad had an elder sister who we cant find birth record of because we think she is registered in another christian from whichshe was known. Shirley

Rachel I too have been denied access because of the 100 year ruling.. I have a Birth that has taken place in the Workhouse.. in 1913 and for all I have the Child's name and I have the Birth date and baptism for this Child.. they will not allow me to know why she the mother was admitted there.. Mo