Genealogy Chat

Thanks everyone who gave me information. I have found that Glos. Records Office keep records of this Asylum, which I can view. The 100 year privacy rule applies, and the records are in volumes, so if there's anything you shouldn't see in the relevant volume, you've had it.

Peter, Thanks for that tip - will bear that in mind.

I've sent you an email with a website to look at. Helen

A distant relative of mine died in an Asylum in 1918. By a stoke of luck I found out through a Google search that the records were kept in the County Record office, and I was allowed to see them on proof of my relationship to her. They did not make pleasant reading, so if you do get a chance to see those relating to your relly, be prepared. Peter

This fascinating - didn't know the records were still available - I have one in Leicester and Rutland in 1881, and one who died in Salisbury either late 1800's or early 1900's - will have to follow them up - would be interesting to find out why they were in there!!

it must be different in england i found a rellie in scotland but was told that medical records were destroyed after the person had been dead for 5 years the asylum she was in was destroyed so only records of the actuall place was held in the local library but no info on my rellie

Hi My great grandfather's brother "poor Eugene" died in an Asylum in 1905. I wrote to the Health Authority that currently has possession of the building and the Chief Forensic Medical Officer (er - or something like that) replied and confirmed that he was there and a very general explanation of what had caused his confinement - however I was told that the records were subject to 100 year closure and that I should reapply when the 100 years was up. Good luck. I hope you get further than I have so far. Ann

I too have found an ancestor was in Darenth Lunatic Asylum and there is a thread on this board somewhere about it. I was told that the records are at the Guildhall in London but whether this would apply to your person I don't know. I have emailed them and received an email back yesterday just saying that they would look into it and get back to me. I suggest you see if the relevant local council website has a history section and email them.... I have certainly seen things in magazines where people have found their relatives medical records so I'm sure it is possible! Good luck! Helen

Does anyone have any experience of finding out about the records of local asylums in 1900? I have just found a rely who was in the Horton Road Glos. Lunatic Asylum in 1901 census, but I should like to be sure that he is absolutely the right person. Are old asylum records available? Not one of my happier discoveries!