The History of Essex Lunatic Asylum [Warley Hospital]
Dr Rachael Bailey-Gibson SpeakerNet Sponsor
- Regions:
- Essex, London, Hertfordshire
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Historian, History
- Fee:
- Paid: £50 including travel
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 7th October 2026
- Tagged:
- Asylum | History | Mental Health | Victorian
This talk explores the fascinating history of the Essex Lunatic Asylum, which opened in 1853 and was renamed Brentwood Mental Hospital at the beginning of the 20th century, subsequently changing to Warley Hospital. My talk focuses on the nineteenth century, examining the psychiatrists and patients, treatments (many of which were extraordinary), and living conditions. Some harrowing case studies of real patients will be explored. It also focuses on one of the first female psychiatrists to practice in the country and the challenges that she faced in a male-dominated environment.
Views: 302 | Enquiries: 0About Dr Rachael Bailey-Gibson
I was born in Brentwood, Essex, and have had a lifelong interest in nineteenth-century history. I have spoken at universities, public record offices, local history clubs, Women's Institutes, professional working men's organisations, and U3A's. I speak in Essex, London and the surrounding areas.
In 2023, I received the prestigious Future 100 Centenary Scholarship from the University of Leicester, where I worked within their globally renowned Victorian Studies Centre. My talks centre on Victorianism, from lunatic asylums and workhouses to how Victorians celebrated Easter and Christmas. All my talks are informative, lively, and entertaining. I bring my own equipment and can speak at short notice.
My talks last fifty minutes but can be easily tailored to fit your schedule. I always use a PowerPoint presentation with lots of images. I include entertaining activities, real case studies, and links to more information about the different topics. I also leave time for a question-and-answer session at the end.
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Dr Rachael Bailey-Gibson
- From Bedlam to Bipolar: Changing Attitudes Towards Mental Health
- Theatre and Entertainment in the Pauper Lunatic Asylum
- Dr de Steiger - the first English female psychiatrist
- A Victorian Easter
- The Story of the Tay Bridge Disaster
- Bedlam - the history of the world's oldest psychiatric hospital
- A Victorian Christmas
- Queen Victoria's Pets
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