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Bedlam - the history of the world's oldest psychiatric 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
Category:
History
Updated:
20th July 2026

From the barbaric 'exorcisms' of the medieval age to the Tudor belief of the roast mouse, eaten whole, to the enlightened zeal of the reformers in the eighteenth century, to the development of the Victorian asylums - this talk opens the doors of Bethlehem Hospital and gives us a glance at what was inside.

Views: 145 | Enquiries: 1

About 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.


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