On 8 August 2025, ten members from Lee Green WI had a fabulous visit to the Bethlem Museum of the Mind at Beckenham. Whilst the Museum is free and open to visitors, we had the bonus of an interesting and informative introduction by the Director, Colin Gale who shared the history of the hospital. Colin explained how it was founded in 1247 and was the first institution in the UK to specialise in the care of the mentally ill. The hospital continues to provide in-patient care as part of the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and has been based in south London since 1930. The Museum is situated within the hospital grounds, in a stunning Art Deco building shared with the Bethlem Gallery. The museum cares for an internationally renowned collection of archives, art and historic objects, which together offer an unparalleled resource to support the history of mental healthcare and treatment. Colin promised that the museum exhibits would inspire conversation and he was right. We all learnt a lot and enjoyed seeing the art collection.
The museum and grounds gave us a feeling of calmness which was a great backdrop to the thought provoking exhibits. The grounds are peaceful and beautiful and we have heard that history tours of the site are available. The Committee will look to arrange a site history tour at a future date.
“Jane, thanks for organising such a lovely trip with lovely people. I learnt lots today and had a very big lunch!”
“Very interesting – well worth a visit.”