The overall running of the asylum was overseen

by the Medical Superintendent. The asylum had

only 3 Medical Superintendents in its first 75

years, each giving at least two decades of loyal

service: Mr J Holland, Mr H Rooke Ley (who was

fundamental to introducing reforms) and Mr

Frank Perceval.

Recruitment was a continual problem and

attracting and retaining the most suitable

staff was difficult. Not everyone was suited to

this unusual mixture of nursing, supervision

and security which required kindness and

compassion. Any violence, cruelty or rough

handling of patients was a cause for dismissal,

as was any drunkenness, immoral behaviour

or disobedience. Employees were required to

sign an Obligation, which was effectively their

employment contract, setting out the conditions

of behaviour required. Many staff appointed as

attendants left after a short time, finding the

work difficult and physically strenuous at times.

The Great War (1914 – 1918) took its toll on

the smooth running of the asylum and on the

welfare of patients, with many attendants joining

the armed services, reducing staffing levels.

Enforced reductions in daily food portions,

in conjunction with overcrowding, confined

conditions and reduced therapeutic activities

resulted in a greater annual number of patient

deaths. An assistant medical officer, Montague

Lomax, who worked at the asylum during 1917

and 1918, wrote a damning account describing

inappropriate confinement of patients, poor

clothing and food, neglect, cruelty and inadequate

medical treatment due to the lack of trained staff.

His book was published in 1921 and provoked an

outcry. A public inquiry found that, whilst many

of Dr Lomax’s accusations were unfounded or

overstated, some were upheld especially those

relating to the lack of trained nursing staff, poor

diet and clothing. Their recommendations led

eventually to the Royal Commission on Mental

Disorders and subsequently the Mental Treatment

Act of 1930.