Celebrating 40 Years of Glenside Hospital Museum
James Cowles Prichard of the Red Lodge by Margaret M. Crump
HRH The Princess Royal meeting volunteers, trustees and supporters during the visit
Glenside Hospital Museum Welcomes HRH The Princess Royal for a Special 40th Anniversary Celebration
On 6th February 2025, Glenside Hospital Museum had the honour of welcoming HRH The Princess Royal to mark an extraordinary milestone—40 years of preserving and educating the public on the history of mental healthcare.
Her Royal Highness’ visit was a momentous occasion, celebrating the museum’s achievements and its continued role in challenging mental health stigma, educating communities, and engaging visitors through immersive exhibits. This visit also served as a powerful reminder of Glenside’s legacy in pioneering mental health care and rehabilitation, themes that are now being carried forward in the museum’s exciting new initiative funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund
—PoW! (Protect Our Wellbeing).
A Royal Tour of Glenside Hospital Museum
On arrival, HRH The Princess Royal was received by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol, Mrs Peaches Golding OBE, the High Sheriff Richard Pendlebury MBE, Lord Mayor of Bristol Andrew Varney, and Museum Chair Anwyl Cooper-Willis.
She was given an extensive tour, engaging with exhibits that highlight the three main stories of Glenside Hospital;
- The history and development of Glenside Hospital as a psychiatric institution from 1861 until its closure in 1994.
- The transformation of Glenside into Beaufort War Hospital (1915–1919), where nearly 30,000 wounded soldiers were treated during World War I.
- The connection with Stoke Park Colony, a pioneering institution for people with learning disabilities.
HRH viewing the collection with Consultant Director Stella Man
Volunteer Po Tin Wong with her exhibition, and the celebration cake which HRH kindly cut as part of the visit.
Marking the Occasion
A highlight of the tour was the special exhibition featuring Her Royal Highness’ past visits, curated by volunteer Po Tin Wong, bringing together historical photographs, artefacts, and personal accounts of the impact of these visits on mental healthcare in Bristol.
As part of the celebration, HRH The Princess Royal was invited to cut the official 40th Anniversary Cake. She was also presented with a copy of a book written by Dr Donal M. Early, the museum’s founder, who dedicated his career to improving psychiatric care.
Princess Royal's visit to Glenside was followed by a visit to Southmead Hospital, where she personally thanked the medical team who treated her following her accident in June 2024. Both these visits highlight the importance of compassionate healthcare.
A Royal Connection Through the Years
Did you know this isn’t Her Royal Highness’ first visit to Glenside? The Princess Royal has a long-standing connection with Glenside Hospital, having previously visited in 1969, one of her earliest public engagements, and again in 1988, and also in 2000.
These visits included tours of pioneering mental healthcare services in Bristol, such as the Industrial Therapy Organisation and the newly opened secure unit, Fromeside Clinic, at Glenside Hospital.
HRH The Princess Royal opening the Industrial Therapy Organisation (ITO) workshops at Lydstep Terrace, Dean Lane, BS3 1DR on 29th October 1969
Looking Ahead: Protecting Our Wellbeing
Glenside Hospital Museum is not just about preserving history — it’s about shaping the future.
Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, 2025 will see the launch of the PoW! (Protect Our Wellbeing) initiative.
PoW! is an innovative initiative designed to empower individuals to explore and enhance their mental health and overall wellbeing by engaging with Glenside Hospital Museum’s unique heritage.
This exciting project promises even more community involvement, engaging activities for visitors and a strengthened foundation to ensure the museum continues to thrive for future generations. Watch this space for exciting activities and events during 2025.
