Glenside History

The environment at Glenside Hospital was considered to be one of the top priorities from its inception as Bristol Lunatic Asylum in 1861. The choice of architectural style and interior design which included many decorative and ornamental features was carefully curated.

Each ward had a dormitory with single beds made up for each patient with linen, blankets, and a pillow. Many patients came from poorer backgrounds and may never have had a bed of their own, or had perhaps shared sleeping quarters with relatives. Read this post to explore the role that sleep played at the hospital.

How would you feel if you were confined to a hospital ward with nothing to occupy your time, and little or no chance to leave? Placing ourselves in the position of patients within a mental health institution, it becomes clear that purposeful daily activity could play an important role in easing some aspects of their suffering. Read this post to find out how the hospital achieved this.