Name: Discovering Bethlem
Start: 2025-02-20T13:00:00+00:00
End: 2025-02-20T16:00:00+00:00
Location: Monks Orchard Road,Beckenham,BR3 3BX,GB

Take a trip to find out about what became of Bedlam and how we are a touch more enlightened now with artwork to show for it
Make your way to the cafeteria at Bethlem Museum of the Mind to meet for a chill and chat before going to the museum and Bethlem Gallery and then exploring the grounds around Bethlem Royal Hospital looking at the imaginatively decorated Occupational Therapy building and strolling through the park.
As you enter the grounds the main building faces you. The cafeteria is to the right past the chapel.
Ponder over the fate of people stigmatised because of mental problems over the past centuries and the way their treatment has evolved. Admire the works of the talented patients, some of them famous, like Richard Dadd or Louis Wain. A current exhibition features paintings by Charlotte Johnson-Wahl, Boris Johnson's mother, who was a patient here in 1974.
See if the #Ealing institution: St Bernard Hospital otherwise known as #Hanwell Asylum and its progressive director, Dr John Conolly (and his methods) get a mention at the museum.
Learn about an early 19th-century visit to #Bedlam paid along with other 'tourists' by a Polish diarist, Krystyn Lach-Szyrma . He accompanied two young Polish princes on a journey to Edinburgh where the boys were to study. They visited many places including London on the way.
Much else to be discovered.
This is a paid event - £14 via Eventbrite or £15 cash on the day. The museum and exhibitions are free to enter.
A few more things:
Ours are not the usual regular walks or guided tours.The fee helps us with the research and preparation, recces and arrangements needed to make it a unique experience shaped on the day by sights seen, places visited, people encountered and especially, by all the participants and what they share with us. Apart from learning about the area, we learn about and from one another. Then we go away enriched by a unique experience and maybe having made new friends.
After the walk, you can, if you want to, keep in touch with others through our social media group . We share pictures, memories and knowledge if we wish to. And if you haven't followed us on Eventbrite , or given us a review , please do so, and tell your friends about us!
Pictures are taken during our walks and some of the walk may be recorded so please let us know if you do not want to be included. It's up to you. We like creating memories!
As it is a walking tour, please make sure you wear suitable footwear and clothing.
You take part in our events at your own risk although we take all the precautions to assess the route prior to the walks.
Please email us if you have any questions regarding the walk and check your mailbox before the walk.
Feel welcome to contact us to arrange a bespoke tour for your group.
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