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Learning Disability Early history in Bath
Institutional care for 'idiots' has occurred in Bath for a long time - indeed it can probably claim to have the oldest institution for the care of 'idiot's in the country. This is the Magdalen Hospital. The Magdalen was
originally a Leper Hospital, which can trace itself to a donation of about 1095.
Bath had a reputation for curing Leprosy. However the Leper Hospital fell into
disrepair by the 1400's and was rebuilt by Prior Cantlow after Papal permission
was granted in 1486, making the Magdalen Chapel Bath's oldest church building.
It was initially intended to be reused as a almshouse, but was given just prior
to the Dissolution to a new master, who moved into the main house, and when
required to admit paupers did so in a small house next door (on the right of the
chapel above). The master charged an admission fee but then gave free care for
life and and by the 1600's it appears to have become a hospital for 'innocents'
or 'Idiots'.
The Bath Idiot and Imbecile InstitutionWas created by Miss Charlotte White (right) and her sister Harriett at 5 Walcott Parade in Bath in April 1846. It was mainly funded and managed by a small group of women as a residential school for idiot and imbecile children, and as such predates all other similar enterprises in the UK, such as Earlswood. It grew to about 30 but effectively became a small private home. Three of its later matrons set up their own small homes.
The Bath Idiot and Imbecile Institution merged with the Magdalen in 1887 to create the Magdalen Hospital School, later known as Rockhall School. This became part of the NHS and closed in 1980. it is now residential housing. The Magdalen Hospital Education Charity still exists as a charity run by the Bath Municipal Charity Trustees and funds special education in the area.
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