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THE EETEEAT,
Heslington Eoad, was establislied 1796 for tlie use of tlie
insane members of the Society of Friends, and others in
profession with them. It stands in the midst of gardens
and pleasure grounds, on an elevated site commanding extensive
views. Since its foundation it has, on several occasions,
been enlarged, and now occupies twenty- eight acres of
land. The founders of this institution, amongst whom the
name of Samuel Tuke stands prominent, were sensible that
great abuses existed in many houses devoted to the treatment
of the insane, fear being at that time considered the great
principle by which these afflicted creatures were to be
governed. George Jepson, the first permanent superintendent,
doubting the wisdom of such a course, abandoned the
system of terror, and endeavoured during thirty years to
influence the patients through the kindly affection of the
heart, and that, too, with great success. This was the first
institution in the country in which the mild system of treatment
was adopted. The number of inmates at present is
about 150. Three-fourths of the income is derived from
payments by the patients, the remainder from annual subscriptions,
donations, legacies, and annuities.
Adjoining is the burial ground for the Society of Friends.
THE YOEK LUNATIC ASYLUM,
In Bootham, was erected by subscription, in 1777, for
the relief of the indigent poor suffering from mental
derangement, and was calculated to accommodate fiftyfour
patients, a limited number of the higher class being
subsequently admitted for the benefit of the institution.
The approach is through an avenue of lime trees nearly
a quarter of a mile in length. The front has a handsome
appearance, four pillars supporting a Doric pediment,
and on the roof is a cylindrical bell tower, surrounded
with small columns, and surmounted with cupola and vane.
The discipline for many years appears to have been of the
most rigorous kind; proper attention was not paid to the
comfort of the inmates, who were exposed to the most cruel
treatment at the hands of the keepers. In consequence of
the violent controversy caused by the publication of Samuel
Tuke's description of The Retreat, a strict investigation into