ABSTRACT
St Luke’s Hospital, London, was founded in 1751, the Manchester Lunatic Hospital in 1763, and the York Retreat in 1792. This hospital, which was to become in many respects a rival to Bethlem, was founded by public subscription in 1751. St Luke’s may claim to have been the first teaching hospital in this field of medicine, and quickly developed into an institution rivalling Bethlem in everything but age. The Lunatic Hospital at Manchester formed part of that city’s comprehensive scheme for the treatment of mental and bodily illness in patients of means. The parent body was the Infirmary, founded in 1752, and attached to it when completed were the Lunatic Hospital, the Lying-In Hospital, the Eye Hospital and the Lock Hospital, occupying contiguous sites. The Retreat was founded in 1792 by the Society of Friends. The Retreat was built to accommodate thirty patients, who were to be either members of the Society of Friends, or recommended by members.
