The Bath Idiot and Imbecile Institution.

Abstract

The Bath Institution for Idiot Children and those of Weak Intellect was founded in 1846 by Miss Charlotte White, and opened in April 1846 in two rooms with a resident matron and three pupils. It was unique amongst the Idiot Asylums in being managed by women. In time it became similar to any small private idiot home but the Commissioners in Lunacy forced its reform, without registering it as an idiot asylum. It was taken over by the Bath Municipal Charity Trustees. It eventually became an endowed school, licensed by the Board of Control. This paper describes its history and its eventual control by the Lunacy Commission.