Barnwood House: Music in the Small Asylum

Abstract

The private and charitable institution at Barnwood House near Gloucester was established following the separation of private and pauper establishments in the 1850s. Like other private asylums, it encouraged a family atmosphere, although elements of the pauper asylums were also adopted. Initially, the institution was small and short of funds so recreational facilities were very restricted. However, records together with extant patient testimony from 1888 show that this gradually improved, and musical concerts were a regular feature from the 1880s. The asylum remained on a relatively small scale and continued its reliance on patients, friends and local supporters for entertainment.