Gloucester Asylum: Private, Charitable and Pauper Patients

Abstract

The Asylum at Gloucester is unusual, having been founded for private, charitable and pauper patients. Initially, music was abundant but largely restricted to the higher class patients. Under the reforming Superintendent William Hitch new initiatives included a Mainzerian singing class in 1842. Entertainments were expanded during the middle of the century, and music became more central to treatment via the formation of a band and choir. With a preference for musical ability among new attendants, all staff were tasked to assist in entertainment for the patients, and music flourished. Towards the end of the century music was increasingly outsourced to external performers. Throughout, music was closely integrated into the asylum’s work and connected with the aims and practice of moral management.