General report of the Royal Hospitals of Bridewell and Bethlem, and of the House of Occupations, for the year ending 31st December, 1844.

  • Bridewell Royal Hospital.
Date:
1845
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: General report of the Royal Hospitals of Bridewell and Bethlem, and of the House of Occupations, for the year ending 31st December, 1844. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    parents turns a boy into the streets, but keeps the girl at home, too often the scene of vice and misconduct, with the fearful addition of parental example; and: the baneful results are evinced by the inmates less in active misconduct on their admission, than in violent, obstinate, or unforgiving tempers. Mrs. Simpson, the Matron, applies herself most anxiously to remedy these defects ;. and any proof of self-control or forbearance finds a cordial and ready encouragement, without reference to the age or acquirements of the girl. Considerable tact is also evinced in her course when- ever one of the girls falls ill. If there is any other of the inmates who is on bad terms with her, that girl is appointed to be her nurse; the kindness of the sick room soon dissipates all quarrels, and the best understanding is restored. This is mentioned to show the intimate knowledge possessed of the habits and feelings of the girls, and the untiring exertions made for their moral improvement. INSTRUCTION. Great pains are bestowed upon the education of the inmates, with the view that their instruction, though of the plainest character, and suitable to the stations they will probably occupy in life, shall be soundly ingrafted on their minds. Above one hundred can read fluently, write with facility, and are tolerably well versed in the ordinary rules of arithmetic. Maps, such as are used in the national schools, have been provided, and geography is taught by means of them as a special reward for good conduct; and thus what might have been considered: irksome as a task, is deemed a privilege, and prized ac-- cordingly. An annual examination has been instituted,