I wonder if anyone has any knowledge on police laws. I have someone admitted to the workhouse, stayed a few days and was transferred to Horton Asylum in 1913. He was apparently admitted to the workhouse under a police order Section 179. I guess that might have been either a police order or a section under the mental health act. I would just like to get an idea on why he was admitted. Any thoughts? Thank you Elizabeth
The Mental Health Act did not come into being until 1959, so I suspect that it was under a Police order.
Thank you Daft Bat That must mean that I should be able to find out! I wonder if there are any police archives where someone might know.
You can see what offence it was here:- (page 18, or page 22/365) https://www.icj.org/wp-content/uplo...riminal-Code-Act-Compilation-Act-1913-eng.pdf
If it was in London you may be able to view the Lunacy Reception Order which may (or may not) give further information. Many of them are online but not indexed or transcribed, so if you can tell us his name, which workhouse, and the relevant dates then I can try & look for it for you.
I think it was one set of laws specifically legislated by the United Kingdom for the whole of the Commonwealth. It would appear that Western Australia expressly applied these rules which applied to the whole of the Commonwealth of the United Kingdom. But then again they may have followed the rules but did they have them in the same order as the U.K. In other words, it could be totally right or totally wrong (I confuse myself on a regular basis )
I have no idea. But the above, sections 179 and 180 were deleted and amended, referred back to section 70 which has something to do with trespass, amended again, so I can only gather that with all the amendments and deletions you would have to get hold of the original 1913 code to work it all out..
Thanks very much Chimp. I can't find Section 179 and also would Australian law be the same? I'm learning lots of other things along the way (hopefully).
If you really want to see section 179 Elizabeth, click on Chimps link then when it opens- key 'contol' 'f' to see a blank rectangle appear then key in 179 & those pages will show what it refers to.
Thank you Andromedia His name is Ernest Archibold Lambert born 1883 in Newington. I have picked up a couple of very short admissions and discharges to and from the work house in 1913. Police Order 11 Jan 1913 admitted to St George’s Workhouse. Discharged same day. 30 Jan 1913 admitted to Newington Workhouse. Discharged same day to St Georges. Police Order 3 Feb 1913 admitted to St Georges Workhouse, Mint Street. Discharged to Horton Asylum 6 Feb 1913. Died 1914 Whatever the 'Police Order' is it cant be too serious as he was let to go home on the same day. With thanks Elizabeth
Only a guess, but I wonder about Drunk and Disorderly. When he sobered up he went home..................... ?
Unfortunately the full Lunacy examinations only seem to be online up to 1910 (correction - 1911), but there is a summary book which says he was suffering delusions respecting money: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS1B-VT79?cat=289304
Thank you. This is fascinating Andromeda, that summary book will be useful to me. I still have a problem when the records aren't indexed. I am still not quite ready to go to the London Metropolitan Archives where I might get to see some case notes for Horton Asylum. Thank you again.
Andromeda I hesitate to ask this because I know you have tried to explain it before and much I have worked out and find very helpful but I struggle with using Family Search. Is it possible for you to explain how you find these records. I have gone to Search then Catalogue then get stumped. For me it was worth going through the Lunacy summary book and noting the places, dates and image numbers in subdivisions, so when I need them next it will be easier. However what to put in other searches? I am not even sure what records they have? Are there any tips you could give me. Many many thanks Elizabeth
Hi Elma I think it was how to find the lunacy records on Ancestry I explained before, but sometimes their film descriptions are wrong so although Familysearch don't have as many films, I generally check there too. The simplest starting point is to use the catalogue and type in the place - in this case Southwark - and then open up the section for Poorhouses, Poorlaw etc. This will give you a list of records, although you may need to open up the 'Board of Guardian Records' to find things like the lunacy examinations. EDIT: or you may find it easier to type Board Of Guardians in the AUTHOR section of the catalogue:
Thank you I have worked out Ancestry as you explained and I am very pleased with that. I use that regularly now. It was really Family Search I couldn't get my head around now I will persevere. You have been a great help to me. With many thanks Elizabeth
One last question Andromedia and then I'll go away I promise. I am doing well practising what you have said. I can see the Lunacy Registers no problem but what does the 'Lunacy Examinations' come under.
They can be called a few things, but generally its a Reception Order. There aren't many of those on Familysearch though, but it's always worth looking for anything with the word Lunatic or Lunacy.