Lot 135 - Grouping Of Antique 1919-1920 Letters Regarding The Institutionalization Of Miss Sarah Abbey, A Civil Patient Displaced By World War I Military Use Of Northampton County Asylum, Berry Wood, Bootham Park York, England

A grouping of typewritten letters dated between August 1919 and May 1920, all relating to the case of Miss Sarah A. Abbey, a patient at mental institutions in England. All letters are addressed to Messrs Hearn & Hearn, Solicitors, Buckingham, who acted on behalf of the patient. The correspondence documents the administrative and financial difficulties surrounding Miss Abbey's institutional care during and after World War I, when her asylum was requisitioned for use by the military to treat sick and wounded soldiers.

Two letters originate from Bootham Park, York. The earliest, dated 23rd August 1919, acknowledges receipt of a cheque for £16 and raises concern that Miss Abbey's maintenance rate falls far below the average weekly cost of £3 per patient due to increased post-war costs. The letter states that Miss Abbey had been transferred from Northampton County Asylum, which was being taken over by the military, and that reduced rates were reserved for natives of York and Yorkshire. A follow-up dated 2nd October 1919 presses for a reply regarding the rate of board and states it is impossible for her to remain at the present rate, as she is not a native of York or Yorkshire.

Five letters originate from the County Mental Hospital, Berry Wood, Northampton. A letter dated 8th October 1919, signed by W. Harding, Medical Superintendent, states the hospital is preparing to receive back its civil patients, including Miss Abbey, who had been transferred to Bootham Park to make room for sick and wounded soldiers, and that maintenance costs would increase. Letters from the hospital clerk, J. A. Robinson, dated 16th December 1919 and 20th May 1920, request payment of £13.10.0d and £27.6.0d respectively for Miss Abbey's board and lodging. A letter from W. Harding dated 7th January 1920 states that Miss Abbey's income of £40 per annum is insufficient to cover the current charge for pauper patients and that she cannot remain as a private patient. A further letter dated 15th January 1920 reiterates that £40 per annum is considerably below what is received for pauper patients, requests a cheque for £13.10.0d due 31st December, inquires about the Union to which she would become chargeable if transferred to the pauper class, gives her address from the original Reception Order as Middle Claydon, Winslow, Buckinghamshire, and notes that the current charge at Bucks County Asylum for pauper patients is 25/1 per week.

One letter, marked "Copy," is from the Office of Master in Lunacy, Royal Courts of Justice, London, dated 25th February 1920, signed by Alfred M. Butler. It states that Miss Abbey should not be removed without the consent of the Master and that, considering the patient's advanced age, maintenance could likely be raised from her capital and income to sustain her at Berrywood Mental Hospital. It directs that a Summons should be taken before the Master to raise the amount required for maintenance, and asks why income tax has not been recovered for the last three years. The letters show fold lines, light toning, and minor soiling throughout.