Our history
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust dates back to the foundation of Bethlem Royal Hospital in 1247, the oldest psychiatric institution in the world.
Our Archives and Museum houses art and historical collections related to both the Bethlem Royal Hospital and Maudsley Hospital from 1247 onwards.
The collections include the archives of both hospitals, paintings and drawings by Richard Dadd and Louis Wain, the statues of 'Raving and Melancholy Madness' from the gates of 17th century Bethlem as well as many other documents and artefacts of historic and artistic significance. To find out more visit the Archives and Museum website.
You can explore our history in this section by choosing a period on the left hand side menu.
