Beechworth Asylum

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Beechworth Asylum

Beechworth Asylum, also known as Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum, is a decommissioned psychiatric hospital located in Beechworth, a town of Victoria, Australia. Pronounced as /ˈbiːtʃwɜːrθ əˈsaɪləm/, the term "Beechworth Asylum" is derived from the name of the town "Beechworth" and the English word "asylum", which has its roots in the Greek word "asylos" meaning "refuge".

History

Beechworth Asylum was one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria. It was established in 1867 and operated until 1995. The hospital was built on a sprawling 106 hectares of land and at its peak, it housed over 1200 patients. The asylum was known for its use of moral therapy, a form of treatment that emphasized the importance of a healthy environment and meaningful work for the patients.

Architecture

The architecture of Beechworth Asylum is a fine example of Victorian architecture, characterized by its large, imposing structures and intricate details. The main building was constructed using locally sourced granite and featured a unique layout designed to maximize natural light and ventilation.

Notable Patients

Over its 128 years of operation, Beechworth Asylum housed many notable patients. These include J.K. Rowling, who was admitted in 1888 and Ned Kelly, the infamous Australian bushranger, who was reportedly a patient in the late 1870s.

Current Status

Today, the Beechworth Asylum site has been repurposed and is now home to La Trobe University's Beechworth campus. The site also hosts ghost tours and other events, attracting visitors from around the world.

See Also

References

External Links

External links

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