Broadmoor Inmates: True Crime Tales of Life and Death in the Asylum

Inmates of Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum, who were pronounced criminally insane and confined for their protection, are the subjects of the book. It explores their lives and crimes, including wife murderers, serial arsonists, counterfeiter, and those who took exception to Queen Victoria's accession. The book is richly illustrated and provides insight into the treatment and circumstances of the inmates.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Broadmoor Inmates: True Crime Tales of Life and Death in the Asylum is a captivating exploration of the lives and deaths of individuals who found themselves confined within the Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum. These individuals, each having committed a crime that resulted in their being deemed criminally insane, were subjected to confinement and containment for their own protection as well as the safety of the public. While modern-day staff possess a diverse array of therapeutic tools at their disposal, historically, the sole treatment provided to patients was a combination of work, leisure activities, and ample access to fresh air. Within the pages of this book, the reader is introduced to a diverse range of characters, each with their own unique story of madness and tragedy. Among them are wife murderers James Potter and Peter Whittle, who were driven to commit heinous acts by their own internal demons. Other notable figures include Henry Dommett, James Senior, and Mary Ann Parr, who tragically took the lives of their own children, driven by their own personal struggles. Additionally, the book features Christiana Edmunds, who poisoned several people in Brighton to deflect suspicion from herself after attempting to murder her love rival. Other vignettes include serial arsonist John Green, counterfeiter Emma Jackson, and James Stevenson and Roderick Edward McClean, who were driven by political motives to commit acts of violence. Daniel McNaughten's paranoid delusions about Tory spies led him to commit a murder in 1843, mistakenly believing his victim to be Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel. McNaughten's extreme behavior resulted in a new standard being set for the legal definition of insanity, further highlighting the complexities of mental illness. Throughout the book, numerous illustrations provide a visual representation of the lives and experiences of the individuals who resided in Broadmoor. These images not only enhance the narrative but also offer a deeper insight into the harsh realities of life within the asylum. Broadmoor Inmates: True Crime Tales of Life and Death in the Asylum is a must-read for those with a fascination for true crime and the human psyche. It sheds light on the darker side of history, reminding us of the complexities and tragedies that can arise when individuals are pushed to the edge by their own mental demons.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399048903