Lost case book from Epsom's Manor Hospital found in Kingston attic

Surrey History Centre is thrilled to have finally recovered a long-lost medical case book from The Manor Hospital in Epsom, filling an important gap in it's archives after 30 years of searching. This remarkable volume, spanning May 1900 to July 1901, records the medical histories of 250 women, complete with their personal details and poignant photographic portraits. These entries are invaluable for family and social historians, offering an intimate look into the lives of women living with mental illness in one of the five vast psychiatric hospitals established near Epsom by the London County Council in the early 1900s.

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Reality TV star Gemma Collins with Historian and Author Kirstie Arnould at The Horton during filming for BBC series Who Do You Think You Are.

Who Do You Think You Are?

The Manor Hospital closed in 1995, and while many records were rescued by Julian Pooley, Public Services & Engagement Manager, this particular case book was missing—until now. Discovered by a couple in their attic in Kingston, its significance was realised after watching a recent episode of 'Who Do You Think You Are?', where Gemma Collins uncovered her family's mental health history with the help of Surrey History Centre and The Horton, Epsom. Having read the case histories and been fascinated by the patient photographs, they got in touch with Surrey History Centre and were delighted to find that it filled such an important gap in the surviving records. Now preserved in the History Centre's strong rooms, it can be made publicly available for research and a range of community engagement projects.

This case book offers more than just medical notes—it provides a moving connection to women whose lives were largely forgotten. From their family backgrounds to the nature of their conditions, these records give us a deeper understanding of Victorian-era mental health practices and societal attitudes. What makes this volume even more special are the patient photographs carefully fixed to its fragile pages, creating a vivid visual connection to the past.

Denise Turner-Stewart, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer and Communities said, "Stories like this remind us just what a wonderful resource we have within our History Centre, based in Woking. Our Engagement Manager, Julian, had rescued records himself from The Manor Hospital and that one book was outstanding in the series. To have it found and brought into the Centre, on the back of a BBC TV show that the team assisted with, is quite astonishing. It allows the team to continue their work into tracing the history of those individuals and ultimately creating a richer picture of Surrey's past.

"If you haven't visited Surrey History Centre yet, please do. You will find expert support and captivating items that bring our local history to life. There's so much to explore and discover for everyone! The History Centre is conveniently located in Woking and fully accessible, offering a wealth of resources, and fascinating items for all to enjoy. It's a fantastic place to delve into your own family history and uncover stories from the past."

This discovery has rekindled hope that more missing records from Surrey's former mental hospitals may yet surface.

Surrey History Centre on the BBC

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