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Broadmoor Women: Tales From Britain’s First Criminal Lunatic Asylum
Broadmoor, Britain’s first asylum for criminal lunatics, was founded in 1863. In the first years of its existence, one in five patients was female. Most had been tried for terrible crimes and sent to Broadmoor after being found not guilty by virtue of insanity. Many had murdered their own children, while others had killed husbands or other family members.
Drawing on Broadmoor’s rich archive, this book tells the story of seven of those women, ranging from a farmer’s daughter in her 20s who shot dead her own mother to a middle-class housewife who drowned her baby daughter. Their moving stories give a glimpse into what nineteenth-century life was like for ordinary women, often struggling with poverty, domestic abuse and repeated childbearing. For some, Broadmoor, with its regime of plain food, fresh air and garden walks, was a respite from the hardships of their previous life. Others were desperate to return to their families.
All but one of the women whose stories are recounted in this book recovered and were released. Their bout of insanity was temporary. Yet the causes of their condition were poorly understood and the treatment rudimentary. As well as providing an in-depth look at the lives of women in Victorian England, the book offers a fascinating insight into the medical profession’s emerging understanding of the causes and treatment of mental illness.
Drawing on Broadmoor’s rich archive, this book tells the story of seven of those women, ranging from a farmer’s daughter in her 20s who shot dead her own mother to a middle-class housewife who drowned her baby daughter. Their moving stories give a glimpse into what nineteenth-century life was like for ordinary women, often struggling with poverty, domestic abuse and repeated childbearing. For some, Broadmoor, with its regime of plain food, fresh air and garden walks, was a respite from the hardships of their previous life. Others were desperate to return to their families.
All but one of the women whose stories are recounted in this book recovered and were released. Their bout of insanity was temporary. Yet the causes of their condition were poorly understood and the treatment rudimentary. As well as providing an in-depth look at the lives of women in Victorian England, the book offers a fascinating insight into the medical profession’s emerging understanding of the causes and treatment of mental illness.
240 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 30, 2024
Rounded up from around 3.5 stars ⭐️
Broadmoor was the first asylum built in the UK to house the criminally insane. This book covers some of the rich and true history of Broadmoor and some of the women who were confined there in the 1800’s.
Broadmoor holds a particular fascination for me as an aspiring Forensic Psychologist, so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it. I found myself absolutely devouring the first chapter that focused more on the history of the institution and the views of mental health in Victorian England. I didn’t learn anything I haven’t already learnt through my studies, but I thoroughly enjoyed how this was written and how such sensitive topics were handled. In fact, the sensitivity of the author is shown throughout the book.
I loved learning more about the history of Broadmoor and the great kindness shown to the patients housed there. I had expected the gruesome horrors often linked to asylums but instead came away with a reflective sensation and lightness that I had not anticipated. My main critique for the book, and the only reason that I could not give it 5 stars, is that I felt the author focused too much on the extended family. I would end up losing focus and getting lost in a jumble of names that made no sense to me. As much as I praise the amount of research that went into this, it made it difficult to digest as a reader. I would have rather had less specific detail and more information about other women involved in Broadmoor. Overall, I’m very glad I read this book!
I would recommend this to fans of true-crime, historical non-fiction, or those interested in the history of mental health, as long as you don’t mind some excessive detail. I want to thank NetGalley, the publishers and Kim E. Thomas for sending me a copy of this book so I could give my personal thoughts.
Broadmoor was the first asylum built in the UK to house the criminally insane. This book covers some of the rich and true history of Broadmoor and some of the women who were confined there in the 1800’s.
Broadmoor holds a particular fascination for me as an aspiring Forensic Psychologist, so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it. I found myself absolutely devouring the first chapter that focused more on the history of the institution and the views of mental health in Victorian England. I didn’t learn anything I haven’t already learnt through my studies, but I thoroughly enjoyed how this was written and how such sensitive topics were handled. In fact, the sensitivity of the author is shown throughout the book.
I loved learning more about the history of Broadmoor and the great kindness shown to the patients housed there. I had expected the gruesome horrors often linked to asylums but instead came away with a reflective sensation and lightness that I had not anticipated. My main critique for the book, and the only reason that I could not give it 5 stars, is that I felt the author focused too much on the extended family. I would end up losing focus and getting lost in a jumble of names that made no sense to me. As much as I praise the amount of research that went into this, it made it difficult to digest as a reader. I would have rather had less specific detail and more information about other women involved in Broadmoor. Overall, I’m very glad I read this book!
I would recommend this to fans of true-crime, historical non-fiction, or those interested in the history of mental health, as long as you don’t mind some excessive detail. I want to thank NetGalley, the publishers and Kim E. Thomas for sending me a copy of this book so I could give my personal thoughts.
April 11, 2022
3.5 stars
Looking at the cover of Women of Broadmoor, one might think it's a book of horror about a mental institution that created memories of horrible living, beatings, and unsanitary conditions. That idea would be far from the truth as Broadmoor appeared to be a place of care and concern where women would find peace, and solace from the mental ailments they suffered from.
The women profiled in this book lived during the Victorian age and most came from poor backgrounds, not knowing how to read, and living a life of squalor and despair. However, what seemed to set these women apart was the fact that they killed someone, a child, a husband, a mother. What drove these women to such lengths is explored in the story and the author did extensive research into the thoughts of the time in regards to women.
Many felt the rigors of life, the toil of having one child after another with some of them not surviving infancy, the continual lactation of so many children, and oftentimes the brutality of their husbands drove these women to stages of insanity. Honestly, I was quite surprised that Victorian England seemed to be quite a compassionate place for women of this ilk.
Truly, for many, the life was ever so difficult. There was no birth control, no help from the government and no place for the women to turn to. Many had in upwards of six children and still were expected to continue the care of the home, the cooking, and their husband's attention becoming pregnant immediately after another child was born. They were worn down and many felt that their actions were because of what they faced daily that made them ultimately insane.
Many were sent to Broadmoor which was constructed in 1863 and initially had male patients, later joined by female patients. Broadmoor seemed to have a dedicated staff, a clean environment that was dedicated to making the women feel peaceful and the quietness and cleanliness was often a panacea for what these women had faced. Many of the women were eventually released and the author tries to follow up on them and their families as documentation allowed.
This was an interesting tale, but I would have liked to find out about the women who cared for others for they too, were women of Broadmoor. There was also much made about the family history and the children born to these women. I appreciate the author's research, but really thought we needed more on these women who went to such lengths that life had demanded they do.
Thank you to Kim E. James, Pen and Sword History and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book due out on April 30, 2022.
Looking at the cover of Women of Broadmoor, one might think it's a book of horror about a mental institution that created memories of horrible living, beatings, and unsanitary conditions. That idea would be far from the truth as Broadmoor appeared to be a place of care and concern where women would find peace, and solace from the mental ailments they suffered from.
The women profiled in this book lived during the Victorian age and most came from poor backgrounds, not knowing how to read, and living a life of squalor and despair. However, what seemed to set these women apart was the fact that they killed someone, a child, a husband, a mother. What drove these women to such lengths is explored in the story and the author did extensive research into the thoughts of the time in regards to women.
Many felt the rigors of life, the toil of having one child after another with some of them not surviving infancy, the continual lactation of so many children, and oftentimes the brutality of their husbands drove these women to stages of insanity. Honestly, I was quite surprised that Victorian England seemed to be quite a compassionate place for women of this ilk.
Truly, for many, the life was ever so difficult. There was no birth control, no help from the government and no place for the women to turn to. Many had in upwards of six children and still were expected to continue the care of the home, the cooking, and their husband's attention becoming pregnant immediately after another child was born. They were worn down and many felt that their actions were because of what they faced daily that made them ultimately insane.
Many were sent to Broadmoor which was constructed in 1863 and initially had male patients, later joined by female patients. Broadmoor seemed to have a dedicated staff, a clean environment that was dedicated to making the women feel peaceful and the quietness and cleanliness was often a panacea for what these women had faced. Many of the women were eventually released and the author tries to follow up on them and their families as documentation allowed.
This was an interesting tale, but I would have liked to find out about the women who cared for others for they too, were women of Broadmoor. There was also much made about the family history and the children born to these women. I appreciate the author's research, but really thought we needed more on these women who went to such lengths that life had demanded they do.
Thank you to Kim E. James, Pen and Sword History and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book due out on April 30, 2022.
April 2, 2022
Broadmoor, Brittan's first asylum for criminal lunatics was founded in 1863. In the first years of it's existence, one in five patients were female. Most had been tried for terrible crimes and sent to Broadmoor after being found not guilty by virtue of insanity. Many had murdered their own children, while others had killed husbands or other family members.
I do like a true crime book. This one gives us an insight in what it must have been like for people living with mental health issues and what they had to endure. You can tell the author has spent a lot of time researching the topic. The crimes were dreadful but intriguing.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PenAndSword and the author #KimThomas for my ARC of #BroadmoorWomen in exchange foe an honest review.
I do like a true crime book. This one gives us an insight in what it must have been like for people living with mental health issues and what they had to endure. You can tell the author has spent a lot of time researching the topic. The crimes were dreadful but intriguing.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PenAndSword and the author #KimThomas for my ARC of #BroadmoorWomen in exchange foe an honest review.
May 25, 2022
Most people have heard of Broadmoor. It was Britain’s first lunatic asylum, the imposing redbrick facade opening its doors in 1863. It was created to house those who had committed dreadful crimes but were declared insane at trial. Nowadays, Broadmoor is a male only hospital, however originally it housed both male and female patients. Many of the women incarcerated within the institutional walls had committed murder, quite often their own children, sadly a common crime back in Victorian times.
This book has selected seven of these women and investigated their lives. It’s not an in depth look at the history of Broadmoor, or what went on within the walls, instead it focuses on the actual people within - how they came to be there, what their childhoods were like, what crimes they committed and their future outside of Broadmoor.
What an incredibly detailed and well researched book this was. I’m fascinated by Victorian England and mental asylums always send a shiver of fear up my spine. So this was a wonderful opportunity to delve more into this unknown world. I came away with a mixture of emotions. The main one being sympathy for these women - as each women’s life is unpicked it becomes evident that the continuous theme is exhaustion. These women were all on their knees. In a time where all women seemed to do was give birth it becomes apparent that their lives were one long constant slog. These women on average would have 6-8 children. They would be constantly pregnant or recovering from birth, constantly looking after younger children, surviving on little sleep with no mod cons to assist in the running of the home - to be honest I’m surprised Broadmoor wasn’t bursting at the rafters with more of these women.
I loved hearing their stories and thinking of them and empathising with them. Just names in an institution for over a century but now they have been given a brief voice. Their lives were relentlessly tough and they were all driven to the brink. What I particularly found heart warming was that once inside Broadmoor, they actually got a rest. Increasingly modern values suggested they were treated with kindness and compassion within the walls - I found it somewhat amusing that despite the severity of their crimes (such as killing their child), that the husbands were still often begging for their wives’ release - no doubt because they quickly realised what a thankless task being a wife and mother was! In contrast I bet the women wanted to stay in Broadmoor for the rest of their days, who could blame them?!
Compelling and thought provoking in equal measure. I’ll be thinking of these women for a long time. And forever celebrating the marvel of the contraceptive pill!
Thank you Pen and Sword publishers for my review copy.
This book has selected seven of these women and investigated their lives. It’s not an in depth look at the history of Broadmoor, or what went on within the walls, instead it focuses on the actual people within - how they came to be there, what their childhoods were like, what crimes they committed and their future outside of Broadmoor.
What an incredibly detailed and well researched book this was. I’m fascinated by Victorian England and mental asylums always send a shiver of fear up my spine. So this was a wonderful opportunity to delve more into this unknown world. I came away with a mixture of emotions. The main one being sympathy for these women - as each women’s life is unpicked it becomes evident that the continuous theme is exhaustion. These women were all on their knees. In a time where all women seemed to do was give birth it becomes apparent that their lives were one long constant slog. These women on average would have 6-8 children. They would be constantly pregnant or recovering from birth, constantly looking after younger children, surviving on little sleep with no mod cons to assist in the running of the home - to be honest I’m surprised Broadmoor wasn’t bursting at the rafters with more of these women.
I loved hearing their stories and thinking of them and empathising with them. Just names in an institution for over a century but now they have been given a brief voice. Their lives were relentlessly tough and they were all driven to the brink. What I particularly found heart warming was that once inside Broadmoor, they actually got a rest. Increasingly modern values suggested they were treated with kindness and compassion within the walls - I found it somewhat amusing that despite the severity of their crimes (such as killing their child), that the husbands were still often begging for their wives’ release - no doubt because they quickly realised what a thankless task being a wife and mother was! In contrast I bet the women wanted to stay in Broadmoor for the rest of their days, who could blame them?!
Compelling and thought provoking in equal measure. I’ll be thinking of these women for a long time. And forever celebrating the marvel of the contraceptive pill!
Thank you Pen and Sword publishers for my review copy.
March 12, 2022
Erm... Where do I start... I REALLY don't know what to say.
Although extensive research has been done to compile this book, and some of the facts figures and information is quite interesting, I found myself quite bored early on in this book.
I don't like writing negative reviews but I feel like a lot of this book was waffle to fill the pages, and repeating of information gor a bit annoying.
Sorry.... Only 3* at a push, But thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this.
Although extensive research has been done to compile this book, and some of the facts figures and information is quite interesting, I found myself quite bored early on in this book.
I don't like writing negative reviews but I feel like a lot of this book was waffle to fill the pages, and repeating of information gor a bit annoying.
Sorry.... Only 3* at a push, But thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this.
April 1, 2022
I’ve read books about killers of both sexes who ended up in Broadmoor until they died. This is a detailed book on the lives of women who were sent to the infamous Broadmoor asylum during the Victorian era. There is quite a bit of backstory on the making of the asylum, the types of prisoners that were sent there, and the various heads of Broadmoor during these times. It tells the stories of seven women who were sent there and why. Not a whole lot was understood back then about mental illness, so there was much guesswork especially when it came to women. I started to drift when the book went into detail about the workings of a cotton mill, but thankfully it got back to the women’s stories. A good read for anyone wanting to know more about women in this asylum during this period. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book seemed like a college history report and it wasn't very well written. I felt it had a lot of direct quotes. But I can tell the author invested a lot of time and energy researching the Broadmoor Women she features in this book.
The history of mental health and asylums is fascinating to me so it wasn't a complete waste of time to read.
This book seemed like a college history report and it wasn't very well written. I felt it had a lot of direct quotes. But I can tell the author invested a lot of time and energy researching the Broadmoor Women she features in this book.
The history of mental health and asylums is fascinating to me so it wasn't a complete waste of time to read.
September 29, 2025
The author explores the life and times of seven Victorian women who were committed to Broadmoor. An interesting look at the factors that led them there and how society treated women and mental illness.
April 25, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Broadmoor Women is a succinctly written collection of short biographies of 7 residents of Broadmoor by Kim Thomas. Due out 30th June 2022 from Pen & Sword, it's 240 pages and will be available in paperback format.
This is a very well researched and meticulously annotated history of some of the women who were committed to the institution for the criminally insane in the middle to late Victorian era (1863 - 1896). It was interesting and more engaging to me because the author chose to concentrate on a more detailed history with a narrower focus (7 particular women) rather than a more general and less detail oriented survey of the hospital. The introduction does give a general overview of the classification and treatment of mental health and illness in those days as well as a short history of Broadmoor.
The biographies of the subjects are full of pathos and it's easy to feel compassion for the women who were often desperate and otherwise powerless.
The writing is accessible and flows well. It's academically competent, but not overwrought or intentionally obfuscated. The chapter notes and bibliography are well worth a perusal and will provide many hours of additional reading.
In many places, I found the reading difficult and sad. Nobody who was resident at Broadmoor had an easy time of it, and most of these women lived exceedingly difficult lives full of pain and sorrow. The author does a very good job of showing despite vastly different backgrounds, they all came for a time to the same place (over a 30 year period).
Four stars. Fascinating (if somewhat depressing) history.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Broadmoor Women is a succinctly written collection of short biographies of 7 residents of Broadmoor by Kim Thomas. Due out 30th June 2022 from Pen & Sword, it's 240 pages and will be available in paperback format.
This is a very well researched and meticulously annotated history of some of the women who were committed to the institution for the criminally insane in the middle to late Victorian era (1863 - 1896). It was interesting and more engaging to me because the author chose to concentrate on a more detailed history with a narrower focus (7 particular women) rather than a more general and less detail oriented survey of the hospital. The introduction does give a general overview of the classification and treatment of mental health and illness in those days as well as a short history of Broadmoor.
The biographies of the subjects are full of pathos and it's easy to feel compassion for the women who were often desperate and otherwise powerless.
The writing is accessible and flows well. It's academically competent, but not overwrought or intentionally obfuscated. The chapter notes and bibliography are well worth a perusal and will provide many hours of additional reading.
In many places, I found the reading difficult and sad. Nobody who was resident at Broadmoor had an easy time of it, and most of these women lived exceedingly difficult lives full of pain and sorrow. The author does a very good job of showing despite vastly different backgrounds, they all came for a time to the same place (over a 30 year period).
Four stars. Fascinating (if somewhat depressing) history.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
March 24, 2023
At face value, this is a focussed examination of seven women who were admitted to Broadmoor Psychiatric Hospital during the nineteenth century. However, the author is an impressive historian, and utilises her study to amalgamate a richer view of Victorian family life within a time changing as much technologically as medically. As a non-Brit, I’ve never had a particular interest in the Victorian era, but Kim E. Thomas gave it the substance necessary to keep my attention.
I am very impressed by the author’s insight, which is evident when she discusses the trouble with trying “to map nineteenth-century categories of postpartum illness onto modern categories.”
I also enjoyed the bit of “meta” she delves into, regarding how her study illustrates the challenges of researching this era.
Some chapters are certainly better put together than others, and could use some text revision to avoid drowning the subjects in their own genealogy. Not that their heritage is not important, but the family trees often completely muddled my understanding of the actual patient’s journey.
A concise work of non-fiction, that will appeal to readers with an interest in the history of mental illness.
Thank you to Netgalley and Pen & Sword for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am very impressed by the author’s insight, which is evident when she discusses the trouble with trying “to map nineteenth-century categories of postpartum illness onto modern categories.”
I also enjoyed the bit of “meta” she delves into, regarding how her study illustrates the challenges of researching this era.
Some chapters are certainly better put together than others, and could use some text revision to avoid drowning the subjects in their own genealogy. Not that their heritage is not important, but the family trees often completely muddled my understanding of the actual patient’s journey.
A concise work of non-fiction, that will appeal to readers with an interest in the history of mental illness.
Thank you to Netgalley and Pen & Sword for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2022
Broadmoor Women is an interesting and I thought quite emotional read, the experiences, struggles and lives of these women are tragic and although in the 1800s have no less of an effect on me than if they were today. This book is well researched. And well written by Kim Thomas. I found this to a thoroughly absorbing insight into the first asylum in the UK for criminals and will appeal to many
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
December 23, 2025
Apparently the main reason why women went "insane" in the Victorian era was due to baby rearing.
March 20, 2022
Thank you NetGalley, the publishers Pen & Sword and of course the author Kim Thomas for this pre published book; I will add this was free and my comments are mine. Kim tells us this book was based upon her research for her masters degree turning it into her first published work, It reads well with a good Broadmoor history, one of three high security psychiatric hospitals in England, originally called Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum in 1863, the first patient was a female admitted or infanticide. Kim shares with us the family and social history of 7 women ranging in age and social background who were admitted to Broadmoor, one misconception is that it is a prison but much work was done to make the surroundings contusive to providing a secure, friendly meaningful environment for both men and women.
Notable patients have been Peter Sutcliffe (Yorkshire Ripper), Roderick Maclean poet who attempted the assassination of Queen Victoria and Christiana Edmunds the Chocolate Cream Poisoner (wonder if there is a book about her ! put me of sweets for life). What I enjoyed about Kim’s book was the ‘investigation’ and research of the real person, not the sensualised modern versions of notorious mentally ill patients, the social back ground and the often challenging living and working conditions women lived in, sup rising the number of these incarcerated women who committed infanticide, society has always seen women as loving of their children and cannot understand the choice? to kill their children. Kim’s book does not offer us a choice in making a decision on why these women chose to kill giving us the facts; surprisingly how many of these women were showing symptoms of physic all illness, as a psychiatric nurse myself I know how physical illness very much affects our mental health. Later stages of STD cause severe MH issues, Kim mentions one poor lady know doubt suffering from Graves disease (immune system disorder) - severe mood swings if left untreated, hormone issues, and alcohol abuse all affecting ones MH. It difficult to determine what sort of book Kim's was aiming for, is it for academics (gives good references for quotes and facts), a social discourse on how women were very poorly treated in social and the men who promised to love and support them. One can feel by the end of the book that little was done to support those in Broadmoor other than to try and understand and love them, little is mentioned about therapies and treatments, one very important ‘treatment’ was the sense of community that Broadmoor created with inmates finding peace amongst an often chaotic grinding life outside its walls. Broadmoor is just one asylum that has changed how mental illness has changed over the century and this books gives a brief snap shot of the less notorious, average women locked up and the sometimes shocking societal pressures placed on women. we as viewers often see the notorious Kray Twins (one sent here) and the Yorkshire Murderer as inmates and are horrified but this book shows us a few slides of the normal/ordinary inmates, some lost for life, some making a recovery. At least this book keeps reminding us that how ever unwell you are there can be recovery for your mental health. I would give it a 3 1/2 but rated it 4 stars. I looked at this books through my MH nursing eyes and enjoyed the 7 lives shared, life history can inform who we are and why at times we do what we do, 95% of forensic Broadmoor patients were people with very sad stories of life.
Notable patients have been Peter Sutcliffe (Yorkshire Ripper), Roderick Maclean poet who attempted the assassination of Queen Victoria and Christiana Edmunds the Chocolate Cream Poisoner (wonder if there is a book about her ! put me of sweets for life). What I enjoyed about Kim’s book was the ‘investigation’ and research of the real person, not the sensualised modern versions of notorious mentally ill patients, the social back ground and the often challenging living and working conditions women lived in, sup rising the number of these incarcerated women who committed infanticide, society has always seen women as loving of their children and cannot understand the choice? to kill their children. Kim’s book does not offer us a choice in making a decision on why these women chose to kill giving us the facts; surprisingly how many of these women were showing symptoms of physic all illness, as a psychiatric nurse myself I know how physical illness very much affects our mental health. Later stages of STD cause severe MH issues, Kim mentions one poor lady know doubt suffering from Graves disease (immune system disorder) - severe mood swings if left untreated, hormone issues, and alcohol abuse all affecting ones MH. It difficult to determine what sort of book Kim's was aiming for, is it for academics (gives good references for quotes and facts), a social discourse on how women were very poorly treated in social and the men who promised to love and support them. One can feel by the end of the book that little was done to support those in Broadmoor other than to try and understand and love them, little is mentioned about therapies and treatments, one very important ‘treatment’ was the sense of community that Broadmoor created with inmates finding peace amongst an often chaotic grinding life outside its walls. Broadmoor is just one asylum that has changed how mental illness has changed over the century and this books gives a brief snap shot of the less notorious, average women locked up and the sometimes shocking societal pressures placed on women. we as viewers often see the notorious Kray Twins (one sent here) and the Yorkshire Murderer as inmates and are horrified but this book shows us a few slides of the normal/ordinary inmates, some lost for life, some making a recovery. At least this book keeps reminding us that how ever unwell you are there can be recovery for your mental health. I would give it a 3 1/2 but rated it 4 stars. I looked at this books through my MH nursing eyes and enjoyed the 7 lives shared, life history can inform who we are and why at times we do what we do, 95% of forensic Broadmoor patients were people with very sad stories of life.
February 10, 2023
I was so thrilled to be asked to join the book tour by @penswordbooks... Anyone who knows me, will know that true crime is not my genre of choice - I read historical fiction or historical biographies ONLY... But the temptation of a gothic Victorian tale or 2 was enough to snare me!
Chapter 1 gave the reader an introduction to Broadmoor, and the other 'Lunatic Asylums' dotted around the UK during the time in focus, aswell as explaining the general attitude of the institute Staff, Professionals and also the public toward 'lunatics' and mental health as a whole.
The reader is then taken on 7 separate journeys, each woman residing in a different part of the UK, of different social class and status etc - but circumstances and ailments in common, which ultimately led to their incarceration in Broadmoor.
Each woman carried out the abominable crime of murder - the majority taking the life of their own child, even admitting to the heinous crime, declaring themselves 'murderesses'.
Why you ask, would any woman take the life of their own child?
The common factors uncovered by Thomas are - constant bearing of children, which was the reality of these women and their peers, both rich and poor suffering alike with post natal depression, exhaustion, abuse by their husbands; their minds and bodies being pushed to the absolute limits.
I was very pleasantly surprised by the reaction of both the court and public toward these women, and assumed they would of been baying for their blood; a life for a life as it were - but Thomas reveals the compassion and empathy shown toward said women, and a very modern understanding that they needed to be helped, not punished.
A dark, emotional and thought provoking read through out, well researched and written; I'd recommend this to any true crime fan, but also my fellow history lovers - it's left me with a thirst to delve back into Victorian Britain whether in the prisons, asylums or the poor houses.
Chapter 1 gave the reader an introduction to Broadmoor, and the other 'Lunatic Asylums' dotted around the UK during the time in focus, aswell as explaining the general attitude of the institute Staff, Professionals and also the public toward 'lunatics' and mental health as a whole.
The reader is then taken on 7 separate journeys, each woman residing in a different part of the UK, of different social class and status etc - but circumstances and ailments in common, which ultimately led to their incarceration in Broadmoor.
Each woman carried out the abominable crime of murder - the majority taking the life of their own child, even admitting to the heinous crime, declaring themselves 'murderesses'.
Why you ask, would any woman take the life of their own child?
The common factors uncovered by Thomas are - constant bearing of children, which was the reality of these women and their peers, both rich and poor suffering alike with post natal depression, exhaustion, abuse by their husbands; their minds and bodies being pushed to the absolute limits.
I was very pleasantly surprised by the reaction of both the court and public toward these women, and assumed they would of been baying for their blood; a life for a life as it were - but Thomas reveals the compassion and empathy shown toward said women, and a very modern understanding that they needed to be helped, not punished.
A dark, emotional and thought provoking read through out, well researched and written; I'd recommend this to any true crime fan, but also my fellow history lovers - it's left me with a thirst to delve back into Victorian Britain whether in the prisons, asylums or the poor houses.
April 14, 2022
Broadmoor Women: Tales From Britain's First Criminal Lunatic Asylum, by Kim E Thomas, is an interesting read that sheds a light on women who committed crimes during the Victorian age but found criminally insane. This broader picture is presented through the stories of seven individual women.
While I am sure the stories of the women who worked there are quite interesting, it is not the scope of the book and would weaken the volume if they had been included. The emphasis here is on those women who were found not guilty by reason of insanity, the treatment they received, and how they fit into the society as a whole. Complaining a book is not what it never intended to be, and that would have been much more scattershot, is disingenuous at best.
I found the opening chapter to be a wonderful introduction to the period and the lives of women in particular. This context helps the reader to better understand the following biographical sketches without shaking our heads at things that make no sense in a 21st century.
While the book is certainly a complete work, each chapter can easily be read almost as a separate essay. This does lead to a bit of repetition but not too much. And it is largely things that we, in our times, probably need to make sure we're aware of as we read what passed for "normal" treatment or ideas. All in all the work flowed well, as both a book one would want to read straight through or as one that a reader might want to pick up every day or so and read another chapter.
Recommended for readers with an interest in the area where criminal justice and (mental) healthcare meet, especially those interested in the history of that intersection. Readers simply interested in Victorian society will find a lot to enjoy here as well.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
While I am sure the stories of the women who worked there are quite interesting, it is not the scope of the book and would weaken the volume if they had been included. The emphasis here is on those women who were found not guilty by reason of insanity, the treatment they received, and how they fit into the society as a whole. Complaining a book is not what it never intended to be, and that would have been much more scattershot, is disingenuous at best.
I found the opening chapter to be a wonderful introduction to the period and the lives of women in particular. This context helps the reader to better understand the following biographical sketches without shaking our heads at things that make no sense in a 21st century.
While the book is certainly a complete work, each chapter can easily be read almost as a separate essay. This does lead to a bit of repetition but not too much. And it is largely things that we, in our times, probably need to make sure we're aware of as we read what passed for "normal" treatment or ideas. All in all the work flowed well, as both a book one would want to read straight through or as one that a reader might want to pick up every day or so and read another chapter.
Recommended for readers with an interest in the area where criminal justice and (mental) healthcare meet, especially those interested in the history of that intersection. Readers simply interested in Victorian society will find a lot to enjoy here as well.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
April 8, 2022
Broadmoor Women gives us an insight into the first asylum in the UK for the criminally insane. The author gives us a practical background of the institution itself and the relevant social context of the Victorian Era in which Broadmoor was founded. We were then introduced to the personal stories of individual women who were committed to Broadmoor.
I found this book to be an incredibly quick and absorbing read. I've always found history interesting and I love reading about it, but the concept of microhistories is a new one for me. It's great. I feel like you get a more accurate idea of what an individual experience is.
I was hit very hard in this book with the crimes that these women were driven to commit under the guise of "insanity." I feel like the environmental factors of the Victorian Era drove these women to do things that were just so shocking - I would have considered them mentally ill, also! The definition of mental illness and the treatments were vastly different, but I can see the delineation that took place between now and then. I also was forced to examine the social commentary of the day and the risk factors that made people more likely to engage in criminal behavior - an I realized that they are the same as today. Poverty, access to good medical care, access to family planning resources, access to clean water and good food, domestic violence, and poor living and working conditions all made people more likely to engage in violence. I also felt that the approach of the day to treating mental illness was very humane and effective for what was considered insanity. It was both unnerving and a relief that a lot of the problems that society faced back then are the same as we have today. It allowed me to connect more with the individuals that I was fortunate to get to know in the book.
I found this book to be an incredibly quick and absorbing read. I've always found history interesting and I love reading about it, but the concept of microhistories is a new one for me. It's great. I feel like you get a more accurate idea of what an individual experience is.
I was hit very hard in this book with the crimes that these women were driven to commit under the guise of "insanity." I feel like the environmental factors of the Victorian Era drove these women to do things that were just so shocking - I would have considered them mentally ill, also! The definition of mental illness and the treatments were vastly different, but I can see the delineation that took place between now and then. I also was forced to examine the social commentary of the day and the risk factors that made people more likely to engage in criminal behavior - an I realized that they are the same as today. Poverty, access to good medical care, access to family planning resources, access to clean water and good food, domestic violence, and poor living and working conditions all made people more likely to engage in violence. I also felt that the approach of the day to treating mental illness was very humane and effective for what was considered insanity. It was both unnerving and a relief that a lot of the problems that society faced back then are the same as we have today. It allowed me to connect more with the individuals that I was fortunate to get to know in the book.
March 12, 2023
Opened in 1863, Broadmoor was originally an asylum designed to deal with the increasing number of criminals deemed insane. While Broadmoor is now a male only institution, it once housed both male and female patients. Broadmoor Women by Kim Thomas tells the story of seven of the female patients who found themselves committed to Broadmoor, examining their different upbringings, families, crimes, and also their incarceration at Broadmoor, and their subsequent releases.
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The women in this book all committed dreadful crimes, killing their children, spouses or family members, but they were all ultimately found not guilty by reason of insanity and ended up in Broadmoor. Using Broadmoor's archive and the statutory registers, Thomas pieces together their histories to give the reader a glimpse of the women behind their crimes, painting a picture of repeated childbirth, high infant mortality, continuous breastfeeding, and domestic abuse. While their crimes were abhorrent, the undercurrent of exhaustion in the lives of these women is papable and, in several of the cases, Victorian society seems to have been surprisingly sympathetic to their plights. Interestingly, Broadmoor often comes across as a place of rest and recuperation for patients, with the majority of Thomas' case studies eventually being released back to their families.
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Overall this was an interesting read and the premise was intriguing, but I would have liked more information on the running of Broadmoor itself, the people employed there, and the therapies and treatments provided to patients.
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The women in this book all committed dreadful crimes, killing their children, spouses or family members, but they were all ultimately found not guilty by reason of insanity and ended up in Broadmoor. Using Broadmoor's archive and the statutory registers, Thomas pieces together their histories to give the reader a glimpse of the women behind their crimes, painting a picture of repeated childbirth, high infant mortality, continuous breastfeeding, and domestic abuse. While their crimes were abhorrent, the undercurrent of exhaustion in the lives of these women is papable and, in several of the cases, Victorian society seems to have been surprisingly sympathetic to their plights. Interestingly, Broadmoor often comes across as a place of rest and recuperation for patients, with the majority of Thomas' case studies eventually being released back to their families.
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Overall this was an interesting read and the premise was intriguing, but I would have liked more information on the running of Broadmoor itself, the people employed there, and the therapies and treatments provided to patients.
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December 16, 2022
This book was a fascinating glimpse into life as a Victorian woman who did not fit the traditional mould for whatever reason as well as an interesting and insightful look into one of Britain's most enduring secure mental health facilities.
There have been many famous criminals who have been sent to Broadmoor, but this book focuses on a small subset of people that we don't know much about - lower class women. As the author says, these women did not have the education or the time to leave written records behind, and therefore all we know of them is what can be gleaned from public records.
Thomas has chosen the stories of seven different women to highlight, akin to The Five by Hallie Rubenhold, and it is a structure that works beautifully for this book. It was fascinating to read about the lives of these women and how they became incarcerated in Broadmoor, keeping in mind this was a time when things like having (and sharing) opinions or reading books was enough to get you taken away. Some of the stories were heartbreaking, and it was interesting to see how people were treated at Broadmoor and other facilities, given that there were no medications and psychology wasn't really a thing at that point.
A wonderfully written and interesting book which should appeal to anybody who likes psychology, women's history, or true crime.
Many thanks to Pen & Sword History for fulfilling my NetGalley wish. All opinions are my own and freely given.
There have been many famous criminals who have been sent to Broadmoor, but this book focuses on a small subset of people that we don't know much about - lower class women. As the author says, these women did not have the education or the time to leave written records behind, and therefore all we know of them is what can be gleaned from public records.
Thomas has chosen the stories of seven different women to highlight, akin to The Five by Hallie Rubenhold, and it is a structure that works beautifully for this book. It was fascinating to read about the lives of these women and how they became incarcerated in Broadmoor, keeping in mind this was a time when things like having (and sharing) opinions or reading books was enough to get you taken away. Some of the stories were heartbreaking, and it was interesting to see how people were treated at Broadmoor and other facilities, given that there were no medications and psychology wasn't really a thing at that point.
A wonderfully written and interesting book which should appeal to anybody who likes psychology, women's history, or true crime.
Many thanks to Pen & Sword History for fulfilling my NetGalley wish. All opinions are my own and freely given.
May 23, 2022
There’s something about the dark, the evil and the morbid that fascinates many of us. Perhaps it is so that we feel better about our own quirks and foibles, or perhaps it is because it is still unknown why some people kill, maim and abuse.
Although we have come a long way, mental illness is still something of a taboo subject. These days post-natal depression is recognised and supported. For many women in Victorian times, this and the general fatigue from all but continuous pregnancy and childbirth, not to mention infant mortality, were not acknowledged.
It is no wonder that many women struggled with the stress and strain on their mind and bodies. Some were struck with only one option: murder.
In Broadmoor Women, Kim Thomas looks at the women who killed their husbands, children and other relatives and were found not guilty by way of insanity.
It’s an interesting read, documenting the lives of several women who spent time at Broadmoor. We see the women for more than just criminals or victims but see their lives leading up to their arrest and perhaps the reasons behind their actions.
Although the content is fascinating, it does read like a dissertation and is very academic in its style. For a more readable book, certain elements could’ve been omitted. At times there is also excessive information about people only loosely related to the woman in question, which feels like padding.
Overall it does provide good insight into the workings of Broadmoor, but feels a little unbalanced and censored at times.
Although we have come a long way, mental illness is still something of a taboo subject. These days post-natal depression is recognised and supported. For many women in Victorian times, this and the general fatigue from all but continuous pregnancy and childbirth, not to mention infant mortality, were not acknowledged.
It is no wonder that many women struggled with the stress and strain on their mind and bodies. Some were struck with only one option: murder.
In Broadmoor Women, Kim Thomas looks at the women who killed their husbands, children and other relatives and were found not guilty by way of insanity.
It’s an interesting read, documenting the lives of several women who spent time at Broadmoor. We see the women for more than just criminals or victims but see their lives leading up to their arrest and perhaps the reasons behind their actions.
Although the content is fascinating, it does read like a dissertation and is very academic in its style. For a more readable book, certain elements could’ve been omitted. At times there is also excessive information about people only loosely related to the woman in question, which feels like padding.
Overall it does provide good insight into the workings of Broadmoor, but feels a little unbalanced and censored at times.
May 13, 2022
Princess Fuzzypants here: This is a fascinating book. The stories of the women who lives are chronicled are testimony to the attitudes towards females in general, particularly within the framework of marriage, child bearing and child raising. For the most part they were simply considered receptacles for their husbands and even when stressed beyond what they could handle, were still expected to perform their duties. Most of the women came across sympathetically. Even the ones who killed their own children were not evil. I think the most telling condemnations were the husbands who wanted the women released because they needed them back doing what put them in the asylum in the first place.
None of this came as a particular shock but what did surprise me was the care and kindness these women found at Broadmoor., at least during the years described. I guess too many old movies made me expect a cruel and barren environment and nothing could be further from the truth. The fact that with the care they received many of them were released and went on to live long lives. It was a revelation.
The stories are all interesting and well researched. Four purrs and two paws up.
None of this came as a particular shock but what did surprise me was the care and kindness these women found at Broadmoor., at least during the years described. I guess too many old movies made me expect a cruel and barren environment and nothing could be further from the truth. The fact that with the care they received many of them were released and went on to live long lives. It was a revelation.
The stories are all interesting and well researched. Four purrs and two paws up.
March 17, 2022
This was such a good read. Broadmoor is prehaps one of the most famous institutions for the mentally ill, second probably only to Bedlam, in this country. It was such a compelling read, not only because I am fascinated by true crime, but also because ot gave a real human side to the women and their crimes.
It showed that these women were often living in very hard circumstances such as poverty, repeated childbearing - as we all know happened in Victorian times and before - and domestic violence/abuse. IT suprised me how emotive this book made me when reading about these women and their crimes and how being in an institution such as Broadmoor was actually a positive respite for these women, not just in terms of rehabilitation into society, which many of the women did, but also from the perils of their lives where they could just be themselves. Obviously this was not the case for eevryone but each individual story had its own heartbreaks involved.
An emotive and informative read that i couldn't put down.
It showed that these women were often living in very hard circumstances such as poverty, repeated childbearing - as we all know happened in Victorian times and before - and domestic violence/abuse. IT suprised me how emotive this book made me when reading about these women and their crimes and how being in an institution such as Broadmoor was actually a positive respite for these women, not just in terms of rehabilitation into society, which many of the women did, but also from the perils of their lives where they could just be themselves. Obviously this was not the case for eevryone but each individual story had its own heartbreaks involved.
An emotive and informative read that i couldn't put down.
May 9, 2022
The history of the treatment of Mental Illness has always fascinated me, particularly the criteria for women to be diagnosed and committed to an asylum. Many times, we hear about women in asylums for reasons such as "hysteria" or "melancholy" so it is interesting to hear more about particular patients, their diagnoses, and their time in Broadmoor.
I appreciate that the author took the time to humanize and not demonize these women. Kim Thomas helped us get to know each individual woman's story, but also what drove them to the crimes causing their stay at Broadmoor. It is interesting to note that things such as "excessive breastfeeding" were considered to have caused mental illness. Today we know this to likely be depression throughout various stages of pregnancy,
Thomas keeps the book interesting with a variety of facts desgined to catch attention. For example, many women in Broadmoor were there for their crimes of murdering their children or spouses. However, if a woman had killed her child, the husbands were rather quick to forgive and get the women home - probably to relieve the burden of having to care for the remaining children on their own! It is so interesting to hear the reasoning behind the goings on as opposed to a bland statement of what happened.
For me, this was an incredibly interesting read and I hope to hear more from Kim Thomas in the future!
I appreciate that the author took the time to humanize and not demonize these women. Kim Thomas helped us get to know each individual woman's story, but also what drove them to the crimes causing their stay at Broadmoor. It is interesting to note that things such as "excessive breastfeeding" were considered to have caused mental illness. Today we know this to likely be depression throughout various stages of pregnancy,
Thomas keeps the book interesting with a variety of facts desgined to catch attention. For example, many women in Broadmoor were there for their crimes of murdering their children or spouses. However, if a woman had killed her child, the husbands were rather quick to forgive and get the women home - probably to relieve the burden of having to care for the remaining children on their own! It is so interesting to hear the reasoning behind the goings on as opposed to a bland statement of what happened.
For me, this was an incredibly interesting read and I hope to hear more from Kim Thomas in the future!
March 12, 2022
Thank you so much of the opportunity to have an ARC of this book NetGalley!
Broadmoor Women is a book about facts of what it was like for women to live the asylum during the 1800.
Through reading this book I could tell the author had put a lot of time and effort into their research! There was plenty of facts within this book with research to back them up. Although I found this book to be interesting at times I found it a little much. The repeating the same facts continually throughout the book got old and I found myself wishing of it to be over.
I would like to also point out that this isn't a Genre I would normally read so it is outside of my comfort zone.
I didnt hate this book but I also didn't exactly enjoy it either.
Broadmoor Women is a book about facts of what it was like for women to live the asylum during the 1800.
Through reading this book I could tell the author had put a lot of time and effort into their research! There was plenty of facts within this book with research to back them up. Although I found this book to be interesting at times I found it a little much. The repeating the same facts continually throughout the book got old and I found myself wishing of it to be over.
I would like to also point out that this isn't a Genre I would normally read so it is outside of my comfort zone.
I didnt hate this book but I also didn't exactly enjoy it either.
March 17, 2022
‘Women of broadmoor’, as the title suggests, covers the story of seven women, all of whom were institutionalised for a period in the infamous broadmoor prison - housing for those deemed ‘clinically insane’ by the justice system.
I thought this would be a fascinating book, and was thoroughly upset when I found it a chore to get through.
Whilst evidently well-researched and clearly explained, two vital aspects of a non-fiction book, it was lacking in most other areas. Each chapter is structured identically, and with the stories not differing much from one another I struggled to really gain much knowledge from the story as they all seemed to blend.
Thanks to netgalley for my advanced readers copy xo
I thought this would be a fascinating book, and was thoroughly upset when I found it a chore to get through.
Whilst evidently well-researched and clearly explained, two vital aspects of a non-fiction book, it was lacking in most other areas. Each chapter is structured identically, and with the stories not differing much from one another I struggled to really gain much knowledge from the story as they all seemed to blend.
Thanks to netgalley for my advanced readers copy xo
May 3, 2022
More of a 3.5, but half stars aren't an option. I found the biographies of the seven women in the book highly illustrative of life in late Victorian Britain. The use of microhistory to explore larger concepts, especially on social history is very interesting, and I think helps to bring the period to life. I would have liked to see a conclusion with possible overall themes, some of the editing needs redoing and it would have been interesting to see a biography of my be of the women warders, as some appear to have spent their entire working lives at Broadmoor. These are minor quibbles about a generally good book.
June 7, 2022
Kim Thomas' book focussing on the treatment of women with mental illnesses to the point where they kill is a fascinating read. The views of how these women were treated through the ages were poignant and sad. So much was misunderstood about post natal depression, thank goodness we have come farther in this understanding. Thomas chooses 7 case studies involving women who have killed, and she writes with empathy and great clarity. I very much enjoyed this book, the writing style and tone are exactly right for her subject. Many thanks to Netgalley, Pen &Sword and the Author for an ARC of this thought provoking book.
March 13, 2022
A fascinating account of women’s experience with the mental health system over time. This account of the different experiences of women from various social classes and circumstances highlights the vulnerability of women with mental health support needs. The commentary about the impact of contraception, or the lack thereof, is an interesting analytical point. A very well researched and well written account.
March 14, 2022
This author spent a lot of time researching for this book and in my opinion it paid off. The introduction was great as it gives much information on Broadmoor itself as well as the history of its occupants. The individual stories of the women were so detailed with information not only about their cases but their lives and those of their families afterwards. Some good illustrations too. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 20, 2022
“Founded in 1863, Broadmoor was the UK’s first criminal lunatic asylum, designed to house people who had committed terrible crimes but were found insane at trial.”
I found this to be an ok read, each case was interesting and the crimes themselves were awful and won’t be easy to forget.
However, the book didn’t completely excite me, something just felt missing.
If you like true crime/non-fiction this may be a book you want to read.
I found this to be an ok read, each case was interesting and the crimes themselves were awful and won’t be easy to forget.
However, the book didn’t completely excite me, something just felt missing.
If you like true crime/non-fiction this may be a book you want to read.
April 12, 2022
I found Broadmoor Women to be a moving book. The struggles and situations of these women were often tragic and due to the stresses of life in the 1800s.
I enjoyed finding out more about the cases and they had all been professionally researched. The book reminded me of the Five by Hallie Rubenhold with the background's and histories of each of the women explained fully.
Thanks to Netgalley and Pen and Sword for the ARC Copy of the book. My review is my own opinion.
I enjoyed finding out more about the cases and they had all been professionally researched. The book reminded me of the Five by Hallie Rubenhold with the background's and histories of each of the women explained fully.
Thanks to Netgalley and Pen and Sword for the ARC Copy of the book. My review is my own opinion.
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