Royal Cornhill

Hospital Name: Royal Cornhill Hospital
Previous Names: Aberdeen Lunatic Asylum, Aberdeen Royal Lunatic Asylum, Aberdeen Royal Mental Hospital
Location: Cornhill Road, Aberdeen
Principal Architect: Dodd, Archibald Simpson
Layout: Echelon Plan
Status: Partially Open
Opened: 1800

The Royal Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen, Scotland, originally known as the Aberdeen Lunatic Asylum, has a significant history as one of the oldest psychiatric hospitals in the United Kingdom. Its story reflects the evolution of mental health care over the past two centuries.

Founded in 1792, the asylum was established by public subscription to address the pressing need for care for individuals with mental illness in the region. At the time, societal attitudes toward mental illness were harsh, and facilities for those suffering from psychiatric conditions were scarce.

The asylum originally operated in a converted building in Guestrow, Aberdeen, before moving to its present location at Cornhill in 1800, after fundraising efforts and growing demand necessitated a larger facility.

The hospital moved to its purpose-built site at Cornhill in 1801, with an initial capacity of about 80 patients. Designed with Enlightenment ideals of treatment in mind, it sought to provide humane care and therapeutic environments.

Over the 19th century, the hospital expanded, reflecting increasing societal recognition of mental health issues. Additions to the facility included new wards, improved living conditions, and services aimed at rehabilitation.

By the mid-19th century, the asylum was one of the most progressive institutions in Scotland, incorporating what were considered modern approaches to treatment, including moral therapy, which emphasized kindness, structured daily routines, and outdoor work.

Royal patronage was granted in 1852, when it was renamed the Royal Lunatic Asylum of Aberdeen. This added to its prestige and helped secure additional funding.

The name changed again in the 20th century to Royal Cornhill Hospital, reflecting a shift away from the stigmatizing term “lunatic” and toward more progressive views of mental health.

During the 20th century, the hospital adapted to changes in mental health care, including the introduction of medications, deinstitutionalization, and community-based mental health services.

The facility underwent significant modernization and expansion in the mid-1900s, incorporating new treatment methodologies and transitioning from a custodial model to one focusing on therapeutic care and patient recovery.

Today, Royal Cornhill Hospital remains a major provider of mental health services in the northeast of Scotland, serving a broad spectrum of psychiatric needs, including acute mental health conditions, rehabilitation, and community services.

We have no external photos of this hospital

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Records

Hospital records are currently held with NHS Grampian Archives – https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/a/A13529958

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