What is William Tuke famous for?

William Tuke, a Quaker, was the founder of a private mental hospital (the Retreat at York) which played a leading role in the first half of the nineteenth century. The development of moral treatment, a ‘non-restraint’ policy in public asylums, partly stems from his example.

How did William Tuke improve the lives of the mentally ill?

Possibly catalysed by the very public mismanagement of King George III’s ‘madness’, he pioneered the use of moral treatment, a new humane method of treating mental illness.

What did William Tuke believe?

Tuke and his wife Esther Maud supported strict adherence to Quaker principles. He was an abolitionist, a patron of the Bible Society, and an opponent of the East India Company’s inhumane practices.

Who fought for moral treatment of the mentally ill?

2),40 modeled along the principles used at the York Retreat. Chief among those who spearheaded introduction of the moral treatment movement in the United States were Benjamin Rush, Dorothea Lynde Dix, Thomas Scattergood, and Thomas Story Kirkbride.

Who was William Tuke and what did he do?

William Tuke died in 1822. At least four members of his family also pursued related philanthropic work. His son Henry (1755 – 1814) was a co-founder of the York Retreat. Henry’s son Samuel (1784 – 1857) carried on with his own interest in the condition of the insane.

Where did William Tuke go to boarding school?

William Tuke was born on 24 March 1732 in York into a prominent Quaker family. His father, Samuel, was a stuff-weaver and shopkeeper, who died when Tuke was 16. His mother, Ann, died seven years later. Tuke attended boarding school for two or three years, after which he pursued further studies under clergymen.

What did William Tuke do at York Asylum?

Towards the end of his career, a resurgence of patient abuse at York Asylum prompted Tuke to take to the local press and demand urgent reform. Tuke provided evidence to the Select Committee on Madhouses in May 1815, which led to further inquiries and passage of the County Asylums Act in 1828.

How old was Henry Tuke when he died?

Tuke remained involved with the Retreat until he became blind at age 82. He died on 6 December 1822 after a paralytic attack. Several of Tuke’s family pursued similar philanthropic work. His son Henry (1755–1815) co-founded the York Retreat.