THE move towards more humane care for patients in mental health establishments was explored in a talk given in the City Museum Lancaster by city university PhD researcher Natalie Mullen.

Her talk coincided with an exhibition of photographs of the old Lancaster Moor Hospital - once the County Lunatic Asylum - by Nick Dagger, which can be seen at the City Museum until the end of this week.

The talk gave examples from Victorian patient files about ways found by individuals to cope with the situation they found themselves in.

One called Thomas, from Galgate, near Lancaster, admitted himself for treatment in 1870 yet managed to escape three times before family members persuaded doctors that his treatement could continue under their roof.

A patient called Joseph was described by Victorian authorities as suffering from "imebecility" in 1890 and could be violent but gradually became more able to follow the rules of the asylum - especially after his favourite activity was put at risk.

She said: "He was banned from going to the cricket match."

This had a profound effect and he became a trusted messenger in the asylum.

She said: "He awarded himself a series of medals."

Margaret was admitted in 1876 and never followed any rules but her own.

She wanted plenty of food, snuff and a morning newspaper - and would kick up a fuss until the staff provided them.

Margaret would not work and rejected any form of treatment.

She said: "Margaret made it very clear that she didn't think she was ill."

When Lancaster's asylum opened in 1816 its role was confinement and different types of restraint and physical punishments were used to achieve it.

She said: "Conditions were pretty poor."

This changed in 1841 with new medical management and the introduction of what was termed "moral treatment".

This saw efforts to cure patients, to allow access to gardens and to provide workshops.

She said: "We see a really big change at the Lancashire Couunty Asylum."