Entertainment at the Devon County Mental Hospital

Contrary to popular opinion, life in the Hospital was not always dull and monotonous. From an early stage, the Hospital prided itself in providing regular entertainment for staff as well as patients. Activities included Annual Balls, Pantomimes, lantern lectures and movie screenings as well as various types of sports. Some former staff recall that the recruitment of new staff was influenced by their ability to contribute to the Hospital's entertainment programme: 'in those days you had to be good to get in - either in sports or as a musician'.

This exhibit gives you an overview of what was available and how the activities were received by staff, patients, and the local community.