I missed the documentaries on ITV in a 2-part series entitled Secrets from The Asylum. I am now regretting having done so, after reading reviews such as this in the Radio Times. This describes comedian Al Murray’s investigation into his family history, and his consequential thoughts on the medical and social role of the Victorian asylums, the contemporary treatment of the learning disabled, and the then-emergent theories of eugenics.
The programmes are described as educational, enlightening and moving. They can be seen (up to end of September) on ‘Catchup’ and via the ITVPlayer online .