A Lady who is a little deranged in mind .... 1816

 

A brief letter seeking a “Woman” to come down from London to wait upon and supervise the conduct of a “Lady” who is “a little deranged in mind”.  As if it could be that simple.

She is the sister of the Vicar of Albourne Revd Charles Bridger (1773-1826), either Louisa b 1775 or Katherine b 1772. The Revd Bridger held Twineham from 1805 to 1815 and Albourne from 1805 to 1826.

The writer Dr Richard Weekes (1751–1823) was the head of a local family of apothecaries and surgeons. Dr Sutherland who is written to served as physician to St. Luke's Hospital for Lunatics. The Dr Matthew Tierney referred to  was a notable figure: in 1802 he was appointed of physician to the Prince of Wales, later Prince Regent and then George the Fourth. He received a baronetcy in 1818. He was a strong supporter of smallpox vaccination.

Transcription

Addressed to: Dr Sutherland    Great George Street   Westminster

Datelined: March 2d 1816

Postmark: BRIGHTON Penny Post and a “2” of Hurstpierpoint, Sussex

 

Dear Sir

I am desired by Dr Tierney of Brighton to request you to send down a woman to have the management & superintend the conduct of a Lady aged between 40 & 50 who is a little deranged in mind, this lady is the sister of a Clergyman and is living at Albourne dear Hurstpierpoint name is Bridgers.

If the Woman comes down by one of the Brighton coaches, she had better come by one that goes the new road through Bolney & by Hixtead as thsese coaches go within half a mile of Mr Bridgers house, and if she desires the coachman to set her down at Albourne she can walk the remainder. I am also desired to say that she must be a woman that will be content to take her meals with the servants belonging to the House and to wait on the lady as far as may be necessary. I request an answer to this Letter as soon as possible when we may expect the Woman stating the terms she is to come on & who it is to be paid, if we are to pay her any monies.

I am Sir   Your Obedt Servt

R Weekes   Surgeon

Hurstpierpoint near Brighton

March 2d 1816

There are two Coaches called the Dart that comes the new road enquiry may be made at Charing cross or the Elephant & Castle