Clifton Ings
- Posted in:
- Clifton
- Mental Hospital
- Environment Agency
Between 2021 and 2022 York Archaeology were commissioned by the Environment Agency to monitor construction of the Clifton Ings Flood Alleviation Scheme.
A rubbish dump associated with Clifton Hospital was discovered. This included items which reflect aspects of the lives of patients and staff such as toothbrushes, game pieces and stamped crockery.
Clifton Hospital was built in 1847 as the North Riding Lunatic Asylum. In 1920 it changed its name to North Riding Mental Hospital as shown on the stamped crockery images. It was demolished in 1994.
Information panel
Provided by Environment Agency and York Archaeology
Explore Library
The temporary display at Explore Library available to view until end of Feb 2025
North Riding Lunatic Asylum Crockery
Crockery bearing North Riding Lunatic Asylum name (sometime between 1865-1920)
North Riding Mental Hospital Crockery
Crockery bearing name North Riding Mental Hospital name (post 1920)
Gaming pieces
Domino playing pieces (1890s)
Rubbish dump
The rubbish dump during excavation
Everyday items from mental health institutions are very rare. They help tell the story of mental health treatment which is not usually told.
A selection of items are currently on display at York Explore Library (until end Feb 2025). They will eventually be moved to a permanent display at the Mental Health Museum in Wakefield.