The Great Confinement

The Great Confinement refers to the period from 1540 to 1715 when England and Wales experienced the forced removal and imprisonment of thousands of individuals with mental illnesses, often in prisons, workhouses, or asylums. This movement aimed to segregate those considered “lunatics” from the general population, driven by societal fears, religious beliefs, and limited understanding of mental health. The confinement was often in harsh and inhumane conditions, reflecting historical attitudes that viewed mental illness with suspicion and stigma. It marked a significant chapter in the history of mental health treatment and social control.