As a follow-on to his previous item on Ophanage tokens, David Powell adds:

A brief history of healthcare provision in London

HOMES FOR INEBRIATES

While drunkenness had traditionally been an accepted part of life in England, by the beginning of the 19th century, as the country industrialised,the need for a reliable, punctual workforce prompted a change of attitude. Social reformers, appalled by the drunkenness they witnessed in thestreets of large cities and towns, began to campaign for greater restrictions on the sale of alcohol.

To read the complete article, see:
LOST HOSPITALS OF LONDON(http://ezitis.myzen.co.uk/briefhistoryinebriates.html)

Following a public meeting at Mansion House in 1882, the Homes for Inebriates Association decided to establish a Home as a licensed charitableinstitution with a view to giving a fair trial to the Habitual Drunkards Act, 1879. For this purpose, the Association purchased The Cedars, a largestucco house situated on a 5-acre site with a finely wooded terrace overlooking the River Colne in the district of Money Hill.

In 1883 a license to admit 16 males under the Act was granted to Dr R.W. Braithwaite, the Medical Superintendent (increased to 20 males in thefollowing year).

The Dalrymple Home for Inebriates opened in 1884 under the direction of the Homes for Inebriates Association. It was named after Dr DonaldDalrymple, M.P. for Bath, who had taken a great interest in the reclamation of inebriates and had tried to pass a Bill through Parliament in 1870. Hewas unsuccessful, and died prematurely in 1873, but the British Medical Association took up his campaign and set up a committee to continue hiswork.

Dr Dalrymple's widow donated £1,000 towards the establishment of the Home, which had 16 beds.

To read the complete article, see:
Dalrymple House (http://ezitis.myzen.co.uk/dalrymplehouse.html)