History
Here we deal with some of the wider history, the bigger picture. This may help give context to the stories, photos, videos and documents you will find elsewhere on the website.
Why and how did the big institutions – both in Lancashire and elsewhere - come about? How did they change over time? Why and how did most of them close? What can we learn from this institutional past? We look at questions such as these. In doing so we touch upon a more general social history of learning disability.
We believe that the history of institutions in Lancashire is a rich part of a local, regional and national history. So we highlight ways in which people with learning disabilities and their histories are entwined with themes and developments in a wider society.
Also we signpost a variety of resources which may help if you want to find out more information.
Please note!
In the past many labels have been given to those individuals who, in the UK at least, seem to be generally known as ‘people with learning difficulties’ or ‘people with learning disabilities’ or ‘learning disabled people’. Many of the labels used in the past are quite rightly seen today as deeply offensive. Where you come across such words on this website, it is from our desire to be historically accurate. We are opposed to the everyday use of such language.
If you wish to use any of the material on this website please check our Terms of Use.
