The Fairfield Hospital Centenary Book was first published in 1960 to celebrate the first one hundred years of the asylum. The book was written by the Rev Arthur Monk, aged 67, who was the resident chaplain. He caused a national scandal when he ran away with a young girl aged just 19 who worked at a chemist shop in nearby Letchworth.
They got married in Buckden, Huntingdonshire, to avoid gossip. Reverend Monk and his bride actually appeared on the front page of the Daily Mirror newspaper. It was said the bride's parents gave their blessing and were very happy for the couple. After a honeymoon driving in Kent, they returned and lived in Mr Monk's lodge house which stood in the hospital grounds.
