Museum Full Catalogue

Catalogue ID: 2025.001.FPC
Item: Three Counties Hospital cardiograph machine.
Description: Manufactured by Cambridge Instruments circa 1950. Dimensions are: 11.5 inches high, 13.5 inches long with a width of 9 inches. Nice nickel plated fittings with a tough leather bound handle. Various straps fittings along with electro conductive jelly are included. This machine is very heavy and very well made of solid wood.
Comment: With laminated instructions, has tubes and box of electrode jelly for use with ECT machine and cardiograph.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/three-counties-hospital-cardiograph

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.002.FPC
Item: Three Counties Hospital cricket blazer.
Description: This is the only known Three Counties Hospital cricket blazer. It was owned and used by George Bircumshaw, who was part of the classic TCH cricket team from the 1940s and 1950s. This blazer was given to us by Richard Bircumshaw, George's son. Original cloth stag blazer badge, brass buttons and the TCH metal pin on the lapel make this a very historic item from the sporting side of the hospital's past.
Comment: The only known Three Counties Hospital cricket blazer.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/three-counties-hospital-cricket-blazer

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.003.FPC
Item: Hand embroidered tablecloth.
Description:
Comment: Made by a patient during WW2, it was purchased at the hospital and used by its owner for special occasions only. A stunning piece of work in lovely condition.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.004.FPC
Item: Section of ward curtain with Fairfield crest.
Description:
Comment: Piece of blue and white 1970s / 1980s ward curtain with Fairfield crest, from ward M4.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.005.FPC
Item: T-shirts.
Description:
Comment: Seven T-shirts (various designs and colours). Two are on display.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.006.FPC
Item: Drawstring backpack.
Description:
Comment: Small modern drawstring backpack.
Link:

Catalogue ID: 2025.007.FPC
Item: Radio Fairfield original T-shirt.
Description: Neil Whiteside of Cambridge 105 and ex Fairfield Hospital station manager / DJ presented Richard Knight with this only known original vintage Radio Fairfield shirt for the collection. The back of the shirt shows the local sponsor. This company sponsored a very limited edition shirt for the Fairfield Hospital Celebration Day on the 20th June 2010 at Stotfold Memorial Hall.
Comment: The only known Fairfield example from the early 1980s.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/radio-fairfield-t-shirt

Catalogue ID: 2025.008.FPC
Item: A DVD copy of the rare Channel 4 programme 'Out of our Minds'.
Description:
Comment: All about life, reading and writing poetry at Fairfield Hospital.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.009.FPC
Item: DVD interview with Mr Frank Mays.
Description:
Comment: Frank spent his whole working life at Fairfield. He started in 1938 and retired from there in 1973. He then went back part time for a few more years. A fantastic oral history and a glimpse in to a past world.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.010.FPC
Item: Fairfield Hospital original radio jingle tape.
Description: This is the original Radio Fairfield main theme jingle tape, made in 1981 by TapeTrix of Manchester. The tape contains six mixes of the original theme. At £55.00 it was rather expensive. A big thank you for this tape must go to Neil Whiteside who was the station manager and presenter at Radio Fairfield. Neil moved on to present the early morning breakfast show on Cambridge 105 FM.
Comment:
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/radio-fairfield-jingle-tape

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.011.FPC
Item: Draft Planning & Development Brief for Land at Fairfield Hospital.
Description:
Comment: May be a duplicate of catalogue ID 2025.014.FPS.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.012.FPC
Item: Eleven large size housing plans.
Description:
Comment: Drawings, planning applications etc. that were given to the council for approval. Some quality colour plans showing houses etc.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.013.FPC
Item: Large Fairfield Hospital proposal for restoration book.
Description: This book was prepared by the original owners of the site, NHS Executive: Anglia and Oxford, and the original prospective buyers of the site, The Wiggins Group PLC. This project book is full of hand drawn plans showing all aspects of the old asylum with areas to be kept, demolished, trees and planted areas, full history of the asylum and why it qualified for Grade II listing status etc. Also, who the project team and companies were and their involvement in the project. There are chapters on the condition of the listed buildings, and discussions with English Heritage and the country conservation officer. There are many differences between the original plans and how the asylum and the surrounding areas turned out and now stand. The book size is 16.5 inches x 12 inches.
Comment: From before the days of computer graphics, so all hand drawn and coloured before printing. Presented by Wiggins Trust to the NHS executive.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/books/proposals-for-redevelopment

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.014.FPC
Item: Fairfield Hospital draft planning and development brief.
Description:
Comment: 33 pages plus 13 plan drawings 1996. May be a duplicate of catalogue ID 2025.011.FPS.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.015.FPC
Item: Fairfield Park Design Statement large booklet.
Description:
Comment: Application to increase the overall housing numbers by 158.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.016.FPC
Item: Fairfield Park Supporting Planning Statement.
Description:
Comment: Large spine booklet.
Link:

Catalogue ID: 2025.017.FPC
Item: Large plans and proposal for Fairfield lower school.
Description:
Comment: Colour plans showing proposed classrooms, gardens, parking etc.
Link:

Catalogue ID: 2025.018.FPC
Item: Magazine.
Description:
Comment: 155 years TCA magazine dated 25 June 2015, four copies. One copy on display.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.019.FPC
Item: Large set of farm scales with three weights.
Description:
Comment: Weights: 1lb, 2lbs and 4lbs.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.020.FPC
Item: Metal fire bucket.
Description:
Comment: Appears to be a farm (milk) bucket.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.021.FPC
Item: Large concrete ball.
Description:
Comment: About the size of a football, it sat on a spigot over the main entrance.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.022.FPC
Item: Three Counties Asylum fireman's axe.
Description: The Three Counties Asylum had its own fire brigade, which was made up from volunteers drawn from the male attendants. Both young and older men volunteered to join the brigade, and within a short time they became fully trained and equipped. Part of their equipment was the fireman's axe, supplied by Shand Mason & Co. This one belonged to attendant C Putman.
Comment:
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/three-counties-asylum-firemans-axe

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.023.FPC
Item: Victorian metal fire tongs.
Description:
Comment:
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.024.FPC
Item: Edwardian grave marker.
Description: As the cemetery was being cleared, these old markers lay scattered all around the cemetery grounds. They were removed by builders, and where they all went is unclear. This one was found discarded and away from the cemetery, and a decision was made to save it. With the help of Bedford records office it was possible to find out who occupies grave number 2532. In the burials book of 1904 it reads: Burials in the burial ground for the lunatic asylum for the counties of Bedford, Hertford, and Huntingdon, in the parish of Stotfold, in the said county of Bedford, in the year 1904. 2532, book entry No 932, James Bennet Turner, old attendant, of Asylum Road, Stotfold, Baldock. Buried Oct 13th, aged 53 years, ceremony was performed by A.B. Attkinson, chaplain.
Comment: Grave marker number 2532 with fully researched info.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/three-counties-asylum-grave-marker

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.025.FPC
Item: Three Counties Asylum fireman's helmet.
Description: The helmet is in very good condition for its age with the original liner, straps and brass buckle. Some time in its past it had been highly polished and lacquered, however it had a tired look because the lacquer had cracked and tarnished with age. The old lacquer was gently removed and then the helmet was sympathetically re-polished to shine once again. Merryweather Fireman's Outfitters of London only ever supplied eight of these helmets to TCA, which makes them a very rare and valuable artefact.
Comment: Badged HBH (Herts Beds Hunts).
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/brass-firemans-helmet-1

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.026.FPC
Item: Measuring ladle.
Description:
Comment: One quart milk measuring ladle.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.027.FPC
Item: Lantern.
Description:
Comment: Hand held storm lantern.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.028.FPC
Item: Copper railhead for gate or fence.
Description:
Comment:
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.029.FPC
Item: Three Counties Asylum HBH cast iron ornate air vent cover.
Description: Herts Beds Hunts wall plaque. These were placed above certain doors in the old asylum. The plaque is made of cast iron with the HBH insignia, HBH standing for Herts, Beds and Hunts. An air vent maybe? Measurements are approx 9 inches x 7 inches.
Comment: The previous owner said it came from above a door.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/hbh-wall-plaque

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.030.FPC
Item: Male and female airing court padlocks.
Description: These are the two original padlocks with their keys from the male and female airing courts. These were located at opposite ends of the asylum, and the two keys could also be used as ward keys for the asylum. Although the locks have aged with time they are solid brass and still work. The locks are approximately 7 inches high and 1 inch thick.
Comment: These original large and heavy padlocks locked the patients into the airing courts while exercising - Gibbons Wolverhampton.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/original-airing-court-locks

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.031.FPC
Item: Leather gaiters.
Description:
Comment: Farm worker's leather gaiters.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.032.FPC
Item: Hospital bedpan.
Description:
Comment:
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.033.FPC
Item: Keys.
Description:
Comment: Three sets: 1) 1 key (Gibbons) with 1 pin tumbler lock key. 2) 2 lever lock keys noted FA & MA. 3) 1 lever lock key (painted black)
Link:

Catalogue ID: 2025.034.FPC
Item: Fairfield Hospital memo pad.
Description: 1980s Fairfield Hospital internal memo pad.
Comment:
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/1980s-fairfield-hospital-internal-memo-pad

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.035.FPC
Item: Photographs.
Description:
Comment: Four folders of photographs: 1) 'A history of my father's home' by Angela Sachs 2005 (seems to be a duplicate of catalogue ID 2025.0051.FPC), 2) Staff photos (mostly 1960s), 3) External / internal photos (mostly 1960s), 4) Patient photos. Most are on display (excluding 'external / internal photos - mostly 1960s).
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.036.FPC
Item: Menus and recipes from Fairfield Hospital kitchens.
Description:
Comment: A folder of menus and recipes from the kitchens of Fairfield Hospital.
Link:

Catalogue ID: 2025.037.FPC
Item: Three Counties Asylum large water jug.
Description: Manufactured in 1870 by James Green and Nephew, 107 Queen Victoria Street, St Paul's, London. This beautiful water jug was discovered in an antique shop in Illinois, U.S.A, by fellow asylum artefacts collector, Laura Fortado.
Comment: The oldest piece of china known, with the old original style font on the badge. No other examples are known.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/three-counties-asylum-ornate-water-jug

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.038.FPC
Item: Three Counties Hospital large crested dish.
Description: Measuring 13 x 10 inches with a depth of 3.5 inches, manufactured by Ashworth Brothers circa. 1930. The crest in the dish is different to the crest in the side plate of the same design as the word 'Mental' has been omitted. The potters mark underneath the dish shows that it was made In Staffordshire, manufactured by Ashworth Bothers of North Staffordshire.
Comment: In white with red band, Ashworth Bros.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/three-counties-hospital-large-crested-dish

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.039.FPC
Item: Three Counties Mental Hospital side plate.
Description: 1930s TCMH Side Plate, approx 9 x 7 inches. Slight surface wear but this does not detract from this rare item. This plate is one of very few items known with 'Mental Hospital' on them. Copeland Spode, Made In England back stamp.
Comment: White with double red band, not the best condition but ultra rare as this is one of very few pieces with a crest that states 'Mental Hospital'. Copeland Spode.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/1930s-oval-dining-plate

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.040.FPC
Item: Earthenware water bottle.
Description:
Comment:
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.041.FPC
Item: Mug.
Description:
Comment: Labelled 'Fairfield Hospital' (unboxed).
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.042.FPC
Item: Fairfield Hospital ceramic mug.
Description: These mugs were produced for the hospital staff to buy when the hospital closed in 1999. They could be purchased from reception in two colours, blue and green. There is body rippling, with a squirrel to the left of the badge.
Comment: 1998, commemorating closure.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/fairfield-hospital-ceramic-mug

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.043.FPC
Item: Three Counties Hospital small cup, white with red band.
Description: A nice little coffee cup found at the asylum.
Comment: New Hall, Hanley.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/coffee-cup-found-at-the-asylum

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.044.FPC
Item: Three Counties Asylum Codd bottle.
Description: In 1911, attendants were able to purchase two mineral water bottles per day at a cost of 10 shillings (approximately 50p) annually. Many deaths had occurred through typhoid from the contaminated asylum water supply and staff refused to drink from the taps, so provisions were made for a mineral water factory to be set up and supply fresh bottled mineral water.
Comment: Mineral water bottle with glass stopper.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/three-counties-asylum-codd-bottle

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.045.FPC
Item: Induction manual.
Description:
Comment: The 1974 induction manual contains everything that a new nurse would need to know about the hospital and the surrounding area.
Link:

Catalogue ID: 2025.046.FPC
Item: Historic letters and photographs.
Description:
Comment: Including letters to Richard Knight.
Link:

Catalogue ID: 2025.047.FPC
Item: Event documentation and newspaper notices.
Description:
Comment:
Link:

Catalogue ID: 2025.048.FPC
Item: A large folder of photographs from Radio Fairfield.
Description:
Comment: Including photographs of the equipment, gala days, presenters, signed photos from some of the 'Ello 'Ello stars and presenter laminated passes.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.049.FPC
Item: A collection of gala day photos.
Description:
Comment: With Pat Phoenix (Elsie Tanner), Len Fairclough, Isla Sinclair, Dave Lee Travis, Marty Wilde.
Link:

Catalogue ID: 2025.050.FPC
Item: Original 1980s Radio Fairfield poster.
Description:
Comment: An original poster together with other pictures from the Radio Fairfield website.
Link:

Catalogue ID: 2025.051.FPC
Item: Photographs.
Description:
Comment: Artistic photos, mostly by Angela Sachs. Seems to be a duplicate of catalogue ID 2025.0035.FPC item 1.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.052.FPC
Item: Mental Hospital & Institutional Workers' Journal.
Description:
Comment: March 1939 edition.
Link:

Catalogue ID: 2025.053.FPC
Item: A copy of Lisa Haskins' dissertation 'Nineteenth Century Institutional Care of Lunatics and Idiots - Moral Therapy at TCA'.
Description:
Comment: A fascinating read full of information which questions the fabric of the asylum, 1860 to 1900.
Link:

Catalogue ID: 2025.054.FPC
Item: Fairfield Hospital 'Festival Week' programme.
Description:
Comment:
Link:

Catalogue ID: 2025.055.FPC
Item: Six Bullets pamphlet.
Description:
Comment: Fairfield Writer's Group - a set of poems
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/books/six-bullets

Catalogue ID: 2025.056.FPC
Item: Three Counties Hospital nurses prize giving programme.
Description:
Comment:
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/1959-prize-giving-programme

Catalogue ID: 2025.057.FPC
Item: Three Counties Hospital centenary book 1860 -1960 (first edition).
Description:
Comment: Rare first edition written by the hospital reverend, Rev Monk. He caused a scandal by running off with a 19 year old girl, made the front page of the Daily Mirror.
Link:

Catalogue ID: 2025.058.FPC
Item: Three Counties Hospital centenary book 1860 - 1960 (second edition).
Description: This Is the rare Fairfield Hospital Centenary Book. It 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 in Letchworth, Herts. 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 Monks' lodge house which stood in the hospital grounds. This is a second print from 1971, and was actually printed at Fairfield Hospital.
Comment: Fairfield hospital centenary book second edition printed at the hospital in 1971.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/books/fairfield-hospital-centenary-book

Catalogue ID: 2025.059.FPC
Item: A Place in the Country.
Description:
Comment: A new unread copy.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/books/a-place-in-the-country

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.060.FPC
Item: A copy of a book about the gas works at Three Counties Hospital.
Description:
Comment:
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/books/the-three-counties-hospital-gas-works-1857-1952

Catalogue ID: 2025.061.FPC
Item: Three Counties Hospital 1930’s nurses emergency whistle.
Description: 3.5 inches tall (9.5cms). Stamping reads: THE METROPOLITAIN, THREE COUNTIES HOSPITAL, J .HUDSON & CO, BARR ST. HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM. These whistles were carried by ward attendants in order to keep patients under control or to call for help if there was an attack or a patient was injured or sick. The whistles were used much like a football referee .The whistles would be attached to the attendants white coat by a chain and button clip.
Comment: This whistle was issued to Mr Frank Mays in 1938.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/nurses-emergency-whistle-1

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.062.FPC
Item: One pint measuring jar.
Description:
Comment:
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.063.FPC
Item: Four fluid ounce measuring jar.
Description:
Comment:
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.064.FPC
Item: Glass medicine bottles
Description: Two small coloured glass medicine bottles.
Comment:
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.065.FPC
Item: Glass medicine bottle.
Description: One medium coloured glass medicine bottle.
Comment:
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.066.FPC
Item: Three Counties Hospital medicine bottle.
Description: Three Counties Hospital 1930s clear glass medicine bottle, approximately eight inches tall.
Comment:
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/glass-medicine-bottle

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.067.FPC
Item: Three Counties Hospital test tube.
Description:
Comment: Small delicate test tube labelled Three Counties Hospital.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.068.FPC
Item: Three Counties Hospital cricket ball trophy.
Description: This is a very unique item. It's a cricket ball trophy. The Three Counties Hospital had a very top class cricket team that played not only local teams but teams from all over the country. This ball was presented to Eric Bircumshaw for outstanding playing. It is engraved: To Eric Bircumshaw for scoring a hat trick against R.A.F. Shefford on the 24th August 1944. In 1950 the Americans took over the R.A.F. base and renamed it U.S.A.F Chicksands. This was after a 12th century Gilbertine monastery that once stood in its grounds, Cricket is still played on the original pitch at Fairfield Park, which was laid in 1862.
Comment: This ball was awarded to E Bircumshaw for scoring a hat trick against RAF Shefford.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/three-counties-cricket-ball-trophy

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.069.FPC
Item: Fairfield Hospital alarm panic button.
Description: This is an interesting piece of memorabilia. It is an electronic personal alarm given to staff working in the secure unit at Fairfield Hospital, circa 1990. It was worn around the wrist so if the member of staff was attacked or needed help controlling a patient, one press of the soft touch button in the middle of the unit would send a signal to a central alarm within the hospital. This would sound off within the ward and hopefully help would soon be at hand. The “T” symbol on the unit suggests that these were made by British Telecom.
Comment: Worn on the wrist powered by BT, for those working in M9 secure ward.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/fairfield-hospital-personal-alarm

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.070.FPC
Item: Picture slides.
Description: 16 mostly coloured picture slides (Pam Skinner x 6). Mostly external views.
Comment:
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.071.FPC
Item: Small round wooden box.
Description:
Comment: Transcribed Fairfield Asylum / Fairfield Hospital / Fairfield Hall 2010. Possibly part of a coaster set.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.072.FPC
Item: China patient sipping cup.
Description:
Comment: No noticeable markings.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.073.FPC
Item: Three Counties Asylum 155th anniversary pin badges.
Description:
Comment: Box of 27 Three Counties Asylum 155th anniversary pin badges in gold and chrome. 25 are on display.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.074.FPC
Item: Patient 'statement of death'.
Description:
Comment: Thee Counties Asylum statement of death card (laminated).
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.075.FPC
Item: Three Counties Asylum staff ball programme.
Description: This small and fragile programme gives us a glimpse into what was going on in 1914 at the Three Counties Asylum. The staff balls were very big lavish affairs with no expense spared, only the finest courses, deserts, beers, wines, spirits and entertainment were on offer to the guests. The asylum employed the best chefs and grew most of its own vegetables and fruit. It also had its own farm and dairy so fresh meat and milk were guaranteed. Carriages at midnight to escort the guests home were a must. As you can see there was plenty of dancing to be had with the asylum orchestra playing all the music. No wonder they had a one hour interval, probably to dine and recover! A rare and fascinating artefact, donated by Molly Jennings.
Comment: Three Counties Asylum staff ball dance card.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/three-counties-asylum-staff-ball-programme

Catalogue ID: 2025.076.FPC
Item: Three Counties Hospital bowls club badge.
Description: Woven cloth Three Counties Hospital bowls club blazer badge.
Comment: Three Counties Bowls Club badge circa 1950.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/bowls-club-badge-circa-1950

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.077.FPC
Item: Three Counties Hospital metal pin.
Description: 1930’s staff lapel badge.
Comment: Perhaps normally found on lapel of cricket blazer.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/1930s-staff-lapel-badge

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.078.FPC
Item: Three Counties Hospital red plastic money token.
Description: Three Counties Hospital cash tokens could only be spent within the hospital, and many patients were paid this way. The only cash they had would have been given to them by a visiting friend or relative. Alan 'S' remembered being paid 7/6d a week in white tokens with 2/6d written on them for working in the garden and farm.
Comment: Patients were paid in tokens rather than real money to stop them absconding by bus or taxi.
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/three-counties-hospital-cash-tokens

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.079.FPC
Item: Fairfield Hospital Badminton Club patch.
Description:
Comment:
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.080.FPC
Item: Three staff identification cards.
Description:
Comment: 1) Head Cook - Robert Tyler. 2) Assistant Head Cook - Robert Tyler. 3) Radio Fairfield Volunteer - Gary Lee.
Link:

Catalogue ID: 2025.081.FPC
Item: Part of small brass buckle.
Description:
Comment:
Link:

Catalogue ID: 2025.082.FPC
Item: Small badge for Beds County Bowls Assoc (Executive Match).
Description:
Comment: Found in top pocket of cricket blazer.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.083.FPC
Item: Cloth staff lapel badges.
Description:
Comment: Two cloth staff lapel badges.
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.084.FPC
Item: Fairfield Hospital 9 carat gold award badge.
Description: Manufactured by TK&S (Toye, Kenning & Spencer) of Birmingham in 1975. The firm held a Royal Warrant to Queen Elizabeth for the supply of gold and silver laces, insignia and embroidery. This badge has no inscription on it, so may have been one that was held in stock and never issued.
Comment:
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/9-carat-gold-award

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.085.FPC
Item: Three Counties Hospital 25 years service award badge.
Description: This rare medal celebrates 25 years of service at the Three Counties Hospital. It is hard to date because the shield design in the middle was used for many years, from the 1920s until the very early 1960s. It has a pin clasp to the back so could be worn by the recipient. The size is approximately 2 inches.
Comment:
Link: https://www.threecountiesasylum.co.uk/index.php/artefacts/25-years-service-medal

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.086.FPC
Item: A quantity of Three Counties Asylum 150th celebration day mugs.
Description: 1) Ten labelled Three Counties Asylum (boxed) 2005, 2) Two labelled Vehicle & General Arlesey, 3) One labelled VR Jennings Ickleford. Some of these are on display.
Comment:
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.087.FPC
Item: A quantity of Three Counties Asylum 155th celebration day mugs.
Description: Nine labelled GL14 (unboxed).
Comment:
Link:

On Display

Catalogue ID: 2025.088.FPC
Item: Three Fairfield Bowls Club bowls, marked Fairfield Hospital.
Description:
Comment:
Link:

Main Menu

Full Catalogue