Murder at Derby’s First Lunatic Asylum

Many locals familiar with Derby’s rich history will recognise the former Derby Hippodrome, situated on the corner of Macklin Street and Green Lane. What is less well known is that this historic entertainment venue was built on the site of Derby’s first recorded lunatic asylum – Green Hill House – which became infamous following a shocking murder in 1848.

The Derby Mercury reported that Green Hill House, a privately operated institution, opened on 1 February 1832. It was originally overseen by Mr Morris and Mr Fisher, but the partnership was short-lived. By December that same year, Mr Morris and his wife had withdrawn from the establishment for reasons that remain unknown

Despite the stigma often associated with asylums of the era, Green Hill House received positive press at the time. An 1836 article in the Derby Mercury described the premises as having ‘numerous, spacious, and lofty’ apartments, with ample room to categorise and separate patients. However, with the benefit of modern understanding, it is important to acknowledge the often inhumane conditions and methods of treatment that patients were subjected to in such institutions.

The turning point for Green Hill House came in December 1848, when it was thrust into the spotlight following the brutal killing of a patient. On 6 December, the Derby Mercury detailed the inquest into the death of Samuel Tomlinson, a resident at the asylum.

Tomlinson was discovered in his room early one morning, severely beaten and lying in a pool of blood. His injuries were described as horrific – his lower jaw was fractured, several teeth had been knocked out, and the right side of his head was in a dreadful state. He shared the room with another patient, Harold Strelly, while a third bed remained empty.

George Bailey, one of the asylum’s keepers, testified at the inquest that he had last seen both men the previous evening around 7pm. He returned earlier than usual the next morning, at around 6.15am, after being alerted by the sound of Samuel singing – something he was known to do when he sensed people nearby. However, this time Bailey also heard a strange noise accompanying the singing, prompting him to investigate.

Upon entering the room, he found Strelly standing naked beside his bed and Tomlinson bleeding heavily on the floor. Bailey pushed Strelly onto his bed and went to fetch a light and another patient to assist. When he returned, Tomlinson appeared to have died. Strelly remained where Bailey had left him.

Dr Brigstock, the asylum’s proprietor, was summoned immediately. During a search of the room, a broken bed lath was discovered covered in blood. Strelly was quickly removed and secured.

Further evidence was presented by Dr Brigstock and Charles Borough, the asylum’s visiting surgeon. The coroner concluded that the weapon was the bed lath and the attacker was clearly Strelly. A verdict of wilful murder was recorded and Strelly was committed to stand trial at the next assizes.

Strelly’s trial took place in March 1849. During proceedings, he alleged mistreatment within the asylum, claiming Bailey had struck him on several occasions. The judge advised the jury that there was no evidence to support the notion that Strelly had wilfully committed the murder and that sufficient medical testimony had been given to confirm his insanity at the time of the incident.

The jury found Harold Strelly not guilty by reason of insanity. It was ruled that he would be detained in a secure institution, where – unlike Green Hill House – he would no longer be locked in a room overnight with another vulnerable patient and a deadly weapon within reach.

If you love Derby’s history the you’ll love these walks from Derby Uncovered

Topics