Broadmoor Archives finally open

[Roy Corduroy]

The Berkshire Records Office began work in 2004 to establish the Broadmoor Archives. Their magazine article describes the conservation effort. (Click here to read)

Roy

[Robert]

One would think that pictures of the inmates would be taken regularly, in case of escape and so on. But we deal here with officials and are therefore entering a weird and wonderful world of stupidity. As far as Cutbush is concerned, I don't know if a photo was taken - but if it was, then it hasn't survived.

[Mascara & Paranoia]

Didn't the inmates (I guess that's what you'd call 'em) have their photos taken at the insane asylums or anything? I know Hyam Hyams did at some point, and wondered if the same could be said for Cutbush.

[Sara]

Thanks a lot for that Robert - it coincides nicely with my mental picture in fact!
Interesting that someone so small is consistently described as 'terrible' or at least 'singular' in his aspect isn't it?

[Robert]

Hi Sara

Height 5 feet 9 and a half inches
Weight 9st 6 and a half lb
Hair black
Whiskers black (very short)
Eyes dark blue (very sharp)
Complexion dark
Build slight
Features thin

Marks
Slight bruise on left knee
1 tooth out in front of upper jaw


And he is described as "strange" or "singular" or "terrible" in appearance whether he is at home or in court or in Broadmoor.

[Sara]

Diana, there is a description of Cutbush. That's the only one I can speak about.

Robert can you quote this?
(forgive me if you've already done so, but I don't remember reading a verbatim description)

[halomanuk]

It will be interesting to see if Richard Jones and Paul Begg can dig anything else out on this as he is a fascinating suspect and as soon as i see 'rip' mentioned in any official document from that period i need to know more !!

[Fisherman]

Halomanuk writes:

"Maybe a common thing to say in 1891"

You bet, Halomanuk! And that is MY opinion.

the best,
Fisherman

[halomanuk]

What is everyone's opinion on the writing in the Broadmoor Files stating that Cutbush used bad language and threatened to rip up staff and other patients. ?
Maybe a common thing to say in 1891..but maybe not.
It did immediately catch my eye i have to say.

[Robert]

Diana, there is a description of Cutbush. That's the only one I can speak about.

[Sam Flynn]

Does the data from Broadmoor contain detailed physical descriptions of the various suspects domiciled there?

If so it might be possible to correlate with the eyewitness descriptions?

... only of those seen wearing Napoleon-style hats

[diana]

Physical Descriptions

For those with access to the Broadmoor data:

Does the data from Broadmoor contain detailed physical descriptions of the various suspects domiciled there?

If so it might be possible to correlate with the eyewitness descriptions?

[Robert]

And the Times speaks of "another young lady who had been stabbed by the prisoner" - before any trial could take place.

[Ally]

What I find interesting is that in one of the articles it says Johnson (the victim) was stabbed from behind and didn't get a look at his face, and then further down, she goes to the asylum and identifies him.

[Fisherman]

Yes, but he went for "pig" as he got hold of Morris - maybe because he was not dogged enough to bear the sight ...?

The best,
Fish-erman