John Mell facts for kids
John Mell (who passed away in 1579) was a person who managed the Bethlem Royal Hospital, often called "Bedlam." He started his job as the hospital's keeper in 1576.
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John Mell and Bethlem Hospital
What was Bethlem Hospital?
Bethlem Royal Hospital was a very old hospital in London. It was one of the first places in the world that cared for people with mental health issues. Many people called it "Bedlam." It was important for its time, even though the ways of caring for people were very different from today.
John Mell's Job as Keeper
John Mell was chosen by the city's leaders, like the lord mayor and the aldermen, to be in charge of Bethlem Hospital. His job was to manage the hospital and make sure it ran well. He also had to report to a group of people called "surveyors" who checked on the hospital.
Why John Mell Was Dismissed
Sadly, John Mell did not do a good job managing the hospital. He didn't handle the hospital's money properly. He also made it hard for people to donate money to help the hospital. Mell was also very rude to the surveyors who were trying to check on his work. Because of these problems, he was told to leave his job in July 1579. John Mell did not want to leave, but he passed away in December of that same year. After he died, a new person named Roland Slethord took over the role of keeper.
