Preserving Mental Health Heritage in Wales
The Carmarthen Asylum History Project Ltd is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of St David's Hospital, formerly the Joint Counties Asylum. We research, document, and commemorate the lives of those who lived and worked within these walls from 1865 to 2000.
We are committed to preserving the memory and dignity of all who were part of the St David's Hospital community.
Collecting and preserving personal accounts, memories, and experiences from patients, staff, and families.
Conducting thorough research into the hospital's 135-year history, from its Victorian origins to modern closure.
Sharing knowledge about mental health history and reducing stigma through education and awareness.
Key moments in the 135-year history of St David's Hospital
Opened as the Joint Counties Lunatic Asylum for Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Cardiganshire with 212 beds.
Ambitious chapel built seating 500, funded by private patients and constructed entirely by asylum inmates.
Became St David's Hospital under the National Health Service, expanding to 940 beds by 1971.
Hospital closed after 135 years of service. Buildings received Grade II listing in 1981 for architectural significance.
Our extensive research includes patient records, staff testimonies, architectural studies, and social history documentation. We work closely with local archives, the National Library of Wales, and community members to preserve this important heritage.
Anonymized historical records providing insight into treatment methods and patient experiences.
Detailed studies of the Victorian asylum architecture and its evolution over time.
Collecting memories and stories from former staff, patients, and community members.
Help us preserve this important history for future generations
Do you have memories or family connections to St David's Hospital? We'd love to hear from you.
Join our research team and help uncover the stories hidden in historical documents and archives.
Help us build our archive with photographs, documents, or artifacts related to the hospital's history.
Get in touch to learn more about our work or to contribute to our research