During the eighteenth century the plight of those considered insane was dismal. Many were locked up in madhouses or chained in the workhouse, their illnesses ignored. It was only with the advent of the Industrial Revolution that reform came into place. Within the West Riding of Yorkshire the first steps in reform were taken by the Tuke family who built the Retreat at York, instrumental in bringing a new moral, caring attitude that was quickly adopted across the country. Through our journey in time we discover how former asylums in York, Wakefield, Sheffield, Menston and Huddersfield changed over the centuries. These sprawling institutions were self-contained, isolated villages in their own right. With the aid of fascinating photographs, a formidable history emerges from an age where it is estimated that at least 30 per cent of the asylum population were unjustly incarcerated without crime or foundation.

Mark Davis is a fearless, versatile, and passionate photographer, committed to delivering the perfect photographic image. As a keen social historian focusing on 19th century social injustice in particular, Mark has photographed Bradford from the core out for several years, recording the ongoing evolution of the city. Mark has worked for the National Media Museum, ‘Northern Life’ magazine, The BBC, Bedlam and The Imperial War Museum . His work has also been exhibited in Menston under the banner 'Reflecting On High Royds – A Haunting Portrait of the Former Psychiatric Hospital'. He is also closely involved with High Royds Memorial Garden as a campaigner dedicated to giving a voice to those that were sadly without voices in life. Mark makes his home near Haworth, the rugged landscape of which continues his photography and published books.