The 1913 Mental Deficiency Act and its Implications for Meanwood Park Colony, Leeds

Mental deficiency policy remains a controversial topic within the wider history of institutional and community care. Within this, the inter-war period is the most divisive; however, relatively little is known about it. It is often assumed that the Mental Deficiency Act of 1913 was implemented universally throughout England. However, the autonomy inherent within the Act means that this is untrue. To gain a clear picture of the Act’s implementation, it is necessary to examine individual institutions to explore the differences between the intention of the Act and its implementation by the local authority. This can be simplified into an argument between progressiveness and efficiency. This paper will test whether Meanwood Park Colony at Leeds can be deemed a progressive institution based upon efficiency by examining patient care within the institution.