Wakefield's Mental Health Museum WF2624
Wakefield Mental Health Museum, Wakefield, WF1 3SP
Tuesday 19th May 2026
We invite you to visit Wakefield’s Mental Health Museum as Charles Waterton promoted the idea that being outside is good for you. He himself invited the patients of Stanley Royd to visit and enjoy his grounds in Walton. Therefore, as part of Wallfest, the Mental Health Museum Wakefield is opening its doors for us to discover and explore the history of mental health care from the early 19th Century to the present day. A guided tour will be provided so you can explore their remarkable collection of objects, hear the stories and challenge beliefs and perspectives regarding mental health.
Charles Waterton transformed his ancestral estate, Walton Hall, into the world’s first nature reserve. Motivated by the "merciless slaughter" of wildlife by gamekeepers and poachers, he constructed a three-mile boundary wall to exclude hunters and foxes. The wall was built in three stages and completed in 1826. In May 2026 it celebrates its 200th birthday: WallFest 26. WallFest 26 is a celebration of the completion of the wall and our heritage.
This sanctuary allowed birds to "perform their daily functions without fear and trembling".
Charles Waterton transformed his ancestral estate, Walton Hall, into the world’s first nature reserve. Motivated by the "merciless slaughter" of wildlife by gamekeepers and poachers, he constructed a three-mile boundary wall to exclude hunters and foxes. The wall was built in three stages and completed in 1826. In May 2026 it celebrates its 200th birthday: WallFest 26. WallFest 26 is a celebration of the completion of the wall and our heritage.
This sanctuary allowed birds to "perform their daily functions without fear and trembling".
