Last week two things happened that brought to my mind the eminent Suttonian George Bodington (1799-1882).

The first was when I found myself pausing to admire the magnificent flower beds at Bodington Gardens in Maney. A day or two later, when examining a manuscript volume from the archives of Bishop Vesey's Grammar School, discovered - to my great delight - a handwritten letter from Bodington.

George Bodington had a finger in many Sutton pies. For more than 30 years he was a prominent member of the warden and society - the town's governing body - and had a significant stake in the gasworks in Coleshill Street, opened in 1855, as well as taking a keen interest in the grammar school, where his three sons were educated. When there was an issue of local contention, Bodington could be relied upon to have an
opinion.

In 1871-2 he led a local campaign in support of a plan to build a railway line across Sutton Park. This plan were strongly resisted by other leading figures in the town, but Bodington remained dogged in his advocacy on the grounds a line would provide Sutton with a reliable supply of coal.

Bodington was a physician. He had arrived in Sutton in 1836 after purchasing a private madhouse called Driffold Asylum. A few years earlier this institution had 14 male and female patients, and Bodington was intent on increasing the numbers. He placed advertisements in the newspapers which offered 'a safe, cheerful and healthy retirement', with female patients provided with 'amusements and occupations suitable for them' by his wife, and a complete absence of paupers.

The location of the asylum close to Sutton Park was a major selling point. Bodington was an advocate of mechanical restraint in asylums and his support for these methods was to earn him a great deal of censure.

Bodington also treated patients with tuberculosis, recommending to them exercise and fresh air. In An Essay on the Treatment and Cure of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (1840) he 'advise(d) the patient not to neglect his ride or walk abroad, though the weather should be even severe.' These patients lodged at the White House. The Empire cinema now stands on the site. George Bodington's memorial can still be seen in the churchyard at Holy Trinity.

• Stephen Roberts' Glimpses into Sutton's Past Parts I-III is available from Amazon priced £4.99-£5.49.

Associate Professor
Stephen Roberts