Credit - Langdon Down Centre

Langdon Down Museum of Learning Disability

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Explore the Langdon Down Museum of Learning Disability timeline

1828X

John Langdon Down was born in Cornwall, the son of a frequently bankrupt grocer. He went on to train in medicine at the London Hospital where he excelled, and was later put in charge of the Earlswood Asylum when it ran into difficulties under previous management.

1828

1868X

Normansfield Hospital was founded by John Langdon Down in 1868 as a home for people with learning disabilities. He employed teachers and created workshops where residents could learn a trade.  Normansfield also had a cultural life.

Exterior of imposing Victorian building at Langdon Down with lawn and trees
1868

1870X

This giant wooden soldier was one of the items produced by James Henry Pullen who lived for most of his life at Langdon Down.  The model is nearly 15ft high – Pullen created it to amuse children, and it was brought out during carnivals until WW2.

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1870

1879X

An opulent theatre was built in 1879, used for the weekly performances to entertain and stimulate residents.

Black and white image of the Victorian theatre showing elaborate wooden rafters

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1879

Normansfield Hospital was founded by John Langdon Down in 1868 as a home for people with learning disabilities and a place where they could be educated. ‘Downs Syndrome’ is named after him.

The site includes a Victorian theatre with its original fittings, which Down commissioned so that his patients could learn music and drama.  His work was remarkable at a time when many people with Downs syndrome were sent to asylums.

Today the site is the headquarters of the Downs Syndrome Association, and also houses the Langdon Down Museum.  the theatre has recently been refurbished and continues to host theatrical productions.

The Langdon Down Museum of Learning Disability timeline

1828

John Langdon Down was born in Cornwall, the son of a frequently bankrupt grocer. He went on to train in medicine at the London Hospital where he excelled, and was later put in charge of the Earlswood Asylum when it ran into difficulties under previous management.

1868

Exterior of imposing Victorian building at Langdon Down with lawn and trees

Normansfield Hospital was founded by John Langdon Down in 1868 as a home for people with learning disabilities. He employed teachers and created workshops where residents could learn a trade.  Normansfield also had a cultural life.

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