Chrysti the Wordsmith > Radio Scripts

The ancient city of Bethlehem, just south of Jerusalem, has for centuries been revered by Christians as the birthplace of Christ. According to tradition, Mary and Joseph found shelter in a manger in a cave in Bethlehem, where Mary gave birth to her divine son. In the Hebrew language, Bethlehem means "house of bread."

This ancient name was given to a hospital established a continent away, in London, in the 14th century. Originally intended for the sick and indigent, Bethlehem Hospital provided shelter and succor to all.

Then, in the 16th century, Bethlehem Hospital, its name telescoped to Bedlam Hospital, became a lunatic asylum. As the decades passed, it gained an unsavory reputation for inhumane treatment of its inmates. Members of London's leisure class, seeking novel forms of amusement, were admitted to the asylum to watch and mock the behavior of the patients.

Gradually, the name of this hospital became inextricably associated with the confusion exhibited by the mentally ill. Bedlam, contracted from Bethlehem, is now a synonym for disorder, uproar and panic.

Radio Script > Bedlam