Henry VI: catatonic stupor, and the case series of 15th-century psychiatric miracles attributed to his posthumous intercession – psychiatry in history

Greg Wilkinson
2020 British Journal of Psychiatry  
The wife of Geoffrey Brawnston became disturbed one hot July. The onset was sudden, with a rapid build-up to fury: she roamed immodestly, and was a pest to all. After a day, she came to the church when the congregation was gathering, shouted at some, made terrifying rushes at others, and set the rest laughing with silly and dirty ramblings. The respectable wanted to bind her with ropes, but the vicar forbade unkindness and urged them to bind her with compassion by praying to the Virgin and to
more » ... nry. She waited quietly in a corner and slipped home afterwards. She raved again at midday but improved, and she was composed and sane on the third day.'
doi:10.1192/bjp.2020.15 fatcat:cqvrrungxbcofesgl6fx525ary