This volume contains materials related to the management, governance, and administration of Bethlem Royal Hospital during the period 1559-1932. More specifically, it contains minutes of the Court of Governors and staff salary books.

Minutes of the Court of Governors, 1559-1684 (Reference: BCB): The governors were responsible for the appointment of staff, as well as the management of hospital properties and finances. They met every two to three weeks to discuss pertinent matters, including the behaviour of certain patients. 

Staff salary books, 1777-1932 (Reference: SB): The earliest books record employees’ jobs, names, and wages, and include their signatures. Jobs encompassed: physician; clerk; surgeon; apothecary; steward; porter; matron; basket man (male or female attendant post-1843); maid; gallery maid; laundry maid; cook; accountant, and nurse (post-1900). Books from after 1911 detail National Insurance deductions.