The Keyford Asylum: From Diaries to Drama Exhibition

At the beginning of 2023, Dramakarma, in association with Keyford Local History Group, produced The Last Matron and enjoyed a sell-out run of three performances at Rook Lane Chapel.

The play was about the Keyford Asylum and was inspired by a chance discovery in Frome Museum archives. This was the handwritten words of Emily Jane Barnes, the last matron of Keyford Asylum and Hospital.

Curated by Jayne Sadgrove, this Keyford Local History exhibition shares stories of the play, the Asylum & Hospital itself, and of the matrons, trustees, girls and old men who lived and worked there over its 150 year existence. From Diaries to Drama includes new research findings and interpretations.

The exhibition is free and open seven days a week, between 10am-4pm.