Bethlem/Bedlam: Methods of Madness? ‘Bedlam’ has become a by-word for a wild and crazy place, but what is the historical reality behind a distinguished London institution? Roy Porter | Published in History Today Volume 47 Issue 10 October 1997 To continue reading this article you will need to purchase access to the online archive. Buy Online Access Buy Print & Archive Subscription If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.