John Graham FORREST (1875-1921)

John Graham Forrest (April 20, 1875 – October 20, 1921) was a clergyman of the Church of England whose life was marked by religious devotion, musical talent, and a long battle with mental illness. After a promising start to his ecclesiastical career, Forrest's mental health struggles led to over a decade of institutionalization, culminating in his tragic death by suicide in 1921. His life illustrates both the evolving practices and limitations of early 20th-century mental health care in Britain, particularly at Chiswick House, a progressive psychiatric institution where he spent much of his later life.

Early Life and Education

John Graham Forrest was born on 20th April, 1875, at 15 Royal Parade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. His father, John Forrest, had accumulated significant wealth in the East Indies through the sugar trade, allowing him to retire in his late thirties. His mother, Eveline Forrest (née Rodger), also came from a wealthy family. The eldest of four brothers, Forrest grew up in a privileged and affluent household, where the family employed numerous servants, and he and his siblings were educated at prestigious schools.

Forrest was born during the tail end of the Victorian era, a period marked by strict social values, religious devotion, and a moral code that shaped British society. These values were likely ingrained in his upbringing, contributing to his later devotion to the Church of England.

As a child, Forrest showed promise as a musician and regularly performed in local musical recitals. These early performances, where he played piano or took part in duets, laid the foundation for his lifelong connection to music.

Forrest attended Uppingham School from 1889 to 1893. In 1893, he entered Christ Church, Oxford, where he studied Modern History. He graduated in 1897 with a third-class degree and went on to earn a Master of Arts in 1900.

Ecclesiastical Career

St Mary's Church, Rushden

After obtaining his BA, to further his preparation for a clerical career, Forrest enrolled at Wells Theological College in Somerset.

In 1898 he was appointed as a curate at St Mary’s Church in Rushden, Northamptonshire. Forrest’s involvement with the Rushden community was extensive, leading a life marked by hard work and self-denial, giving up his income for the relieving of others, and possibly suffering in health from this irregular mode of life. He was ordained as a deacon the same year in a ceremony held at Peterborough Cathedral and as a priest a year after.

In 1905, following the departure of Rev. W. R. Morse, Forrest was set to be inducted as vicar, but shortly before the appointment, he suffered a sudden breakdown. This also coincided with the death of his mother whom he loved dearly. He became dull, depressed, and full of self-accusations about his moral character. He also developed animosity toward his father. Though well-regarded by his parishioners, his mental health left him unable to accept the role of rector.

Health Decline and Treatment

Between 1905 and 1909, Forrest sought treatment from doctors in Bognor, Crowborough, Nottingham, and Aylesbury. He then went as a paying guest to Dr. Segundo in London and for the last 9 months of 1908 stayed with Dr. Elliot in Gloucester Place. During this time, he conducted himself as usual, attending church and theatres on his own and dedicating time to literary writing. However, he was described as irritable in temper and showed no desire to resume his clerical work.

In February 1909, Forrest visited his father and became troubled by family affairs, and his health deteriorated, becoming restless at night to the point of eventually suffering a severe breakdown. He was admitted, aged 33, to Chiswick House, a private asylum known for its progressive approach to mental health care.

Life at Chiswick House

Views of Chiswick House, c1890

Managed by Dr. Thomas Seymour Tuke and Dr. Charles Tuke, Chiswick House advocated "moral treatment"—a compassionate approach to mental illness that emphasized kindness, minimal restraint, and engagement in activities. The institution catered to wealthier individuals, and its care would have been costly for Forrest and his family. Dr Thomas Tuke’s obituary stated that “his personal tact with patients led to them looking upon him as a trusted friend even more than a Doctor” and Dr Charles’ obituary noted that “he worked to make the atmosphere of Chiswick House that of a private country house, and to disassociate it from all appearance of an institution”.

At Chiswick House, Forrest experienced periods of improvement and lucidity. He was encouraged to engage in daily activities, such as playing the piano, walking in the gardens, and taking short leaves to visit friends and family. The Tuke brothers' treatment philosophy emphasized humane care, and Forrest, like other patients, was given more freedom than was typical in other institutions. He often played chess, read, and composed music, which provided some comfort during his more stable periods.

Forrest was also treated with medications like grey powder and calomel, both mercury-based compounds commonly used at the time to treat constipation (a common side effect of depression) and other ailments. However, these medications often had severe side effects, due to mercury toxicity, affecting the stomach, kidneys, and brain.

In spite of the therapeutic approach, Forrest’s mental condition remained fragile. He suffered from a variety of delusions, including believing that his father had hired detectives to follow and monitor him. He also heard accusatory voices, convinced he was guilty of immoral behaviour. Forrest became fixated on the idea that he was responsible for the misfortunes of others, including the decline of church congregations and the illness of those around him.

Family Losses and Personal Struggles

Forrest's family life was marked by several significant losses during his institutionalization. His father passed away in 1910, but this loss did not seem to greatly affect Forrest, as he had long harboured feelings of animosity toward him. In 1914, his brother, George Francis Forrest, died of tuberculosis, followed by the death of his brother, Charles Evelyn Forrest, who was killed in action during World War I in 1915. These events affected Forrest, who believed he was responsible for many of his family’s misfortunes. Despite the compassionate care he received at Chiswick House, his mental health did not improve significantly over the years, and his delusions persisted.

Final Years and Death

In August 1921, after more than a decade of institutionalization, Forrest, aged 46, was granted temporary leave from Chiswick House and went to stay with Dr. John Lidderdale at The Clevelands in Prestbury, Gloucestershire. During this period, Forrest appeared to improve; he enjoyed walks, visited local historical sites such as Tewkesbury Abbey, and played the piano. However, his mental health remained precarious, and he continued to suffer from delusions.

A few days before his death, Forrest received a letter from Chiswick House that indicated he would need to return to the institution if an extension wasn't granted. The prospect of returning deeply unsettled him. On 20th October, 1921, Forrest left The Clevelands, telling the staff that he would miss lunch but be back for dinner. That evening, his body was found in the River Severn, near the Lower Lode Hotel in Tewkesbury. His hat and walking stick were found on the riverbank, and footprints led directly into the water.

An inquest into his death on the 24th October ruled that Forrest had committed suicide whilst of unsound mind. It was believed that his fear of returning to Chiswick House, where he thought he would never be allowed to leave again, drove him to take his own life. Unfortunately, at the time of the tragedy, Mr Forrest's solicitor, Reginald John Winterbotham, was in London seeing the medical superintendent of the asylum, who, whilst could not discharge Forrest as "absolutely cured", had agreed to discharge him as "relieved". Had Forrest known of this at the time the tragedy might not have happened.

Probate and Legacy

Grave of John Graham Forrest (photo 2015), Bouncer's Lane Cemetery, Cheltenham

Following his death, Forrest’s estate was valued at £31,504. In his will, he bequeathed the pearls left to him by his mother to his brother, Guy, his only remaining immediate family member, and instructed that flowers be placed on his mother’s grave at specific times each year. Consistent with his ascetic nature, Forrest requested that no monument or memorial be erected in his honour.

He was buried on 25th October, 1921 and his memory lives on as his family did in fact erect a memorial.

His death marked the end of a life defined by devotion to faith and a profound struggle with mental illness.