The County Asylums Act 1808 (48 Geo.

3. c. 96), also known as the Lunatic Paupers or Criminals Act 1808 or Wynn's Act, formed mental health law in England and Wales from 1808 to 1845.

Notably, the Asylums Act established public mental asylums in Britain that could be operated by the county government.

[1] It permitted, but did not compel, justices of the peace to provide establishments for the care of pauper lunatics, so that they could be removed from workhouses and prisons.

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