Opened in 1796, it is famous for having pioneered the so-called "moral treatment" that became a behaviour model for asylums around the world with mental health issues.

[3] The present day The Retreat seeks to retain the essence of early "moral treatment", while applying the principles to a modern healthcare setting.

[5] The recommended medical practices included debilitating purges, painful blistering, long-term immobilisation by manacles, and sudden immersion in cold baths – all administered in regimes of fear, terror and brutality.

[6] A trigger was the death in 1790 of a Quaker, Hannah Mills, a few weeks after she had been admitted to the York Asylum[1] (now known as Bootham Park Hospital).

[8] He spent two years in discussion with, and issuing explanatory statements to the local Quaker group (York Monthly Meeting), working out the fundamental principles of the proposed institution.

An early example of occupational therapy was introduced, including walks and farm labouring in pleasant and quiet surroundings.

There was a social environment where residents were seen as part of a large family-like unit, built on kindness, moderation, order and trust.

Inmates were accepted as potentially rational beings who could recover proper social conduct through self-restraint and moral strength.

Jepson was said to have been authoritative yet patient, attentive, observant, kind, and open to new ideas in spite of his limited formal medical training.

He arrived at the same time as a talented Quaker nurse Katherine Allen, and the two married in 1806, thus heading The Retreat together.

His book explained in detail about the approach to use the moral treatment method for restoring the self-esteem, and self-control in individual with mental issues.

[1] The term came to refer to a number of moves towards more humane approaches that occurred toward the end of the 18th century in the context of Enlightenment thinking, including also the work of Vincenzo Chiarugi in Italy.

[14] The Retreat states that it provides mental healthcare that is unique to the person and values highly its original ethos.

In addition, Samuel's book with his explanation about the moral treatment gained trust from the community, and helped to raise money for the hospital.

[21] As key people in the history of The Retreat, the names of Katherine Allen and George Jepson were given to two units at the hospital.