24/06/2026
Because we had to close the cemetery today due to the heat this is a post regarding one of those buried in our cemetery.
Emily Allen rests in the Mendip Hospital Cemetery Section E291.
She was single, a domestic servant and had suffered with Epilepsy from birth.
She was admitted to Axbridge Workhouse aged 29 when her epileptic fits became more frequent and she began to talk incoherently on religious matters. It is noted that her mother had recently died and “she was very much troubled because of this”
She was transferred from there to The Somerset and Bath Asylum in 1902.
It is noted that her fits were frequent and that “Bromides and Chloral did not alleviate her general condition”
Her fits became stronger and more rapid and when she was able, she employed herself in bedmaking or in needlework.
The medical staff also noticed that she had an abdominal swelling and she was put to bed and a sick notice was sent to her family.
In response to this a niece and a friend visited her.
Her condition became worse and she died after a very severe fit.
Her death was in the presence of A. Hutton Charge Nurse.
She was 35 years old.
Cause of death: Epilepsy and cystic adenoma of the ovaries.
Rest in peace Emily.
Photograph: South West Heritage Trust
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