The first Act of Parliament which authorized the detention of persons “who, by Lunacy, or otherwise, are furiously Mad, and dangerous to go Abroad” was passed in the twelfth year of the reign of Queen Anne (1714):
“Be it therefore Enacted … That it shall and may be Lawful for any Two or more of the Justices of the Peace of any County, Town or Place in England, Wales or Town of Berwick upon Tweed, where such Lunatick or Mad Person shall be found, by Warrant under their Hands and Seals, directed to the Constables, Church-wardens, and Overseers of the Poor of such Parish, Town or Place, or some of them, to cause such Person to be Apprehended, and kept safely Locked up, in such secure Place within the County where such Parish or Town shall lie, as such Justices shall, under their Hands and Seals, direct and appoint…”∗