Bethlem Royal Hospital Bedlam - n. "scene of mad confusion," 1660s, from colloquial pronunciation of "Hospital of Saint Mary of Bethlehem" in London, founded 1247 as a priory, mentioned as a hospital 1330 and as a lunatic hospital 1402; converted to a state lunatic asylum on dissolution of the monasteries in 1547. The year is 1922. Bedlam hospital (or Hospital of Saint Mary of Bethlehem) has been home to the most dangerous creatures of society, keeping them confined (read: protected) until deemed safe for ordinary humans.