Broadmoor: First ever look inside the high security hospital for Britain's most notorious criminals

Cameras have been given access to the high-security hospital for the first time in 150 years. Credit: ITV

Broadmoor has opened its doors for the first time to give an unprecedented look into life inside the most famous high security hospital in the world.

For the first time in 150 years, the public will see inside the hospital in Berkshire in a two-part ITV documentary.

Broadmoor has treated patients such as Charles Bronson and Ronnie Kray. Credit: ITV
The hospital is allowing unprecedented access for the first time. Credit: ITV
Staff are constantly reminded about security procedures. Credit: ITV

The hospital treats around 200 of the most violent men in the country, and has held infamous criminals Charles Bronson, Ronnie Kray, Peter Sutcliffe and Kenneth Erskine.

Cameras follow patients - who have committed murder, rape, torture and arson - as they meet psychiatrists, open up about their violent background and attend workshops.

Viewers will see how violent patients are treated at the facility. Credit: ITV
Patients undergo psychological therapies to help the rehabilitation process. Credit: ITV
The facility is home to around 200 patients. Credit: ITV
Patients' artwork is seen on the walls of one ward. Credit: ITV
Inside a patient's bedroom. Credit: ITV

Pictures inside the facility show the number of CCTV cameras and heavy secure doors needed to protect staff and patients.

There are an average of four assaults a week on employees who deal with the risk of serious injuries every day.

Nursing staff undergo specialist training to manage small-scale disturbances, and are required to disarm patients with weapons around 30 times a year.

Cranfield Ward is a high dependency ward and houses the most violent and unpredictable patients.

Some meals have to be passed through hatches, with staff unable to enter the patient's living areas.

Cameras monitor all 15 wards in the hospital. Credit: ITV
Pictures inside the facility show the number of CCTV cameras and heavy secure doors needed to protect staff and patients. Credit: ITV
Staff carry personal attack alarms when escorting patients. Credit: ITV
Secure doors are needed to contain the hospital's most dangerous patients. Credit: ITV

Dr Amlan Basu, clinical director at Broadmoor, said: “Patients that come here, they will have perpetrated often horrendous crimes but they are also victims and it’s very easy to see somebody as either the perpetrator or the victim.

"It’s much more difficult to understand that somebody might be both.”

  • Watch the first episode of Broadmoor on Wednesday at 9pm on ITV