The Metropolitan Asylums Board (or MAB) was established under Poor Law legislation, to deal with London's sick poor. It was established by the Metropolitan Poor Act 1867 and was wound up in 1930, its functions being transferred to the London County Council. Despite its name, the MAB was not involved in providing care for the mentally ill. During its lifetime, it set up around 40 institutions, beginning with three hospitals for smallpox and fever cases, and two large asylums for what were then termed 'imbeciles' - people with severe learning difficulties.
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