William Orange

William Orange was the superintendent of Broadmoor Asylum when William Chester Minor arrived there in 1872. His documented role combines institutional authority with measured personal discretion: he received a prisoner transferred under warrant, allowed personal effects subject to safety and order, and later took part in approving an unusual visit from the widow of Minor’s victim.

Superintendent and Admission

Orange is described as a kindly and sympathetic superintendent. When Minor was brought to Broadmoor Asylum in shackles, Orange had his deputy sign the receipt for the papers authorizing the transfer. Minor’s chains were removed, and he was led into the admissions block; the formalities made him an inmate of the institution, where he was expected to remain for an uncertain length of time.

Practical Care

Within days of Minor’s arrival, the American Vice-Consul-General wrote to ask about his welfare, personal effects, and the possibility of a visit. The diplomat also asked whether coffee and French plums could be sent. Orange did not give a specific answer about the plums, but told him that Minor could have what he wanted provided it did not compromise his safety or the disciplined running of the asylum. The qualification matters: Orange’s response allowed for individual comforts while keeping them subordinate to institutional safeguards.

The Visit from Eliza Merrett

Years later, after Minor wrote to Eliza Merrett offering financial help in remorse for killing her husband, she asked whether she could visit him. The request meant that a victim’s widow would meet the man responsible for her loss, an arrangement described as unprecedented. After the Home Office discussed the proposal with Orange, it agreed to one experimental, supervised visit. The meeting took place in late 1879; it went well enough for Eliza to agree to return, and her visits eventually became monthly. Orange’s role in the decision placed him between the institution’s duty to supervise and an exceptional effort to make contact possible.