History of the Sunbury Women's Refractory The refractory was opened in 1894. It provided accommodation for 64 women in mostly single rooms. The ward was used until the early 1980's. It was first lit by electricity in 1909. "The first major new building to be opened at Sunbury as part of the redevelopment of the site was the Female Refractory Ward, planned initially as a Male Criminal Ward, as per the Zox Commission recommendations but its intention was thwarted by its immediate use for refractory females". Royal Commission on Asylums for the Insane and Inebriate. (Report 29 April 1886, pxxxiv) On 31st December 1884, 3228 people were housed in 5 asylums. 387 staff. History of the Refractory