1-192-180 - © London Museum/Heritage-Images

Thomas Coram outside the Foundling Hospital, Camden, London, (c1750?). The philanthropist Thomas Coram is seen here with a destitute child lying in a basket at his feet. Coram founded the hospital after seeing the plight of children left abandoned in the streets, many were young babies close to death. Poverty-stricken mothers would bring their children to the gate, and competition for places was fierce. Handel and Hogarth were also among the eminent people who took an active interest in the activities of the hospital. In 1926 it was moved to Redhill, Surrey, and the original buildings were demolished.