The Foundling Hospital

The Foundling Hospital, established in London in 1739, was a charitable institution dedicated to caring for abandoned or orphaned children who had no family to support them. It provided refuge, education, and basic healthcare, aiming to give these vulnerable children a better future. The hospital also functioned as a humane alternative to infanticide, encouraging people to leave unwanted children at its doors anonymously. Over time, it expanded its services and became an important social institution, influencing child welfare practices and fostering a sense of community responsibility towards vulnerable children.