Subject

Britain's first home for abandoned children. Established in 1739 by Captain Thomas Coram.

From the Museum's Friends Update: "On the afternoon of Wednesday 25 March {1741}, the coat of arms designed by William Hogarth was hung above the entrance to the Hospital's temporary residence in Hatton Garden. The Governors' had given public notice that: "...on Wednesday, the 25th March, at 8 o clock at night, and from that time till the House should be full, their House will be opened for the reception of Children" That evening the first 30 babies were admitted..."

Governors included Handel and Hogarth. The building was demolished in the 1920s but the charitable work is continued by The Coram Family in buildings just to the north.