Orphans of Empire: The Fate of London's Foundlings

Captain Thomas Coram witnessed the widespread abandonment of infant corpses by the roadside in eighteenth-century London, leading him to create the London Foundling Hospital. Orphans of Empire tells the story of the thousands of children who were raised at the Foundling Hospital, providing insights into their lives and fortunes. The book also reveals previously untold stories of former foundlings, including their experiences as child workers during the Industrial Revolution. George King's autobiography provides touching insights into how he came to terms with his upbringing, and his personal courage and resilience in overcoming the disadvantages of his birth are a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 11 April 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press

In the bustling city of London during the 18th century, a tale of human resilience and compassion unfolded amidst the poverty and chaos. The legend tells of Captain Thomas Coram, a compassionate soul who traversed the bustling streets of London on his daily commute. One fateful day, his eyes were opened to a sight that would forever change his life and the lives of countless children born into poverty. Stretching before him, he beheld the widespread abandonment of infant corpses by the roadside. Coram could have turned a blind eye, but his heart stirred with a deep sense of empathy and determination. Instead, he decided to take action.

Driven by his vision to create a charity that would offer care and support to these abandoned infants, Coram embarked on a mission that would have far-reaching consequences for generations to come. He envisioned a sanctuary where these children would receive the love, nurturing, and education they deserved, regardless of their circumstances. Thus, the London Foundling Hospital was born in 1741, a beacon of hope and a symbol of humanity's unwavering commitment to the well-being of children.

Over the years, the London Foundling Hospital grew and flourished, becoming the most famous charity in Georgian England. It became a haven for thousands of children who had been orphaned or abandoned, offering them a chance at a better life. The hospital provided a comprehensive education, nourishing meals, and medical care, all in a safe and nurturing environment. The stories of these children, their struggles, and their triumphs are captured in the pages of Orphans of Empire, a captivating book that delves into the history of the London Foundling Hospital.

Through extensive archival research, Helen Berry has uncovered previously untold stories of the foundlings who passed through the hospital's doors. The book paints a vivid portrait of their lives, from their early days at the Foundling Hospital to the mid-Victorian era, a time when Charles Dickens was moved by his observations of the charity's work to campaign on behalf of orphans. Dickens' writings and advocacy played a significant role in raising awareness about the plight of these children and in advocating for their rights.

The London Foundling Hospital was not just a charity for the children of London. Many of the foundlings were destined for Britain's outer Empire, overseas, where they would be exposed to new opportunities and experiences. However, many more found their way of life in the inner Empire, toiling in the cotton mills and factories of northern England at the dawn of the new industrial age. Through their hard work and resilience, these children contributed to the growth and prosperity of Britain's industrial revolution.

Orphans of Empire provides readers with a street-level insight into the wider global history of a period of monumental change in British history. It sheds light on the lives and fortunes of London's poorest children, revealing the hardships they faced and the small triumphs they experienced as child workers during the upheavals of the Industrial Revolution. The book weaves together a tapestry of stories, using a variety of fragments of evidence to piece together the lives of these forgotten children.

The legacy of the London Foundling Hospital continues to inspire and uplift today. It serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and the importance of providing support to those in need. The hospital's commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare has left a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and families. Its story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit

In conclusion, Orphans of Empire is a captivating book that delves into the history of the London Foundling Hospital, a charity that was born out of compassion and determination. Through the stories of the foundlings who passed through its doors, the book provides a street-level insight into the wider global history of a period of monumental change in British history. It sheds light on the lives and fortunes of London's poorest children, revealing the hardships they faced and the small triumphs they experienced as child workers during the upheavals of the Industrial Revolution. The legacy of the London Foundling Hospital continues to inspire and uplift today, serving as a reminder of the power of compassion and the importance of providing support to those in need.

Weight: 518g
Dimension: 148 x 224 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198758488