1-192-389 - © London Museum/Heritage-Images

Portrait of Captain Thomas Coram, 18th century. The philanthropist Thomas Coram founded the Foundling Hospital after seeing the plight of children left abandoned in the streets, many of whom 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.