59. Foundlings

Yesterday we were treated to lunch at the Foundling Museum. We ate gruel (and other things too).

Here’s a story to break your heart, a petition from a mother whose baby was taken in by the Foundling Hospital:

[Dear Sir / I am the unfortunate woman that now lies under sentence of death in Newgatt I had a child put in here before when I was sent here his name is James Larney and this his name is John Larney and he was born the King’s Coronation Day 1758 and Dear Sir I beg for the tender mercy of God to let them know one and other for Dear Sir I hear you are a very good Gentleman and God Blessing and Name be with you and they for ever / Sir I am you humble / Servant Margaret Larney]

Margaret Larney was indeed under sentence of death: she was burned at the stake for high treason. She had been scraping the gold from the edges of coins (ie, adulterating the currency).

It seems likely that Roy and I will be giving a recital at the Foundling Museum sometime in the not-too-distant future. If we do, we’ll be part of a rather extraordinary tradition, since one Mr G. F. Handel staged a benefit performance of Messiah for the Foundling Hospital every year from 1749 until his death in 1759 (he was also on the Board of Governors).