The Story of the Westerham Foundlings - An Exhibition at Quebec House
Explore the fascinating story of the 18th century children left in the care of the Foundling Hospital. Discover the role of maternal love tokens, and see those created by school children of today.
- Booking not needed
- Free event
In 1739, Thomas Coram established the Foundling Hospital in London for the "education and maintenance of exposed and deserted young children”. It was the first example of children’s social care in the UK.
It soon found itself unable to meet the ever-increasing demands on its services. A branch hospital was subsequently established in Westerham, Kent at Wellstreet, better known to us today as Chartwell.
Join us to find out more about the Westerham foundlings and the tokens that their mothers left with them when they were given to the care of the Foundling Hospital. 469 children passed through the Westerham branch of the London Foundling Hospital. See the tokens crafted by local school children to represent the Westerham foundlings.
This is a free exhibition in the Coach House and was created in collaboration with Coram.
If you would also like to visit Quebec House, normal admission or National Trust membership applies. Please pre-book a timed entry ticket for house visits.
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
Times
The basics
- Suitability
Children welcome.
- Meeting point
This exhibition is in the Coach House.
- Accessibility
Mobility parking in town car park. Loose gravel path in places. Accessible toilet. Small step into the Coach House. Exhibition is via several stairs.
- Other
To learn more about the history of Quebec House and General James Wolfe, please pre-book tickets for Quebec House. Normal admission or National Trust membership applies.
Upcoming events
A token speaks a thousand words: Coram X National Trust
Coram and National Trust Quebec House are inviting primary-aged children to help us create 469 tokens, representing each child who passed through the Westerham Foundling Hospital site.
Volunteer Recruitment Coffee Morning
Looking for your next adventure? Pop in for a cup of tea and a chat about volunteering.