Foundlings At War: Military Bands

Foundlings at War is a major research project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund examining the Foundling Hospital’s historic links with the military. The Hospital was designed to prevent waste of life and create ‘useful’ citizens. Between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries many foundling boys went directly from the institution into the military.

This display explores the rich history of the Foundling Hospital Boys’ Band. Established in 1847, for many boys it became a route into regimental bands and service in military conflicts around the world. With newly-researched archive items and instruments on display, we uncover their stories.