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, and between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries many foundling boys went directly from the institution into the military.

This in-focus display explores the rich history of the Foundling Hospital’s Boys’ Band, established in 1847. Boys joining the band increasingly went on to join military bands, serving in regiments and taking part in military conflicts around the world. With newly-researched archive items, instruments and music on display, we delve into their stories.

BAND DAY: Saturday 25 April, 11:00 - 16:00

The display is brought to life with family workshops, talks and a live band marching in the former grounds of the Hospital, recreating the sounds of the Foundling Hospital Boys' Band.

This project will consist of two further displays: The Battle of Waterloo,

May - Aug 2015 and Through the Ages, Sep 2015 - Jan 2016