5/10/2023 0 Comments Little Harbour by Sophia Soames![]() Even then, had it become widely known, there would have been public outcry and their premises shut down. The methods of discipline used, and the reinforcement of feelings of worthlessness and shame, would be classified as severe abuse and neglect nowadays. These letters covered up the actual experiences of Dorothy who, having initially been placed with a foster mother who gave her basic physical care but no psychological or emotional support, at age five was returned to the Foundling Hospital without any forewarning of what was to come. Once her daughter was admitted to the London facility, the only information given to Lena was that her “little girl was doing well”. ![]() One such baby girl was born to Lena West from Shropshire. It was the accepted thinking that a child born in these circumstances was fit only for a menial role in life. ![]() Many wealthy and famous people were involved in supporting it down the centuries, including Dickens, Gainsborough, and Handel. ![]() In 1739 Thomas Coram founded the childcare institution commonly known as The Foundling Hospital. The Secret Life of Dorothy Soames: A Foundling’s Storyīefore it became acceptable to have a child outside of marriage, the legitimacy of their son or daughter brought shame both to the mother and her offspring. ![]()
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