The Foundling Hospital in Victorian London
Start Date
7-8-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
7-8-2026 12:15 PM
Location
ALT 204
Abstract
Research Symposium Abstract - Summer Research Internship 2026
From 1762-1881, and beyond, the Foundling Hospital was taking in children from women who were raped, used for sex, and left once pregnant. These women would submit petitions to ask for aid and the reception of their child, as they had no other way to support themselves or their child. A lot of times, the women would end up being prostitutes in order to get food for their infant. Through my research, I found horrific stories of rape, incest, and abuse that went unnoticed and undocumented. My goal was to find similarities between the stories, hopefully to find some form of patter between the men. Were there serial rapists in Victorian London? Why were these women, and the stories that go with them, untold? How do we give them the recognition they need? While reading hundreds, even thousands, of petitions, I was able to find a link between the behavior of men and the women they went after. I noticed a lot of aggression, planning, and a timeline that many of the men followed. Additionally, as time went on, the men got more aggressive, realized they could get away with giving false information, and became more confident in their methods of seduction. These women suffered, and their pain was not portrayed in classic literature. Through my research, I hope Dr. Renzi can shine a light on the victims of the Victorian era as well as give them a voice for their pain. Hopefully, Dr. Renzi can take my notes and findings and find links between the victims, their locations, or the men involved.
The Foundling Hospital in Victorian London
ALT 204
Research Symposium Abstract - Summer Research Internship 2026
From 1762-1881, and beyond, the Foundling Hospital was taking in children from women who were raped, used for sex, and left once pregnant. These women would submit petitions to ask for aid and the reception of their child, as they had no other way to support themselves or their child. A lot of times, the women would end up being prostitutes in order to get food for their infant. Through my research, I found horrific stories of rape, incest, and abuse that went unnoticed and undocumented. My goal was to find similarities between the stories, hopefully to find some form of patter between the men. Were there serial rapists in Victorian London? Why were these women, and the stories that go with them, untold? How do we give them the recognition they need? While reading hundreds, even thousands, of petitions, I was able to find a link between the behavior of men and the women they went after. I noticed a lot of aggression, planning, and a timeline that many of the men followed. Additionally, as time went on, the men got more aggressive, realized they could get away with giving false information, and became more confident in their methods of seduction. These women suffered, and their pain was not portrayed in classic literature. Through my research, I hope Dr. Renzi can shine a light on the victims of the Victorian era as well as give them a voice for their pain. Hopefully, Dr. Renzi can take my notes and findings and find links between the victims, their locations, or the men involved.
