The Foundling Hospital Boys' Band - Foundling Museum

The Foundling Hospital Boys' Band - Foundling Museum
Discover the success story of the Foundling Hospital Boys' Band
The Boys’ Band was created in 1847. Despite a shaky beginning, it became well known for the quality of musicians it produced. The Band’s initial aims were to improve conduct and discipline and to give the boys a useful life skill, but the Hospital also hoped that access to a musical education would have a ‘softening’ influence on the boys. Many boys graduated into professional military bands and bandmasters visited the Hospital to handpick recruits. By the outbreak of World War I, more than 80% of boys leaving the Hospital marched into military music.
This small display is in the Introductory Gallery, alongside a cabinet display about Mercy Draper the blind Foundling singer.
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Enjoy free entry for a year with your ticket.
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£14.50 (£13.50 online)
Student (22+)
£13 (£12 online)
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£13 (£12 online)
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Free
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Open 10am — 5pm
Exhibitions & Displays
A Grand Chorus: The Power of Music
2 Oct 2025 – 31 May 2026
Exhibitions & Displays
The Foundling Hospital Boys’ Band
6 Jan – 31 May 2026
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Adult ticket £14.50 (£13.50 online), reduced price and free tickets available.
Book tickets
Enjoy free entry for
a
year with your ticket
.
Save £1 by booking online.
Please note: some events require separate tickets. Check the event page for details.