Gates of the Abode - A season of talks and workshops on death, departure and the unseen at Abney Park; this lecture is part of the Tales of Departure series.

In the 18th century, it was not uncommon for children to be abandoned or left in the care of others. In only 60 years, the 'Hospital for the Education Maintenance of Exposed and Deserted Young Children' recorded a record-breaking approximately 18,500 admissions.

Movies, stories and fairy tales depict parents, often destitute or unmarried mothers, leaving their children at the door of convents and orphanages anonymously. However, in 18th-century London, admissions to the 'Foundling Hospital' also had to be accompanied by a 'peculiar thing'.

Buried at Abney Park is Dr Andrew Reed, founder of the London Orphan Asylum, who devoted his life to the welfare of abandoned and destitute children in 19th-century London. The cemetery's own burial records tell a quieter version of the same struggle, with common graves and reduced burial fees for children and stillborn infants reflecting how precarious young life remained well into the 19th century. 

This talk explores the emotional narratives behind the foundling tokens, reflecting the heart-wrenching decisions faced by parents and the enduring love that persisted despite separation.

Biography:

Alessandra Curtis is a British-Italian folklorist, with a background in archaeology, driven by a passion for material culture and London history. Drawing on a wealth of social history and curious details, she explores the forgotten meanings attached to every-day items that tell stories of ordinary people, often overlooked in conventional records. 

Meeting point:
Please meet at the Harriet Delph room, next to the cafe, at the Stoke Newington High Street entrance.
Please arrive 10 - 15 minutes before the start time of 7:00pm.

Access information:
The Harriet Delph room is located next to the Abney Park Cafe.
There is level access at the High Street entrance to Abney Park.
Accessible toilet facilities are available.