Statue of Thomas Coram
A seated bronze tribute to the philanthropist who saved thousands of abandoned children from London's streets.
A seated bronze statue of Thomas Coram, the philanthropist who founded the Foundling Hospital, stands in Brunswick Square in Bloomsbury. Designed by sculptor William Macmillan and unveiled in 1963, the statue depicts Coram holding a scroll, based on a portrait by William Hogarth. The figure sits on a granite base inscribed with Coram's dates and his pioneering role in child welfare. Located near the Foundling Museum and Coram's Fields, this monument honours a man whose 17-year campaign transformed the lives of thousands of abandoned children in 18th-century London.
A brief summary to Statue of Thomas Coram
- Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AZ, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Use your smartphone to scan the blue sign at the statue's base and hear actor Simon Callow speak as Thomas Coram, bringing the philanthropist's story to life through an interactive audio experience.
- Visit the adjacent Foundling Museum at 40 Brunswick Square to explore the hospital's history, see original artifacts, and view works by William Hogarth and other artists who supported Coram's vision.
- Walk through Coram's Fields, the adjacent children's playground built on part of the original Foundling Hospital site, to experience the landscape where thousands of vulnerable children found refuge.
- The statue's seated pose was deliberately chosen to mirror William Hogarth's portrait of Coram—look for the scroll in his right hand, symbolizing the Royal Charter he fought 17 years to obtain.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Northern Line or Circle Line to King's Cross St Pancras station. Exit towards Bloomsbury and walk northwest through the residential streets for approximately 8–10 minutes to reach Brunswick Square. The journey takes around 15–20 minutes total from central London.
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Bus
Multiple buses serve the Bloomsbury area, including routes 7, 17, 45, 214, and 390. Alight at stops near Great Ormond Street or Guilford Street and walk to Brunswick Square, approximately 3–5 minutes on foot. Journey times vary from 20–40 minutes depending on traffic and starting location.
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Walking
From the British Museum (15 minutes), head north through Bloomsbury's tree-lined streets. From St Pancras station (12 minutes), walk south and west through the neighbourhood. The area is flat and pedestrian-friendly with clear signage. Coram's Fields and the Foundling Museum are immediately adjacent.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Request a ride to Brunswick Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1AZ. Journey times from central London typically range from 10–25 minutes depending on traffic. Fares vary but expect approximately £8–18 from nearby areas.
Statue of Thomas Coram location weather suitability
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Discover more about Statue of Thomas Coram
A Monument to Compassion and Determination
The statue of Thomas Coram stands as a tribute to one of history's most determined philanthropists. Unveiled on 8 May 1963 by Princess Mary, President of the Coram charity, this bronze seated figure was sculpted by William Macmillan and captures Coram in a moment of quiet dignity. The choice of a seated pose was deliberate and historically significant—it mirrors a portrait painted by William Hogarth, the celebrated artist and fellow supporter of Coram's vision. Coram holds a scroll in his right hand, symbolizing the Royal Charter he fought so hard to obtain. The granite base bears the inscription "Thomas Coram 1668-1751. Pioneer in the cause of child welfare," while a more detailed bronze plaque on the reverse recounts his achievements and the statue's dedication by the Governors of the charity.The Man Behind the Monument
Thomas Coram was a sea captain and merchant whose experiences trading with the American colonies shaped his worldview and compassion. When he returned to England in 1720 with his American wife, Eunice, he was horrified by the sight of destitute and dying children abandoned on London's streets. Each year, approximately one thousand babies—many born to unmarried mothers or families crushed by poverty—were left to perish. Coram resolved to change this tragedy, conceiving the idea of a foundling hospital where these vulnerable children could be cared for and educated. Yet his path was far from straightforward. Initially, influential men in society refused to support his petition, fearing that such a charity would encourage immorality among the poor. Undeterred, Coram turned to the wives and daughters of the nobility—the "21 Ladies of Quality and Distinction"—whose signatures lent respectability and momentum to his cause. After 17 years of tireless campaigning, King George II signed the Royal Charter in October 1739, formally establishing the "Hospital for the Maintenance and Education of Exposed and Deserted Young Children."Artistic Patronage and Cultural Legacy
The Foundling Hospital became far more than a refuge for abandoned children; it transformed into a beacon of artistic and musical patronage. William Hogarth, whose portrait of Coram now hangs in the hospital, rallied fellow artists to donate their work, establishing the institution as London's first permanent public art gallery. George Frideric Handel, the court composer, organized benefit concerts and donated the manuscript of the Hallelujah Chorus to support the hospital's work. The second performance of Handel's Messiah at the hospital raised £7,000—an extraordinary sum at the time. These contributions ensured that supporting the Foundling Hospital became fashionable among the aristocracy, securing both financial stability and cultural prestige for Coram's vision.The Statue's Modern Context
The statue itself is relatively recent, installed nearly 60 years ago in 1963, yet it honours a legacy stretching back nearly three centuries. The sculpture was created by Morris Singer Founders, a renowned London foundry, and bears their maker's mark on its side. Interestingly, an earlier standing statue of Coram once stood at the entrance to Coram's Fields, erected in 1752 shortly after his death. That statue was gifted to Taunton, Massachusetts in 1927, honouring Coram's early fortune-making in America. The current seated figure has become the primary public memorial to Coram in Bloomsbury, positioned near the Foundling Museum at 40 Brunswick Square—a building constructed in 1937 in Georgian style to recreate the appearance and interior decoration of the original hospital that was demolished in the 19th century.Interactive Remembrance
A small blue sign on the statue's front invites visitors to hear Thomas Coram's voice through their smartphones—an innovative touch that brings history to life. The words are spoken by actor Simon Callow, performing a text written by Kiran Benawra, allowing modern visitors to connect directly with Coram's story and legacy. This blend of 18th-century philanthropy and 21st-century technology creates a unique experience that bridges centuries.Enduring Impact
During its two centuries of operation, the Foundling Hospital cared for approximately 25,000 children, providing them with shelter, education, and a chance at life. Though the hospital eventually relocated and transformed into the Thomas Coram Foundation for Children, Coram's original vision continues to guide child welfare work today. The statue in Brunswick Square stands as a permanent reminder of one man's unwavering commitment to protecting society's most vulnerable members, and of the power of compassion to overcome institutional resistance and social prejudice.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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