Thomas Coram

Thomas Coram was born in Coombe Street in 1668 of a seafaring family, this wealthy merchant and generous philanthropist made a fortune trading with the American Colonies, eventually returning to England in 1720.

On his return he was affected by the plight of the many abandoned children in London and worked tirelessly to establish and finance the famous Foundling Hospital in Bloomsbury, which opened in the 1740s to feed, clothe and educate. It is said to be the world's first incorporated charity with William Hogarth and Henry Fielding as supporters.

He spent his fortune on others and died in 1751, having been made a Freeman of the Borough of Lyme Regis in 1749.

Coram Court and the solidly Gothic Coram Towers at the corner of Pound Road and Pound Street are named in his honour, and there is a stained glass window dedicated to his memory in St Michael's parish church which reads "To the glory of God in memory of Thomas Coram, Navigator, to whom we owe the Foundling Hospital. B 1668, D 1751".