Pictures Dated 18th November 2009

Portrait of Captain Thomas Coram, 18th century (1844).Artist: WJ Linton

Portrait of Captain Thomas Coram, 18th century (1844). The philanthropist Thomas Coram (1668-1751) founded the Foundling Hospital after seeing the plight of children left abandoned in the streets, many of whom were young babies close to death. Poverty-stricken mothers would bring their children to the gate, and competition for places was fierce. Handel and Hogarth were also among the eminent people who took an active interest in the activities of the hospital. A print from The Illustrated London News, 4th May 1844.

© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images

'The Imposture of the Holy Maid of Kent', 16th century (1796). Artist: J Taylor

'The Imposture of the Holy Maid of Kent', 16th century (1796). Elizabeth Barton (1506?-1534) known as The Nun of Kent, The Holy Maid of London, The Holy Maid of Kent and later The Mad Maid of Kent was a Catholic nun who claimed to have received revelations from God. An opponent of Henry's Reformation of the Church, she prophesied that the king would die shortly afterwards if he was to marry Anne Boleyn. Supporters of the king had discredited Elizabeth by spreading rumours that she had engaged in sexual relationships with priests and had her arrested. After her arrest she confessed (possibly under coercion) that her revelations had been fabricated and was executed for treason.

© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images

Tombs of the Kings of Golconda, Andhra Pradesh, India, 1844.Artist: Thomas Higham

Tombs of the Kings of Golconda, Andhra Pradesh, India, 1844. Tombs, in the Mughal style, of the Qutb Shahi sultans, who ruled Golconda in the 16th and 17th centuries. Each tomb has an onion dome and has open arches on the ground floor with closed arches above. The building at right has a minaret. Engraved by permission of Captain Grindlay, from his work.

© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images