These children thus saved from the miseries of vice and beggary; from becoming pick-pockets and house-breakers, and from ending their days at the gallows; after being thus instructed and inured to labour, are put out apprentice, the boys to the sea service or to trades, and the girls to service in honest families.
It will be no unpleasing amusement, if we here give the speech of John Trusty, one of these poor boys, to her Majesty Queen Anne, upon her coming to dine at Guildhall, on Thursday the 29th of October 1702, the Lord Mayor’s day; nor can we better conclude what we have said of these children.
“May it please your most excellent Majesty, to pardon this great presumption in us poor children, who throw ourselves at your royal feet, among the rest of your glad subjects, that here in crouds appear to behold your sacred Majesty.
“We, Madam, have no fathers, no mothers, no friends; or, which is next to none, those who, through their extreme poverty, cannot help us. God’s providence is our inheritance [pointing to the motto on his breast.] All the support we have is from the unexhausted charities of your loyal citizens of London, and others your good subjects, and the pious care of our Governors, who are now teaching our little hands to work, and our fingers to spin.
“These threads, Madam, [holding out some yarn, which he held in his hand] are some of the early fruits of our industry. We are all daily employed on the staple manufacture of England, learning betimes to be useful to the world. And there seemed nothing wanting to complete our happiness, but the opportunity which this day affords us, of being the objects of your tender pity and compassion. One gracious smile from your Majesty on this new foundation will make us live——and live to call you blessed.
“And may God Almighty long preserve your Majesty, for the good of these your kingdoms, and your Royal Consort the Prince. So pray we, your little children: and let all your people say, Amen.”
In another part of the house, called the Keeper’s Side, are kept beggars, vagrants, dissolute and abandoned sturdy fellows, who have no honest means of support; and the lewd women who are taken up in the streets, where they spread debauchery and contagion among unwary youth: all these are kept to hard labour, and employed in beating of hemp and washing of linen. Many of these have been brought to a sense of their crimes, while others have voluntarily transported themselves to the plantations.
All these are not only supported, but in case of sickness, broken limbs, sores, or wounds, have advice, physic and surgery gratis.
Some years ago the Governors built a very large, strong and useful building, with three long rooms or galleries one over another, which are filled with boys and girls at work, who have a proper number of men and women to instruct them. They have here also a large and convenient brewhouse for brewing their own drink, and over that a malthouse. In short, every thing here is managed with the greatest prudence and œconomy. Maitland.
London Workhouse yard, by the London Workhouse in Bishopsgate street.