Much has been read of the Thomas Coram story and the Foundling Hospital in Berkhamsted, but West Herts Trefoil Guild at their May meeting heard the inside story from a former boarder, Lydia Carmichael.
When she left the hospital she never wanted to see Berkhamsted again, but now she is back living in the town and enjoying it.
In her talk she told how she was fostered as a baby and then spent the rest of her childhood at the Foundling Hospital, n
ow Ashlyns School.
The upbringing was stark and harsh to modern minds. It was always stressed on the children how grateful they should be and that their purpose in life now was to serve.
The dormitories were known as wards and the children when taken out were walked in "crocodiles", with name-calling by town children - and a few hisses back by the Foundlings.
Having been left as a baby, she was then fostered with a family for the first few years then whisked off to Berkhamsted - a terrifying ordeal when driven through the big gates alone, as a very small child and then deprived of family contact.
Her description was part of the Trefoil Guild's May meeting at which five new members were welcomed and enrolled by chairman Mrs Alison Boddy.
The Guild meets on the first Wednesday of every month at the Blind Club in Alston Road, Boxmoor at 7.30pm.
Men and women who agree with the aims of Scouting and Girlguiding are welcome, not necessarily just retired Guiders.
Call the secretary Janet Guilbert on 01442 262574.
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