1740

The London began life

September 1740 The London began life when seven men met in the Feathers Tavern in Cheapside, London to found what was originally named The London Infirmary. Like other charities, the London Infirmary (renamed London Hospital in 1748) was founded by professional men, businessmen and philanthropists. However, The London was intended for the sick poor among ‘the merchant seaman and manufacturing classes’: the East End community of the time.

November 1740 The first patients were received at a house in Featherstone Street, Moorfields. The following May, the hospital moved to rented premises in Prescot Street, near the Tower of London.