Prostitutes.- Rules, Orders and Regulations (The), of the Magdalen House, for the Reception of Penitent Prostitutes, list of governors and contributors to the charity at end, including Samuel Richardson, lacking contents page (A4), some surface soiling and toning, a few spots, modern cloth-backed boards, toned, [ESTC T92542], 4to, 1760.
⁂ Very rare at auction.
Magdalen House opened in 1758 in Featherstone Street (near present day Old Street station) before moving to 21 Prescot Street, Whitechapel the following year. Prescot Street was then a disreputable area with many brothels, taverns and theatres.
Robert Dingley (1710-81), merchant, architect and philanthropist proposed that a refuge for fallen women who were penitent and prepared to start a new life be founded. The women had to be under 30 years of age and preference was given to the youngest applicants with the least experience of prostitution. The 'patients' were trained in needlework and laundry work and had to attend religious services twice a day.
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