It has already been stated, how great is the number of such institutions as we have just been describing. Besides Lying-in hospitals, may be mentioned two or three institutions for the purpose of delivering poor married women at their own habitations. An useful institution of this kind dates its rise in the year 1757, and is under the direction of a president, six vice-presidents, a treasurer, secretary, and governors. An annual subscription of one guinea, or more, or a benefaction of ten guineas, or upwards, constitutes a governor. An annual governor for one guinea may recommend eight objects in the year, and in proportion for a larger sum, and the governor for life recommends the same number annually.
During the first fifty years of this society, the deliveries amounted to 178,983; and in the year 1808, to 4,100. Another institution of the same kind, called "The Benevolent institution for the sole purpose of delivering poor married women at their own habitations," was established in 1780.
Source: Leigh's New Picture of London. Printed for Samuel Leigh, 18, Strand;
by W. Clowes, Northumberland Court. 1819