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 Investiture of the League of Mercy at Marlborough House by the Prince and Princess of Wales , as Grand President and Lady Grand President of the League of Mercy | |
.jpg) Badge of the Order of the League of Mercy, version awarded 1899-1946. The bow was for ladies' awards. | |
| Formation | 30 March 1899 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Edward, Prince of Wales |
| Founded at | London |
| Dissolved | 1947 |
| Legal status | Charity |
| Purpose | To supply funds, recruit and reward volunteers for hospitals |
| Headquarters | London |
First President | Edward, Prince of Wales[1] |
Last President | Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester |
Key people | Lady Grand Presidents: Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood |
The League of Mercy was a British foundation established in 1899 by Royal Charter of Queen Victoria. The goal of the organisation was to recruit a large number of volunteers to aid the sick and suffering at charity hospitals. It was disbanded at the establishment of the National Health Service in 1947,[2] with its royal charter subsequently surrendered.[3]
In its lifetime it collected a total of £850,000, £600,000 for London Hospitals and £250,000 for rural 'cottage hospitals' with subscriptions being as little as a shilling (12p) a year for servants and tradespeople.[4]
In 1999, the League of Mercy Foundation was established as a charity to recognise and reward volunteers.[5]
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