League of Mercy
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 | |
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 |
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, with its royal charter subsequently surrendered.
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.
In 1999, the League of Mercy Foundation was established as a charity to recognise and reward volunteers.