Prostitutes.- Rules, Orders and Regulations (The), of the Magdalen House, for the Reception of Penitent Prostitutes, second edition, title in red and black, lacking folding leaf of accounts at end, disbound, [ESTC T92541], 4to, 1759.

⁂ Very rare at auction; ESTC locates 10 copies, only 2 of which are in N.America (both at Harvard). ESTC does not list an earlier edition than this, despite it being called a "second edition corrected, with a new introduction."

The Magdalen Hospital began as Magdalen House which 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.

The list of subcribers (ie donors) includes Jonas Hanway who gave £30, whilst the single largest donation came from the legacy of Miss Heylyn (£250).