Description:White metal commemorative medallion struck to mark the opening of Bilston Cholera Orphan School on 3 August 1833. Maker: T. Ottley. A contemporary newspaper report stated: "Previous to the opening several hundred neat and well executed medals had been prepared ... to commemorate the sad event, and one of the them was suspended, by a black riband, round the neck of each child". 742 people died during the outbreak in Bilston in 1832. A year later the Cholera Orphan School was opened
Obverse: view of Orphan School and inscription: 'CHOLERA ORPHAN SCHOOL BY CHOLERA UNDER 12 YEARS OF AGE OPENED AUGUST. 3. 1833 NUMBER OF ORPHANS 450'.