Joseph George Flower

Redcliff Street, Bristol
42 High Street, Walmer
92 High Street, Walmer
15, Belmont Place 
 

Occupation: Tailor

At the age of 10 years, Joseph George Flower is to be found living with his family, in Castle Street Workhouse, St Martins in the Field, Westminster in April 1828. They were admitted on 28th but two days later they are sent to Margate. After 5 years they are once more admitted to the Castle Street Workhouse. John Flower, Joseph’s father, has died in Margate and this may be the reason they had to return to their parish workhouse. The records tell me they are returned immediately to Margate on a ‘Steam Packet’. There were two private institutions based in Margate that took paupers from London Workhouses. This was an arrangement between the two institutions presumably to help ease the overcrowding in the London Workhouse. 

Despite a difficult start to his life Joseph takes up the trade of a tailor and builds his business in Walmer. His wife, Sarah nee ROSE was the mother of Edward Thomas Rose. Her illegitimate son was born to her in 1829 making him 17 years old when she married Joseph.  

Joseph and Sarah lost two of their children the charmingly named Matilda Rose, aged 10 years and her father’s namesake Joseph George, aged 6 years. They are buried together by the gate of the Blessed St Mary’s in Walmer. 

William Flower became a Pupil-Teacher and obviously excelled at his studies and training as he rises to the heights of becoming the Head Master of Herne Bay National school for boys for over 40 years. His wife is the Head Mistress of the female equivalent in the town.