Florence Jane Maddocks – Vicar’s wife

There is no doubt Florence Maddocks played an important role in the Gorse Hill community as the wife of Rev Maddocks at St Barnabas Church.

Florence was born in Manchester on January 6, 1856, the daughter of a solicitor’s clerk, William Sherratt, and his wife Sarah Jane. She married Philip Maddocks at St Mary’s Church, Birkenhead, Cheshire on July 6, 1880.

At the time of the 1881 census Philip was curate at St Peter’s Church, Burnley but for some reason Florence was boarding with her baby daughter Florence at the home of Charles Behenna and his wife Winifred at St Oswald in Cheshire.

Ten years later the Rev Maddocks was living at St Barnabas Vicarage, 268 Cricklade Road with his wife Florence and their ten year old daughter Florence Ida Louise. A son, Cyril, was born the following year but died in 1895 aged three years old. A second daughter, Philippa, was born in 1897.

It is sad and frustrating that so little can be discovered about a woman who played such an active role in the Gorse Hill community. Perhaps someone out there knows more about her.

The Late Mrs Maddocks

Funeral on Saturday

Amidst every manifestation of sorrow and regret on all sides, the funeral took place on Saturday last of Mrs Maddocks, wife of the Rev. Philip Maddocks (Vicar of St. Barnabas, Gorse Hill), who painfully sudden death was recorded in our columns last week. The mortal remains of the deceased lady were laid to rest in Swindon Cemetery, alongside the grave of her only son, Cyril, who fell asleep on Feb. 25, 1895, at the age of three years.

Holy Communion was celebrated in St. Barnabas Church, Gorse Hill, at ten o’clock, by the Rev. G.J. Saywell, curate: The organist, Mr. James Gaskell, played “No shadows yonder,” from A.R. Gaul’s “Holy City,” and also a selection from a Requiem of Anderton’s.

The funeral service took place at 12.45 in the same church, and the sacred edifice was crowded with parishioners and friends, anxious to take part in the solemn service. Canon the Hon. M. Ponsonby (Vicar of St Mark’s Church, and Rural Dean), officiated, assisted by the Rev. G.J. Saywell.

After the service at the church, the funeral procession wended its way to the Cemetery, where the last sad rites were performed at the graveside by Canon Ponsonby. Rain fell heavily during the long journey from Gorse Hill, but the sun shone out brightly as Canon Ponsonby solemnly delivered the committal sentences.

The coffin was of polished oak, with massive brass furniture, and the breast-plate born the following inscription:- “Florence Jane Maddocks, died 2^nd April, 1902, aged 46 years.” The funeral arrangements were most satisfactorily carried out by Messrs Chandler Bros., of Swindon.

The floral tributes were most numerous and beautiful, and covered the space of two graves.

At St. Barnabas Church yesterday, the services were conducted by the Rev. G.J. Saywell, who made fitting allusion to the great blow the Vicar and the whole parish had received.

Extracts from the Swindon Advertiser, Monday, April 7, 1902.