Flowers family of Banbury

[Kate B]

I'm looking for SKS to help me find more info about Hubert (Henry) Flowers b1888 Banbury and his younger brother Thomas Edward Flowers b1890 Ireland.  In the 1901, both are in the Neithrop workhouse.  Both are the sons of Hubert Henry Flowers ( ) b1866 Banbury.

I have their birth records and lots more about them but have been told that they are mentioned in the following books, available at Oxfordshire Libraries or their Gale Cengage.  (I can't join Oxf libraries as I don't live in the county.) 

In the The "Black Sheep" series of books, the volume entitled "Wanted! Military Deserters, Apprentices and Runaways 1802-1903" (the latter of which is from "Jackson's Oxford Journal") there is mention of Hubert (I don't know if that's Hubert b1866 or Hubert b1888)

and

"Oxfordshire Workhouse Children (volume C-F)"
This book contains ONE SENTENCE about the 2 young lads, mentioned above.

(I've been told the books each cost £5+p&p, which seems a lot to pay for one sentence about them!)

I'd really appreciate help.  Thank you.

[CaroleW]

Info you probably already have

Born Henry Hubert Flowers June qtr 1888 - mmn was Webber - 1891 shows her as Madeline b Lahore India

1891 ref RG12/1230/46/25

[Kate B]

Yes, I have that thanks - and much more!

I'm interested i finding out WHY 13yo Hubert b1888 was in the Poorhouse in 1901.  (His dad b1866 at the same age was in Boarding school - how ironic!)

[cath151]

Hi
If you have access (FindMyPast or newspaper archives) there are several pieces in the Banbury papers re what was happening with Hubert Flowers around 1902 to 1904. The papers seem to be interested in his well being. Couple of possible mentions for his father too.
Cathy

[Kate B]

Thanks, Cath - I currently don't have access to either, but plan to join FindMyPast again soon...I'm just particularly nosey about the boys being in the workhouse! 

I have the family history from censuses, BMDs etc and now trying to add a bit of "interest" (aka gossip?!!" to the family.

[cath151]

Banbury Beacon 1st Dec 1900
"The committee recommend that two deserted children, Hubert and Thomas Flowers, at present in the Workhouse, be sent to the C of E Home for Waifs and Strays."

Cathy

[Kate B]

Thanks again, Cath.   I wonder why they had been deserted?  Mum & Dad were both still alive and their Grandma lived in Peterorough.    Seems so cruel?

Any idea where the "C of E Home for Waifs and Strays" was?  London?  Banbury?  I know in 1906 Hubert b1888 was enlisted on Training Ship Exmouth (Grays, Essex).   

UPDATE:  I've emailed the Children's Society to find out why they were placed in the Home.

[cath151]

From another report the home appears to be in Copenhagen Street ,Islington in 1902.

Cathy

[cuffie81]

There was an earlier report suggesting he may have been sent to Leicester.

Banbury Beacon
01 Dec 1900
Banbury Board of Guardians
Report of the Finance and House Committee
Hubert and Thomas Flowers. - The committee recommended that the two deserted children named Hubert and Thomas Flowers, at present in the Workhouse, be sent to the Church of England Home for Waifs and Strays at Leicester.



As Cathy says, there are quite a few articles mentioning Hubert. As an alternative to FindMyPast, which only includes newspaper archives in it's top tier of subscription, you might want to go direct to the BNA, which offer monthly subscriptions.

British Newspaper Archive
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/