History

1868 - 1888: A Life Ordinary

Florence's early years were marked by joy and uncertainty, the result of a fateful evening in a hay barn between a farmhand, Michael, and a milkmaid, Sally. As a tot, Florence was doted on by her mother and father, who showered her with love and attention. But tragedy struck when Florence was just three years old, and her mother passed away during childbirth, leaving behind a young girl who would never really know her. Her father, Michael, was devastated. Turning to the bottle to dull the pain, he often neglected his daughter's needs, and left her to fend for herself. As Florence grew older, she became increasingly resentful of her father's absence and his inability to provide for her. Yet, she still cared for his welfare and would often look after him, fetching him from public houses.

Despite these difficulties, Florence's extended family stepped in to help raise her. Her youth was wild with Florence often left to her own devices. Her aunts and uncles were tolerant and accommodating, but their efforts were eventually exhausted by Michael's continued neglect. As she entered her teenage years, Florence began to work odd jobs to support herself. She worked as a milkmaid, kitchen maid, and laundry maid, taking on any task that would provide for her and her father. But despite her best efforts, Florence struggled to make ends meet. Her father's addiction continued to worsen, and she often found herself feeling like she was carrying the weight of their struggles alone.

At the age of 14, Florence was sent to a charitable establishment designed to provide impoverished young girls with the skills needed to avoid destitution. The experience was difficult, but it provided Florence with a sense of purpose and direction. A life scrubbing floors was hardly what she dreamed of, but it was better than the street, but what Florence lacked in knowledge of letters and sums, she made up for in stubbornness and a willingness to try. After completing her training, Florence returned to her father's side, determined to help him turn his life around. But it soon became clear that he was beyond help. His addiction had consumed him completely, and Florence was forced to confront the harsh reality that she could not change him.

She is resigned to a lifetime of drudgery and servitude seeing no hope in the future.