Grave of 'remarkable' Hereford woman set to be restored

Florence Canning was the oldest daughter of the Vicar of St Paul's Church, Tupsley, born in 1863.

Canning went on to be a professional artist, showing her paintings at exhibitions in Hereford and London.

But she gave up her career in 1908 to join the votes for women campaign.

Florence Canning's grave

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She became a suffragette and supported many other organisations, including the Church League for Women's Suffrage and Women's Tax Resistance League.

But she didn't live to see women get the vote, as she died in Brighton on Christmas Eve 1914 and was buried with her father at St Paul's.

Her life story was uncovered by local researcher Clare Wichbold, who wrote about Florence in Hard Work - But Glorious: Stories from the Herefordshire Suffrage Campaign, which was published in 2021.

Ms Wichbold said: "Florence was a remarkable woman, she travelled as far as the Isle of Skye to speak about suffrage, and even when she was very ill with cancer, she carried on her work promoting votes for women.

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Church League for Women’s Suffrage General Council, Old Steyne Gardens, Brighton, 2 July 1913. Florence is the tall woman in the middle, hatless. Image: LSE Women’s Library Collection

"When she was buried at St Paul's Church, there were suffrage campaigners from across the country in attendance.

"However, not many people know about Florence today, she's very much a forgotten suffragette."

As well as being a suffragette she campaigned on many other issues before she died at the early age of 51, said Ms Wichbold.

She was buried at the church as she was the daughter of Reverend Thomas Canning, who was vicar of Tupsley.

Now a group has been granted permission to restore her grave.

"This process has taken some time, and I am grateful for the support of everyone who has helped with the fundraising, paperwork, and encouragement," said Ms Wichbold.

Landscaper Simon Hudson will remove the gravestone base and cross, clean and repair them, and return everything with the cross in its rightful place, she said.

It is unknown yet when the work will be completed.

"I am hoping that it can be done for Florence's 160th birthday on May 19," she said.

When Florence's grave is restored, it will be another opportunity to share more about her life and work.