Francis Woods (buried 1887)

Francis was born in Holborn, Middlesex, the son of Benjamin and Lucy. He was baptised at St Andrew's church, Holborn on 18th January 1810. At the time the family were living in Graville Street. Lucy Woods was related to Rev Gilbert White of Selborne. Francis trained at St Bart's Hospital and in 1830 qualified as an apothecary. On 25th October 1836, he married Maria Hollis at Wilby in Northants. The couple settled in Northampton where Francis set up practice as a surgeon and general practitioner. In 1855, Francis was appointed Medical Officer to the Union Workhouse in Northampton. He also became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons. The family moved to Worthing after Francis retired, living at Heene Villa in Heene Lane (Road). Maria died on 19th November 1886 and was buried at Heene. Francis died the following year on 12th May. Probate was granted on 16th June to Edward William Woods of Warrington solicitor, the surviving executor. Effects £2083 15s 10d.

Heene Villa, later known as Heene Lodge was demolished in 1964 and replaced by flats. The villa was originally The British Sportsman's Hotel and Tavern. When it was put up for auction in 1832, there was a description of a disused cock-fighting pit in the garden. (see www.worthingpubs.com).