Friends of Hastings Cemetery
Hastings and St Leonards Observer -
The death of Mrs. Ellen Newton occurred her home, Mountfield. 5, Upper Mazehill, St. Leonards, on Tuesday, at the age of 99. Mrs. Newton was the widow of the Rev. Francis Newton, the first rector of St. Matthew's, Silverhill. The outstanding work of Mrs. Newton's life was the foundation of the Convalescent Home for Poor Children in St. Leonards. The home was started in quite a small way in a house in Stanhope-
In 1882 the home was again found to be too small, and, backed by a strong committee, and with the help of large donations from the late Mr. D. McDougall, the late Mr. Henry Austen, the late Mr. F. G. Haviland, the late Mr. Edward Beach, and others, the present home at West Hill was built, at a cost of between £8,OOO and £9,000, and opened by King Edward (then Prince of Wales) on June 26th. 1882.
Up to a few months ago, Mrs. Newton enjoyed excellent bodily health, but lately her strength failed, although her mind remained clear and she was able to read the daily newspaper until a few days before her death. She retained her interest in the home to the last, and on her 99th birthday. on August l0th, she sent her usual greetings and gifts. The funeral service will lie held at St. Matthew's Church, Silverhill. to-
These are the three plaques below the West Window in St Matthews Church. The first is the dedication of the window to Francis, the second to Francis junior, and the third to Ellen.
It is recorded that “the text around the walls of the church chancel was painted, ‘with the architect’s advice and approval, by Mrs. Ellen Newton, the wife of the then Rector.”
Her landscape paintings were also often specifically mentioned in the Observer at sales of work for missions and other charities.
