William Booth's Home (1835-1843)
Owing to poverty the family had to move from Sneinton. A man known as Grandfather Page had a ‘smallware’ shop and had been rich, but on being converted he gave his business to his sons and went to live simply close to the Booths, devoting his time to religious works. Surprisingly late in life he married a young woman and opened his shop to support his new family. He loved flowers and had an allotment nearby where he would often go to spend time with the Lord in his shed. Later in life one of his rich sons sent a carriage every afternoon to take him to the garden. When blind he would still visit his flowers and would sing hymns as he walked up and down, guided by a rope. He used to say, ‘I have been walking by faith for over forty years and not known what it is to have a gloomy hour’. He worked among the neglected, the sick and the sorrowful. He started a Ragged school in the slums and prayer meetings in the houses of the poor. (What an example to us all! Grandfather Page lived opposite the Booth’s; I wonder if he was an influence on the young lad?)
William was a child of fiery temper and impetuous will, who grew up with little guidance, wanting to spend as little time as possible at home. It was clear from an early age that he was a leader.
From my biography of William Booth on this website.
Additional Information
Booth's home was where these trees are now.