Florence Agnes Angle

Who was Florence Agnes Angle?

Florence Agnes Angle was an English nurse and Titanic survivor who lived from March 8, 1876 to August 20, 1969. She gained recognition for her survival of the Titanic disaster in 1912 and her long life thereafter, passing away at the age of 93 (ninety-three).

Early Life and Family

Florence Agnes Angle (née Hughes) was born in Radford Semele, Warwickshire, England on March 8, 1876. She was baptized on May 14 of the same year in Whitnash, Warwickshire. Her parents were:

• Father: George Hughes (born 1844), a shepherd from Mickleton, Gloucestershire
• Mother: Sarah Ann Hawkins (born 1839) from Radstone, Northamptonshire

Florence came from a large family, with eight known siblings:

• George (born 1865)
• Charles Joseph (born 1867)
• William Thomas (born 1869)
• Mabel Louisa (born 1872)
• Walter Richard (born 1874)
• Harriet Emily (born 1877)
• Jane (born 1879)
• Emma Annie (born 1882)

Additionally, she had a half-sister, Sarah Elizabeth (born 1858), from her mother’s previous relationship.

Education and Career

Florence trained as a nurse, specializing in mental health care. The 1901 census describes her as an asylum nurse, working at the Warwickshire County Asylum for Lunatics in Hatton. This early career choice would shape her professional life for years to come.

Marriage and Immigration

In late 1906, Florence married William Angle, a tile maker and fixer from Staffordshire. Shortly after their marriage, the couple emigrated to the United States. They departed on November 24, 1906, aboard the Campania. Immigration records provide a vivid description of Florence:

• Height: 5'10"
• Hair color: Brown
• Eye color: Grey
• Complexion: Fair

Their initial destination in America was 460 West 24th Street, New York City.

Life in New York and Return to England

By 1912, Florence and William had settled in Manhattan, residing at 339 West 19th Street. The couple remained childless. In late 1911, they returned to England for a visit, staying with William’s mother in Stoke. Florence’s parents and brother Charles were living at 14 Mill Street, Warwick at this time.

The Titanic Voyage

How did Florence and William end up on the Titanic?

For their return journey to New York, Florence and William booked passage on the RMS Titanic as second-class passengers. Their ticket (number 226875) cost £26, a significant sum at the time.

What was Florence’s experience during the Titanic disaster?

In a 1961 interview, Florence recounted her experience on the night of April 14-15, 1912:

1. She was asleep when the collision occurred.
2. William woke her, informing her that something had happened.
3. While William went to investigate, Florence fell back asleep.
4. The commotion outside their cabin finally roused her.
5. The couple went to the upper decks together.
6. Florence was separated from William and placed in a lifeboat.
7. The last she saw of her husband was him waving to her from the deck.

Florence survived the sinking, possibly in lifeboat 11, but William tragically lost his life in the disaster.

Life After the Titanic

Following the disaster, Florence continued to New York, where she recuperated from respiratory ailments and worked as a housekeeper. Her stay in America was brief, and she returned to England, arriving in Liverpool on November 8, 1912, aboard the Cedric.

Florence never remarried and settled in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, at 33 Arlington Avenue. She continued her nursing career for many years.

Later Years and Legacy

How did Florence respond to claims about the last Titanic survivor?

In July 1961, at the age of 85 (eighty-five), Florence made headlines when she challenged a newspaper report claiming that Finnish-born Helga Hirvonen was the last living Titanic survivor. Florence visited the offices of the Coventry Evening Telegraph to set the record straight, asserting that not only was she a Titanic survivor but that there were likely other survivors still living.

When and how did Florence Angle pass away?

In her final years, Florence’s health deteriorated, and she was cared for by friends. She passed away on August 20, 1969, at the age of 93 (ninety-three). Her funeral took place at Canley cemetery & Crematorium in Coventry, where she was cremated. Her ashes were scattered in the Garden of Remembrance (Rose Bed L3 Deep Secret).

Florence Agnes Angle’s life spanned nearly a century, marked by her survival of one of the most famous maritime disasters in history. Her story serves as a testament to human resilience and the enduring impact of the Titanic tragedy on its survivors.