Historic silver prayer book returns to Rowcroft Hospice after nearly a century

Rowcroft Hospice has received a remarkable gift that reconnects the organisation with its early history. A solid silver prayer book, originally owned by the Rowcroft family and preserved across generations, has been returned to the hospice by descendants of one of the estate’s former employees.
In October, Frances Adley and her daughter Ruth visited Rowcroft to present the heirloom to Chief Executive Mark Hawkins. The prayer book was gifted by Ella Rowcroft, the benefactor who once owned the Rowcroft Estate, to Frances’ grandparents, Harry and Florence Adley, shortly before the Second World War. Signed by Ella, the book is a tangible reminder of the family’s legacy and the generosity that helped shape the hospice’s origins.
“My grandfather, Harry Adley, was Head Gardener on the Rowcroft Estate,” Frances said. “My aunt remembers being told that he also worked on the neighbouring Rainbow Estate, which was owned by Dame Edith Wills, Ella’s sister. My grandmother, Florence, was a parlour maid at Rowcroft until the birth of my father, who was born while they lived on the estate.
“When Harry and Florence left service, Ella left them a legacy that helped them buy a home in Paignton. Both Ella and Edith were devout Christians, as were my grandparents, and we believe that’s why Ella gifted this prayer book to them.”
The book has been carefully safeguarded by the Adley family ever since, even spending years in Canada with Frances’ aunt. The family has now chosen to return it to its original home, believing Rowcroft to be the place where it truly belongs.
“We wanted the prayer book to return to Rowcroft,” Frances said, “so that it can be displayed in memory of Ella. She was clearly a wonderful lady who cared deeply for those around her and for the staff who depended on her. Rowcroft’s Main House and the estate were very dear to my grandparents, and knowing that it’s now a hospice is heartwarming for us as a family – for all the special care and love given to people who are nearing the end of their lives.”
Rowcroft’s Chief Executive Mark Hawkins expressed deep gratitude for the donation. “We’re deeply grateful to Frances and her family for this thoughtful gift. It’s incredibly special to hold this piece of history in our hands, something that connects us directly to Ella Rowcroft and to her spirit of compassion, which continues to live on through the care we provide for local patients and their families every day.”
While the prayer book reflects Ella Rowcroft’s Christian faith, the hospice continues to provide inclusive spiritual support to people of all beliefs. Rowcroft says its focus remains on helping individuals find peace, whether through prayer, reflection, or the quiet of the hospice’s sanctuary, as part of its commitment to compassionate end-of-life care.