Florence Boot, one of the founders of Boots and one of Jersey’s greatest businesswomen and philanthropists has been honoured in Jersey as a permanent plaque is installed in her honour.

Florence Rowe was born in Jersey in 1863 at 5 Grove Place, now 101 Halkett Place. Until she married, she worked in her father’s bookshop and stationers in St Helier, and it was there that she developed her business acumen.

She married Jesse becoming both his wife and business partner, bring a a flair for fashion and design to the business and together they made a formidable team, accelerating and developing Boots into the national business that we know today.

Florence and Jesse never forgot their working class backgrounds and throughout their lives worked to improve the wellbeing of their employees and their families across the UK. A particular passion for Florence was her birthplace, Jersey, and she made a great impression on the island donation great spaces of land to improve health and wellness and for the enjoyment of people living on the island – many of which are still there today including Beauport Bay, the renovation of St Matthew’s Church and Coronation Park.

Awarded for her philanthropy on the island, the commemorative plaque is displayed at Florence’s birthplace, and was unveiled at a special event by members of the Boot family including Florence Boot’s great granddaughter, along with members from Jersey Heritage, Boots UK and the Parish of St Helier.

Boots UK continues to occupy two stores on the island, one being where Florence’s father’s bookshop was based in St Helier and it continues to serve the island for all of their health and beauty needs.

Check out our heritage timeline for more information on Florence, Jesse the history of the Boots brand.