George Martin

Who was George Martin?

Rev. George Martin, was a clergyman in the Church of England who gave up his living and went to Southwark, where he became known among the poor as the 'modern St Anthony'.

George Martin was born in St Breward in Cornwall, son of the Rev. George Martin D.D. and educated at Blundell's School in Tiverton and at St John's College in Cambridge, BA, MA.

Martin was ordained a deacon in Truro in 1887 and priest in 1888. From 1887-91 he was curate of Duloe in Cornwall, 1891-3 curate of Marhamchurch and, 1893-9, rector of Caerhayes.

On giving up his living Martin went to Southwark, where he was known among the poor as the 'modern St Anthony' and it was said he ‘possessed an influence almost hypnotic and a power for good that was irresistible’. Martin tramped the streets of Southwark in a ragged frock coat helping the poor of the borough, lodging in the same small cell-like room for 48 years and subsisting mainly on bread and margarine.