Francis William Stapleton was born on 13th December 1887 in the Edmonton district of London. His parents were William and Amy (née Brewer). Francis joined the staff at St Audry’s Hospital as an attendant on 16th February 1914. The St Audry’s employment records show that her was “Called to the Colours” on 11th October 1916, joining the Norfolk Regiment. Francis was then posted to the Labour Corps, with whom he remained until the end of the war. For his war service, Francis received the British War and Victory Medals.

He resumed working at St Audry’s on 24th February 1919 and, a year later, he married Louisa Maud Thurston. In 1939, they were living in Hollesley and Francis was still working for St Audry’s Hospital. He died on 20th August 1963.