Joseph Thomas Meacock was born on 8th September 1808 at Queens Head Court, St Sepulchre in the City of London. He was the son of George Meacock (or Maycock) (c1765 - 1816) and Mary (c11765-). He was baptised on 17th November 1808 at St Sepulchre.
In about 1829 Joseph went to work as a Coal Carrier and Bathman at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London.
On 15th December 1831 Joseph married Mary Ann Middleditch at Christ Church, Greyfriars, Newgate, London.
Between 1832 and 1850, George and Mary had the following known:
Joseph William, born abt 1832
Mary Ann, born abt 1835
Alfred Thomas, born abt 1837
William Henry, born 14th April 1839
George Edward, born 28th February 1841
Rebecca Jane, born 2nd April 1843
James Frederick, born 10th October 1847
Joseph Thomas, born 5th April 1850
In about 1838 Joseph took on the job of Beadle at the hospital where he was to remain until his retirement in 1866.
The St Bartholomew’s Hospital Archivist after searching for Joseph wrote, "In the sixteenth century beadles had to bring in sick people found lying in the streets of the City. When in the early nineteenth century a regular police force was formed, the beadle's work was concentrated on the Hospital grounds. They were attached to the Steward's Office, sweeping the square and entrance gates, carrying the coal to the wards and delivering beer to the patient's, but they received the warning never 'to keep company with any of the patents, nor to eat or drink with them in any victualling house'. The beadles were also in charge of the gates at night to prevent patients from sleeping out, and they had to clear the Hospital from 'all idle and disorderly persons'. At present they are part of the Patients' Service Department, carrying flowers and parcels to patients and taking new patients to their wards."
There is also a record of Joseph’s promotion from 3rd Beadle to 2nd Beadle in 1844,
"At a General Court held on Wednesday the 24th day of April 1844. Resolved That Joseph Meacock, 3rd Beadle be appointed the 2nd Beadle, and that William Sudds, 4th Beadle, be appointed the 3rd Beadle and that they do receive the Salaries belonging to the said
Offices".
Finally there is Joseph’s resignation letter copied into the minutes of a meeting of the House Committee in 1866,
"At a House Committee held on Tuesday the 12th day of June 1866. Read the following letter from Joseph Meacock tendering his resignation of the Office of Beadle:
St Bartholomew's Hospital
To the Worshipful Treasurer, the Almoners and Committee of St Bartholomew's Hosps
Gentlemen,
Having for some time past been frequently laid up with effusion of the knee joint and from ill health generally, which have I am sorry to say prevented me performing my duties regularly and causing extra work to devolve upon my fellow Servants I therefore under these circumstances feel compelled to place in your hands my resignation of the Office of Beadle which I have now held for 28 years and previously for 9 years performed the Duties of Coal Carrier and Bathman - trusting that my several Duties have hitherto been performed to the satisfaction of the Treasurer and the other Officers I earnestly hope you will take my past services into [y]our kind consideration having had a large Family to support since my appointment.
I am
Mr Treasurer and Gentlemen
Your most obedient humble Servant
Joseph Meacock
Which Resignation was accepted and it was Resolved Unanimously to recommend to the next General Court that a Pension of Seventy Pounds per annum be granted to the said Joseph Meacock upon his
retirement."
Unfortunately there is no record to show whether Joseph actually received his pension of £70.
Joseph lived on in retirement until his death at the age of 72 on 16th May 1880
at St Bartholomew's Hospital.