Throughout her childhood, Wolfe lived modestly with her parents in a strict Catholic household in this market town. In 1928, she and her family moved from Tonbridge to Tunbridge Wells. While the family resided in Tunbridge Wells, Joan attended a convent school in nearby Mark Cross, with her tuition fees reportedly paid by a wealthy aunt. She attended this convent school until age 16, becoming fluent in the French language, and although outwardly pious and known to regularly wear a conspicuous crucifix about her neck, she apparently lacked any serious religious commitment.