Blooming York: How flowers became part of the city's heritage
Spring daffodils cover the mount around Cliffords Tower in York
ROSEMARY SUTTILL looks back at the history behind York's famous flowers and blooms
MENTION York and many people may think first of York Minster and York Walls.
One thing these buildings have in common is stonework.
In fact, it’s the wonderful stone edifices that give York so much of its character.
But what about the refreshing greenery and the many wild flowers and daffodils flourishing on the York ramparts, to say nothing of the beautiful, varied array of colours as flowers bloom in the Museum Gardens, the Merchant Adventurers and Merchant Taylors Hall gardens and in private gardens anywhere you choose to look in the city?
Daffodils on the York Bar Walls - by Sue Gabbatiss
When did Yorkies first discover how beautiful York looks when it’s ‘in bloom’?
It seems likely that the earliest flowers were grown for their medicinal value although lavender is pleasing to the eye as well as easing stress.
We could expect that York with its ancient tradition of medical care could have had many valuable, healing plants that were also attractive.
Richard Hall, the late archaeologist, mused that after the devastation following the Roman and Viking occupations, plants began to reappear naturally to cover the ground, masking the destruction and giving a kindlier appearance to the landscape.
But when did flowers themselves start to become important in York’s heritage?
Winter view across the Ouse to Museum Gardens, 1920s. Picture: Explore York Libraries and Archives
Fortunately it wasn’t left only to historians of the built environment to learn how York’s love affair with flowers developed.
Because scouring the various early York history books for information about gardening isn’t very rewarding. Index entries for ‘flowers’, ‘gardens’ and ‘plants’ don’t give us much help.
Didn’t our ancestors care about flowers? Must we simply speculate? After the incidental appearance of blooms such as lavender and chamomile, early Yorkies may have begun to see the attraction of flowers for their own sake.
The Vicars Choral, in their residence in Bedern, for instance, may have been attracted by the sweet musky fragrance of the vine flowers in their own vineyard.
David Palliser, medieval historian (and also YAYAS’ President) notes the occupation of ‘gardener’ in a Freemen’s register before 1350, although we don’t know what the gardener was actually doing.
Jorvik Flower - photo by Ivan Martin
Sir Arthur Ingram, perhaps not the most ethical of 17th century businessmen, left us Ingram’s Hospital, an almshouse completed 1632, still standing in Bootham, was also noted for the gardens of his house near the Minster which appear to have been an early visitor attraction.
What flowers were growing there? Tulips, originating in Asia and arriving in England from Tudor times might have featured in Ingram’s garden.
But the history of flower-growing in York might have been rather sparse if it weren’t for the Ancient Society of York Florists. This Society, formed in 1768, exhibited flowers for their beauty. Chrysanthemums and dahlias were imported, popular at the Society’s shows that continued to attract attention over the years, enjoying even the patronage of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.
The First World War inevitably turned attention away from flowers, but they continued to be cultivated along with vegetables. Allotment holders in the Bootham stray area demonstrated unexpected resourcefulness, salvaging scrap materials from the N.E.R and Rowntree's building works to create potting sheds, essential for the gardening enthusiast.
Flowers and York Minster by Isaac Savage
Enthusiasm for flower growing continues, according to the Ancient Society’s reports. Specialists such as George Russell (1857-1951) helped with our developing appreciation of blooms. Russell Lupins are named after him and he has a commemorative plaque outside his former home in Stillington.
The civic authority hadn’t been slow to capture this enthusiasm for the wider public. George Hicks, the City Corporation’s Head Gardener, had been tasked with planting the first bulbs on the ramparts before the First World War.
In April 1925 the Yorkshire Evening Post invited travellers changing trains in York to take in the view of the beautiful daffodils on the rampart walls. There were hawthorn, laburnum and lilac in the gardens round the hotel and war memorial, too. A refreshing change from the smoky train station!
Recommended reading:
- Why a school trip to York in 1955 sparked a lifelong love affair with the city
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Then, still just about 100 years ago, while visitors continued to enjoy the daffodils on the rampart opposite the station, the Council’s Parks Committee thought it looked so impressive (quite right) that they decided to plant bulbs round the rest of the walls. Apparently, they thought of going further and flooding that part of the moat by Lord Mayor’s Walk so we could fancy ourselves back in medieval times.
Dean's Park showing spring flowers and the Minster
We know that didn’t happen! But in 1937, the Yorkshire Post printed a view that we’re now familiar with: the rampart quite smothered in daffodils, with the Minster standing guard in the distance.
By 1946 the Museum Gardens had joined in the display. In 1951, the Festival of Britain was marked with wonderful daffodils on display. The bulbs were said then to cost £2 per thousand. Money well spent!
City of York Council now has the comprehensive York in Bloom project ( https://www.york.gov.uk/york-city-centre/city-walls/5#project). Flowers also work for their living, with fund raising events such as the National Garden Scheme where gardens in Huntington, Acomb and elsewhere are open for enjoyment and to earn a few pounds for good causes. Flowers even get on the education bandwagon! A ‘flower picture’ planted near Lendal Bridge reminds us of York’s ancient history.
Even now, with climate problems, the glories of York’s gardens are still with us. Enjoy!
Rosemary Suttill is Publications Officer for YAYAS (Yorkshire Architectural and York Archaeological Society).
YAYAS developed from its foundation in 1842. It has publications, lectures and excursions, which with its fantastic photo archive, makes sure Yorkies and everyone else finds out about York’s wonderful history. Visitwww.yayas.org.uk to find out more.
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