Proposal to commemorate Quaker botanist

A York woman is hoping to create a heritage centre dedicated to Quaker botanist and philanthropist James Backhouse

by Tara Craig 21st August 2015

A York woman is hoping to create a heritage centre dedicated to Quaker botanist and philanthropist James Backhouse.

Jane Cullen wants to transform a disused park-keeper’s lodge in West Bank Park in York into a café and heritage centre. She is currently fundraising to cover the cost of a feasibility study.

The park is on the site of both the James Backhouse Plant Nurseries, once known around the world as ‘the Kew of the North’, and of West Bank House, Backhouse’s home.

James Backhouse (1794-1869) travelled the world collecting seed samples and visiting communities he considered vulnerable. Among these were convicts and aboriginal people in Australia.

‘Whilst it is clear that there is enormous interest worldwide in James Backhouse, there has been very little to recognise him right here in York, which was his home,’ Jane told the Friend. ‘As a botanist, philanthropist and Quaker missionary, he did not shout loudly about his achievements. The idea of this centre is to have a place where we can celebrate and share the knowledge, passing on his incredible legacy for future generations.’

Jane hopes that the heritage centre will be ‘a place for young and old to share and celebrate the history of this park, whilst enjoying a cup of tea together’.

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