When John Moore and his family moved to Warwick, he was employed as a gardener for Thomas Lloyd. John, his wife Mary, and their eight children lived at Priory Lodge in Priory Park, Warwick. Although the Priory building is no longer standing, Priory Lodge is still in Priory Park. It is part of Warwickshire County Record Office.
Eventually John opened his own business as a Nursery and Seedsman. He had nursery gardens outside Warwick, where he could grow fruit, vegetables and flowers. You could visit John’s shop on Market Place to buy the fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as seeds.
Invited to see his roses
Newspaper adverts show John would invite the public to visit his nurseries to see his celebrated roses in full bloom.
Records from Warwick Castle show us John Moore sold them a range of plants and seeds for use in the gardens there. Many were common to English gardens such as mustard, garlic and raspberry canes. Plants such as Virginia Creeper and Rhododendrons were imported and were fashionable to grow.
A status symbol
Rhododendrons are native to the Himalayas and North America. They were bought to Britain in the 1800s by explorers like Sir Joseph Hooker. The expansion of the British Empire meant explorers were bringing plants back to Britain from around the world. Having Rhododendrons in your garden became a Victorian status symbol.
This article is part of the Through the Shop Window trail showcasing the links between Warwick businesses and Warwick Castle in the 1800s. Supported by The Friends of Warwickshire County Record Office, The Steven Wallsgrove Legacy and Warwick Town Council.
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