Botanists and Bankers

The Quaker refusal to pay tithes, coupled with the insistence of agents that they be paid, led to significant hardship for the Backhouse family. However, over time, new security measures provided the dynamic Quaker Backhouse family and their relatives with the freedom to pursue their ambitions. This newfound stability allowed them to attend university, join various professions, and become increasingly involved in politics, commerce, banking, railways, shipping, canals, and mining, as well as actively participating in their local community’s social and political life. The resilience of the Backhouse family in overcoming adversity set the stage for their continued influence in a wide range of industries and civic affairs.

Founding Financial Security for Future Generations

James Backhouse I (1721–1798) played a pivotal role in securing the financial stability that enabled his children and their descendants to pursue their growing interests in the natural world, botany, and horticulture. In 1774, James founded the Quaker ethical Backhouse Bank in Darlington, Co. Durham, with the help of his two sons, Jonathan Backhouse I (1747–1826) and James Backhouse II (1757–1804).

The bank quickly became one of the most influential financial institutions in the region, praised for its stability. As noted by Raistrick (1968), “The bank became one of the most stable influences in the finance of Northern business, surviving several serious crises in which many other banks failed.”

In 1896, Backhouse & Co. merged with twenty other private banking firms to form Barclays & Company Limited, a union described by the banking press as the “merger of well-known Quaker firms”. This marks the culmination of the Backhouse family’s long-standing influence on the financial and business landscapes.

The Daffodil Raisers: The Backhouse Legacy in Horticulture

Jonathan Backhouse I (1747–1826) had three sons, but it was William Backhouse I (1779–1844) who played the most pivotal role in establishing the Backhouse family’s legacy as daffodil breeders. A botanist of note, William had a significant plant collection, but it was his son, William Backhouse II (1807–1869), who truly revolutionised daffodil breeding in the UK.

William Backhouse II, while working in the family bank, is best known for his contributions to the world of daffodils. His most significant achievements were the creation of the first known triploid daffodils (N. ‘Emperor’ and N. ‘Empress’), with 21 chromosomes, and the first known tetraploid cultivar (N. ‘Weardale Perfection’), with 28 chromosomes. These daffodils laid the foundation for many of the varieties we still enjoy today. Due to his monumental influence, the Royal Horticultural Society honoured him by naming a section of daffodils ‘Section Backhouseii’ in his honour.

Robert Ormston Backhouse (1854–1940), the third son of William Backhouse II, expanded the family’s impact in horticulture by founding the first commercial daffodil business. As a keen amateur archer and successful businessman, he raised his own hybrids, which were registered alongside his lilies. His work marked the transition from hobbyist to professional in the world of daffodil cultivation.

Henry Backhouse (1850–1936), the middle son of William II, also made significant contributions by raising and registering new daffodil cultivars, with his most famous varieties including N. ‘Niveth’ and N. ‘Triandrus’ in 1931.

Mrs. RO Backhouse (Sarah Elizabeth Dodgson) (1857–1921) achieved national fame for her hybridization work, which included new varieties of Narcissus, Colchicum, Hyacinths, Lilium, and Cyclamen. She received multiple prestigious awards from the Royal Horticultural Society, including the RHS Bronze Flora Medal in 1905 and the Barr Cup in 1916. However, she is perhaps best remembered for her creation of the pink daffodil, N. ‘Mrs. RO Backhouse’, which has become one of the most widely grown pink daffodils over the last 90 years. Her legacy extends beyond daffodils to her Lilium hybrids, including her namesake N. ‘Mrs R.O. Backhouse’.

William Ormston Backhouse (1885–1962), a Cambridge-trained geneticist, furthered the family legacy through his work at the Cambridge Plant Breeding Station and The John Innes Institute, before working for the Argentine Government. His most notable achievement was the creation of the first Division 1 red trumpet daffodil, registering several unique cultivars, including N. ‘Brer Fox’, N. ‘Sutton Court’, N. ‘Red Curtain’, and N. ‘Desert Fox’.

Caroline G. Thomson MA, a direct descendant and the 6th generation of the Backhouse horticulturists, is dedicated to reviving her family’s horticultural legacy. As a daffodil breeder and collector, she has brought the historic Backhouse daffodils and other family plants back to life at the Backhouse Rossie Heritage & Education Centre at Rossie Estate. Through her work, Caroline continues to honour the #livingheritage of her family’s contributions to horticulture.

The Backhouse family‘s daffodil breeding legacy has left an indelible mark on the world of horticulture, with their innovative cultivars still influencing the industry today.

The Plant Finders, Nursery & Seedsmen: The Backhouse Legacy

James Backhouse II (1757–1804), renowned for his banking achievements, had two sons, James and Thomas, who continued the family’s legacy in horticulture. Together, they became prominent figures in the world of plants, seeds, and nurseries.

James Backhouse III (1794–1869) was a minister in the Religious Society of Friends, a Quaker missionary, and a dedicated botanist. In 1815, he and his brother Thomas purchased the well-established J and G Telford Nursery in Tanner Row, York, which became the original site of Thomas and James Backhouse Nursery and Seedsmen. Their first catalogue was published in 1816, marking the beginning of a long and fruitful legacy. In 1824, James was appointed as a minister in the Religious Society of Friends, and in 1831, he set off for Australia on a humanitarian mission. He spent ten years abroad, returning home via Mauritius and South Africa. During his time in Australia, James made detailed observations of the plants and trees he encountered, collecting seeds, plants, and specimens, which he sent back to his brother Thomas. In 1845, the genus Backhousia was named in his honour, published in the Botanical Magazine by William Jackson Hooker (Director of Kew Gardens) and William Henry Harvey, and today, Backhousia citriodora (Lemon Myrtle) can be enjoyed in our biscuits and tea at the Backhouse Café.

Thomas Backhouse (1792–1845) was a businessman, entrepreneur, and nurseryman. Alongside his brother James, he helped establish the J and G Telford Nursery in York. When James left for Australia, Thomas took over the nursery, managing and expanding it during his brother’s absence. He oversaw the relocation of the nursery to Fishergate, York, in response to the arrival of the railway. In 1819, the Backhouse brothers advertised in the Yorkshire Gazette for “Choice Bulbs of Belladonna and Guernsey Lilies”, demonstrating their ability to compete with the renowned nurseries of London.

James Backhouse IV (1825–1890) was a nurseryman, botanist, plant collector, archaeologist, and geologist. Under his leadership, the nursery earned global recognition for its expertise in rock work, alpine plants, heathers, ferns, orchids, and nerines. After the return of his father, the nursery moved to a 100-acre site at Holgate in 1853, and was renamed James Backhouse and Son following Thomas’s death.

James Backhouse V (1861–1945) was a renowned naturalist, particularly celebrated for his knowledge of ornithology. In 1891, he established Backhouse Nurseries (York) Ltd.. Under his leadership, the nursery continued to thrive until its closure in 1955. Today, part of the original site remains in use as West Bank Park, managed by the local council.

The Backhouse family has made an indelible mark on horticulture, with their nursery and seed business influencing gardens worldwide. Their dedication to botany, plant collecting, and innovation in horticulture continues to be honoured today at Backhouse Rossie Estate.

The Tree Planters: The Backhouse Family’s Legacy in Forestry

Jonathan Backhouse I (1747–1826) began the tradition of tree planting on his estates in County Durham, setting the foundation for a legacy that would be carried on by three of his four sons.

William Backhouse I (1779–1844) was awarded a Society of Arts Medal in 1813 for his exceptional tree planting efforts. He planted an impressive 300,000 Larch trees, along with 50,000 Scots Pine, oak, and other species on his estate. His efforts earned him the Gold Medal and the Premium Award in Class 10 for planting the largest number of larch trees, which were vital for shipbuilding during that time.

Jonathan Backhouse II (1779–1842), another son of Jonathan I, also received a Society of Arts Medal for his contributions to tree planting. In addition to his work in forestry, he was a strong supporter of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, playing a key role in the industrial development of the region.

Edward Backhouse (1781–1860) was awarded a Society of Arts Medal for his tree planting achievements. He was also the founder of the Backhouse Bank in Sunderland, further solidifying the family’s legacy in both banking and forestry.

The Backhouse family’s dedication to tree planting not only helped shape the landscape of County Durham, but also contributed to the industrial revolution, providing timber for key industries like shipbuilding and railways. Their commitment to forestry and the environment continues to inspire the generations that followed.