One of Britain's first black gardeners has had a rose named after him that is going to be planted in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. John Ystumllyn was believed to have been brought to the UK after being abducted from western Africa in the 18th century.
He was taken in by the Wynn family at its Ystyumllyn estate in Criccieth where he was christened and given his Welsh name. Taught in both English and Welsh, he learned horticulture and craftsmanship in the estate garden.
He worked as a gardener at the estate, married local maid Margaret Gruffydd, and they had seven children together. The couple initially worked as land stewards but John eventually re-entered into the employment of the Wynn family. In recognition of his service Ellis Wynn gave him a large garden and cottage at Y Nhyra Isa.
