The Remarkable Life of John Ystumllyn: 18th-Century Gardener, Pioneer, and Adopted Son of Eifionydd
Please note: This article discusses historical events from the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of the historical source materials and contemporary attitudes referenced reflect the viewpoints and language of their era, which may include archaic terms or perspectives that can make modern readers uncomfortable.
In this article: Discover the extraordinary life of John Ystumllyn (c. 1738-1786), the earliest well-recorded resident of African descent in North Wales. Explore his journey from the Atlantic slave trade to the Ystumllyn estate in Criccieth, his mastery of horticulture, his historic marriage, and his modern-day legacy, including the famous John Ystumllyn rose and international recognition.
History is often told through sweeping accounts of kingdoms, battles, and powerful figures. Yet, some of the most profound stories unfold quietly in local communities, belonging to individuals who crossed oceans, navigated immense challenges, and wove themselves into the cultural fabric of their new homes.
One such account is that of John Ystumllyn (c. 1738-1786), frequently remembered historically by names given to him by others, such as Jac Du or Jack Black. Recognized as the earliest documented resident of African descent in North Wales, his journey is a powerful narrative of endurance, rare horticultural talent, cross-cultural connection, and enduring affection.
From Distant Horizons to the Ystumllyn Estate
John's beginnings are tragically obscured by the shadows of the 18th-century Atlantic slave trade. Believed to have originated from either West Africa or the West Indies, he was brought to Wales as a young child by members of the Wynn family, ultimately arriving at the secluded Ystumllyn estate near Criccieth in Eifionydd.
Upon his arrival, John shared no linguistic common ground with his surroundings; early accounts noted that he communicated only through sounds unfamiliar to the local residents. What followed, however, was a remarkable process of community integration. Local villagers - particularly the women of the area - welcomed the young boy, patiently teaching him to speak and read both English and Welsh fluently.
A Natural Gift for the Soil
John soon discovered his true calling within the estate's extensive grounds. Possessing an extraordinary, intuitive talent for horticulture and handcrafts, he blossomed into an exceptional gardener. His natural aptitude led local observers to marvel at how a young man with such a unique background possessed such remarkably skilled hands.
His diligence, warm disposition, and capability earned him deep respect across the estate. By the time he sat for a rare, intimate oil portrait on May 11, 1754 - capturing him as a teenager dressed in a smart green jacket and waistcoat - he had established himself as a vigorous and valued member of the community.
A Romance That Transcended Barriers
Hardworking and personable, John naturally drew admiration from those living nearby. Eventually, his path crossed with Margaret Gruffydd, a local maid hailing from Hendre Mur.
Their blossoming romance remains one of the most heartwarming chapters of his story. Although Margaret was initially startled upon first seeing him - having never encountered a Black person before - familiarity quickly transformed into deep mutual affection. As Margaret moved across North Wales for various domestic positions, from Criccieth to Dolgellau, John faithfully journeyed to stay near her. In April 1768, the couple chose to elope, marrying in Dolgellau and beginning a devoted partnership that spanned nearly twenty years.
Settling near Criccieth, John and Margaret worked as land stewards and raised a family of seven children, five of whom lived to adulthood. Their descendants continued to put down roots in the region for generations. Later in life, in formal acknowledgment of his decades of loyal service, Ellis Wynn provided John with a charming cottage named Y Nhyra Isa, complete with a generous, historic garden.
A Legacy Etched in Slate and Memory
John Ystumllyn passed away from jaundice during the summer of 1786 at the age of forty-six, finding his final resting place at St Cynhaearn's Church in Ynyscynhaearn. While his appearance inevitably sparked initial curiosity and surprise in an era when rural Wales was remarkably homogenous, surviving records depict a man universally respected by common folk and gentry alike for his absolute honesty, gentle nature, and strong moral compass.
His memory was permanently captured through a modest sandstone monument featuring a moving, melancholic Welsh englyn composed by poet Dafydd Siôn Siâms:
Yn India gynna'm ganwyd a nghamrau
Yng Nghymru'm bedyddiwyd
Wele'r fan dan lechan lwyd
Du oeraidd y'm daearwyd.
(Born in India, to Wales I came / To be baptised / See this spot, a grey slate marks / My cold resting place.)
More than a century later, local writer Robert Isaac Jones (writing under the bardic name Alltud Eifion) carefully gathered oral histories and memories passed down through families, ensuring John's remarkable life was preserved for posterity.
A Lasting Legacy: From 18th-Century Wales to Global Recognition
Writing in the mid-20th century, local historian Tom Morris reflected that the journey of John and Margaret surviving and building a life in 18th-century Wales stood as "something of a legend," noting that memories of their courage in confronting barriers of race and class still resonated strongly. Over subsequent decades, that historical footprint has expanded into a celebrated symbol of diverse heritage.
In October 2019, the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography introduced new biographical entries curated by historians Miranda Kaufmann and Anders Ingram. Ingram highlighted John as a central figure of the release, describing a man whose settled life in rural communities beautifully illustrates the diverse historical experiences of Black individuals in Britain. This was further honored in September 2021 through an academic conference hosted by Bangor University's Institute for the Study of Welsh Estates and Race Council Cymru, commemorating John as a foundational figure of Black presence in Northwest Wales.
The John Ystumllyn Rose: A Living Symbol of Fellowship
A particularly unique tribute blossomed in 2020 through an article penned for HortWeek by campaigner Zehra Zaidi. Observing that no British rose had ever been named in honor of an ethnic minority historical figure, Zaidi proposed cultivating a dedicated rose bearing John's name. The concept resonated widely, forging a partnership with Harkness Roses.
In October 2021, the John Ystumllyn rose - a brilliant golden-yellow hybrid tea rose representing friendship, inclusivity, and community - was officially introduced as the UK's first rose named after a person of colour. The flower quickly gathered widespread institutional and public appreciation. It was highlighted in the House of Commons by local MP Liz Saville Roberts, inspiring then-Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg to remark that a rose symbolizing cross-partisan friendship was something to be planted with genuine pride. A specimen was planted within the private gardens of Buckingham Palace in May 2022, accompanied by a gracious statement from Queen Elizabeth II expressing hope that visitors would reflect on the profound message of unity the rose carries. Furthermore, the launch paired with a community outreach initiative that has seen thousands of roses distributed to allotments, educational spaces, and charity projects nationwide, including twenty planted near Criccieth Library close to where John once lived.
International Cultural Resonance
John's inspiring trajectory continues to inspire far beyond regional history and horticulture. At the 2024 Met Gala, world champion racing driver Lewis Hamilton wore a magnificent, culturally resonant ensemble explicitly inspired by John Ystumllyn's life, which proudly featured verses from "The Gardener," a tribute poem written by Wales's Children's Laureate, Alex Wharton.
Today, John Ystumllyn stands proudly not just as a local pioneer of North Wales, but as an inspirational national figure - proof that the threads of history are deeply interconnected, defined by resilience, shared humanity, and enduring grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was John Ystumllyn?
John Ystumllyn (c. 1738-1786) was an 18th-century gardener and the earliest well-recorded person of African descent in North Wales. Brought to the Ystumllyn estate in Criccieth as a child, he became a skilled horticulturist, married local maid Margaret Gruffydd, and raised a family whose descendants continue to live in the region.
Why is John Ystumllyn important in British history?
He is celebrated as a pioneer whose settled life in rural 18th-century Wales highlights the diverse historical experiences of Black individuals in Britain. His legacy has been honored by the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, academic conferences at Bangor University, and modern cultural tributes.
What is the John Ystumllyn rose?
The John Ystumllyn rose is a golden-yellow hybrid tea rose introduced by Harkness Roses in October 2021. It is historic as the first rose in the UK named after a person of colour, created as a symbol of friendship, community, and tolerance, and planted in locations like Buckingham Palace and Criccieth Library.
How is John Ystumllyn remembered today?
In addition to his historic gravestone at St Cynhaearn's Church and community rose-planting initiatives, his life inspired global figures such as Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, who wore a tribute outfit at the 2024 Met Gala featuring poetry dedicated to John's legacy.