David Masterton (1864-1954)
Head Gardener
David Masterton and Sarah McPhail with four of their children approx 1900-01. Left to right, probably David (6-7), Archibald (3-4), Ann (5-6) and Alexander (1-2). Infant boys were often dressed in girl's clothes.
David Masterton, head gardener, was born in Kilconquhar, Earlsferry, Fife, and had a long career in gardening for large houses across the UK, including head gardener for many years at Grappenhall Heys, near Warrington, Cheshire in the employment of the Parr family.
Genealogy
David Masterton was the eighth of eleven children born to David Masterton, variously a linen weaver, gardener, labourer and coal miner and Janet Scott. David Masterton therefore belongs to the large group of Mastertons that flourished in the Largo area. He married Sarah McPhail in 1892 in Row (now Rhu), Dunbartonshire. Fuller details of his extended family can be found at this link.
Memories of the Walled Garden
I had an interesting telepnone conversation with Alison Shaw, the great granddaughter of David Masterton, the head gardener of Grappenhall Heys for many years. This was in July 2011.
Alison described how her mother and aunt used to call at the garden on Sundays, as part of their regular walk from Warrington to Appleton. This was during the 1930s, around midday. They recalled that David had a big key, and that this was part of a small ceremony to open the garden. Inside, quails and ducks roamed freely, and they were informed that only the maids employed in the Parr mansion could swim in the 'lakes' which, perhaps less overgrown than today, would have appeared larger than the ponds we see.
Their grandfather was understandably protective of the exotic fruits growing in the greenhouses, and they were warned not to touch the grapes. Besides supplying the Parr family, boxes of fruit were sent to the local infirmary.
The family were very proud of David, who had pursued his gardening career against the odds. He was one of eight or nine children [in fact, eleven children, although two died very young] from a very poor family, his father having been an odd job man. Born in Fife in Scotland, he had trained in Ely [Elie, Fife], and moved south to Dorking in Surrey. Alison knew her great grandfather had gained his diploma in horticulture from the R.H.S. around 1897. Their headquarters were then in Chiswick, which may have accounted for his move south. Two of his children were born in Dorking [David and Ann], and the other two [in fact four - Archibald, Alexander, George and Janet] locally in Appleton.
Alison told me that her great grandfather had been employed as an apprentice gardener in Dorking, and worked his way up until being appointed head gardener at Grappenhall Heys. He lived with his family at Parr's farm, and then possibly at the 'Dairy Farm'. Her mother and aunt vividly recalled a large old fashioned farmhouse with four or five bedrooms, and stone flagged floors. He had continued as head gardener until he was 90, and his career only came to an abrupt end because he fell from a glasshouse roof and broke his leg.
Family pride in David's gardening expertise led to claims e.g. that he had produced the first white daffodil, but this is anecdotal only, as the R.H.S. had already done so. Clearly, however he was a well respected professional.
Archive Note of Conversation with Alison Shaw
great granddaughter of David Masterton
Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden Trust
July, 2011
Editorial insertions in square brackets by Gordon Masterton.
The male staff at front entrance of Grappenhall Heyes, 1932. David is in the front row, third from the right.
The Guardian
Three gardeners on the 800-acre estate of Major H.C. Parr, Grappenhalll Heyes, whose combined ages total 237 years, hold the distinction-probably unequalled-of having been comrades of the soil on the one estate for over half a century.
The sum total of service to their calling in the six acres of nursery gardens round the "Big House" and in the grounds, is 167 years.
A PAUSE in the day's work as veterans Masterton (84) [right], Hough (80) [left] and Taylor (73) [centre] discuss secrets of successful gardening.
Head gardener, Mr. David Masterton, 84-year-old Scotsman from the Fifeshire coast town of Elie, has been associated with the Parr Estate for 52 years, and lives with his wife, also 84, at the Dairy Farm Cottages.
His friends and associates are widowers - Mr. Charles Hough, 80-year-old native of Grappenhall, where, at 8, Broad Lane, he still has his home; and Mr. Edwin Taylor, cheery "youngster" of 73, who belongs to Appleton, and whose father before him was a gardener on the estate for many years. He started there 55 years ago, five years after Mr. Hough whose 60 years wins him the "service" honours.
Merry-eyed and active, despite the burden of years, the "musketeers" relaxed their battle against the weeds and told the "Guardian" about changes they have seen.
They agreed the greatest alteration was the departure of the family from the family seat at Grappenhall. The property was requisitioned by the Naval authorities during the war; and at the moment is still used as W.R.E.N.'s headquarters.
Produce of the extensive gardens, formerly grown for the estate alone, now goes for marketing.
Manchester Guardian
1948
Other Sources
The Parr Family and Grappenhall Heyes: compiled by Margaret Fellows and Ian Gault. Friends of Grappenhall Heyes Walled Garden.