A NORTHERN Irish history group is looking to trace the Taunton descendants of a botanists for whom they are going to unveil a commemorative plaque.
The Ulster History Circle is planning to erect a blue plaque in honour of John Templeton, “one of the foremost botanists in Europe” back in the 18th century and early 19th century.
They would also like to invite Templeton's descendants so they can attend the unveiling of the plaque in the first half of next year.
Seamus McKee, one of the members of The Ulster History Circle, said: “The Taunton connection is really exciting.
“We’d be delighted if one or more of John Templeton’s descendants could join us for the unveiling.
“We know that one of Templeton’s great-grandchildren was Stanser Hugh Slade Templeton, who was born in 1896 and died in 1974.
“He married Edith Eleanor Bull in 1953. She died in 1972. They lived at 10 Kendall Close, Creech Heathfield, Taunton. They are both buried at St Mary’s, Cheddon Fitzpane, Taunton Deane Borough, Somerset.
“The Ulster History Circle erects Blue Plaques to people who’ve made a significant contribution to the nine counties of historic Ulster and beyond.
“The circle is putting up a plaque in honour of John Templeton, whose life straddles the 18th and early 19th centuries in Belfast.
“He had an extraordinary range of talents. He was a naturalist, one of the foremost botanists in Europe, though relatively little known.
“He was so devoted to Belfast and his family that he turned down an offer of money and land from Sir Joseph Banks, of Kew Gardens fame, to go to Australia and collect plants on behalf of the Royal Society.
“The late 18th century was a time of huge political and intellectual ferment in Europe and America, and Templeton was one of those most active in what became known as the Belfast Enlightenment.
“He spent most of his life in Cranmore, the family home in south Belfast, pictured below, with the large trees Templeton planted.
“The Ulster Museum has his diaries, detailing his observations on life and politics, on nature and landscape, including exquisite drawings of the plants he collected.
“If anyone recognises those Taunton names, or better still, if anyone is directly related to them, we’d love to hear from them. They can get in touch using the circle’s email- ulsterhistorycircle1@gmail.com”
Mr McKee also added: “Because the circle is an entirely voluntary organisation, we wouldn’t be able to cover costs, so anyone wanting to come to Belfast would have to do so at their own expense.
"They would be assured of a warm welcome and their presence would enhance our tribute to Templeton."
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