John Charles Williams

Who was John Charles Williams?

John Charles Williams was an English Liberal Unionist politician and a noted gardener at Caerhays Castle, Cornwall, where he grew and bred rhododendrons and other plants. An important group of camellia cultivars, Camellia × williamsii, was originally bred by him. He also took an interest in the development of new daffodil cultivars.

He was educated at Rugby School and at Trinity Hall, Cambridge.

He was elected at the 1892 general election as the Member of Parliament for Truro, and held the seat until he stood down at the 1895 general election. He was High Sheriff of Cornwall in 1888, and Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall from 1918-36.