Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Warner, John (1673?-1760)
WARNER, JOHN (1673?–1760), horticulturist, born in 1673 or the commencement of 1674, was eminent for his skill in fruit-growing. He resided in Rotherhithe, on the east side of East Lane, where he constructed a garden which became celebrated for its various products. He paid special attention to cultivating vines, and was the first to introduce the Burgundy grape into this country. About 1720 he discovered that Burgundy grapes ripened against a wall earlier than others. He conjectured that they might ripen on standards, and, finding on trial that they succeeded beyond his expectation, he considerably enlarged his vineyard and gave cuttings from his vines to all who would plant them. When he commenced his experiments there were only two vineyards in the country, one at Dorking and the other at Bath, and neither was planted with grapes suited to the English climate.
Warner's garden comprised several acres. A broad canal ran through the length, on either side of which were planted, besides vines, a treble row of dwarf pears and apples. He raised pineapples on stoves, and had a curious collection of exotic plants. Warner died at Rotherhithe on 24 Feb. 1760, leaving issue. His brother, Simeon Warner, also lived in East Lane.
[Annual Register, 1760; Chronicle, p. 74; Gent. Mag. 1801, i. 573; Nichols's Lit. Anecd. i. 449.]