Blc Empress Worsley

[moniluhum]

The three blooms of this orchid were too close together creating this menage a trois look. The flower by itself looks like it would have been very nice.

[chingjervis]

Beautiful Empress

[bordercollieslave]

I am probably in the wrong thread, but this is the second time I have seen an orchid that includes the name "Worsley" Does anyone know anything about the history of this? I ask because I live virtually in "Worsley" UK, and I know there used to be a grand house here, with extensive greenhouses. Can't help wondering if they originated there. Apologies if I am in the wrong place.

[Kmac]

Hi border-- I did a quick check of the International Orchid Register (The International Orchid Register / RHS Gardening), and can tell you that one of its parents is an orcchid called "Bill Worsley."

[bordercollieslave]

Thank you so much for the information. There is/was a huge estate owned by the Duke of Bridgewater. I don't know how long it was in his family, but I do know that the Duke's residence was at Worsley, as were the enormous gardens and greenhouses that served it. The gardens etc; survived to present, although the mansion has long gone in a big fire. He was certainly active and in residence in Victorian times 18 hundreds to early 1900's, so presumably he was a collector and orchid breeder at that time. Amongst other things he owned huge coal mines that open up at Worsley Delph (out of sight of his home of course), and run through 50 miles of underground waterways. There is so much history here, but the orchid bit is new to me. I think it's fair to assume that he was indeed the original breeder of the "Worsley" orchids don't you? Hope I am not boring you, but sometimes it's nice to have a bit of history. What interests me even more, is that the few that still carry the name seem to be owned in the USA, which makes me wonder if the Duke or some of his family ended up over there after the fire.

[Kmac]

border--
Just for grins (and bcs I like a little history too), I looked up several orchids with Worsley in the name. Empress Worsley was registered in 1974, by VooDoo Orchids, and the parent, Bill Worsley was registered in 1966, and was a primary cross (ie, made from 2 species).

There are some named Worsley (Ruth G. Worsley, Mrs. Harold Worsley, Marion worsley, Mrs. N. Worsley, etc) all registered hy an H. Worsley around 1915-1925 or so. I'm not sure if that strengthens or weakens your theory...