author
S. Reynolds (Samuel Reynolds) Hole
1819–1904
An English clergyman with a second life as a celebrated gardener, he became especially famous for his love of roses and for writing about country life with warmth and humor. He later served as Dean of Rochester, bringing together religion, horticulture, and literary charm.
1 Audiobook
A Little Tour in Ireland
by S. Reynolds (Samuel Reynolds) Hole
About the author
Born on 5 December 1819, Samuel Reynolds Hole was an English Anglican priest, author, and horticulturalist. He is best remembered both for his church career and for his enthusiasm for gardening, especially roses, which made him a well-known figure beyond religious circles.
Hole served for many years in the church and became Dean of Rochester in 1887, a post he held until his death in 1904. Alongside his clerical work, he wrote books and essays that reflected his lively interest in rural life, gardening, and the people around him.
What makes him stand out today is the unusual mix of roles he carried so naturally: churchman, writer, and passionate plantsman. His reputation as a Victorian rose expert helped keep his name alive, and he remains an appealing figure for readers who enjoy nature writing, memoir, and the gentler side of nineteenth-century literature.