Nevill, Dorothy Fanny (1826–1913)
Nevill, Dorothy Fanny (1826–1913)
English horticulturist. Name variations: Lady Dorothy Fanny Nevill; Lady Dorothy Fanny Walpole. Born Dorothy Fanny Walpole, April 1, 1826, in Berkeley Square, London, England; died Mar 24, 1913; dau. of Mary Fawkener and Horatio Walpole (1783–1858), 3rd earl of Orford of Wolterton (a descendent of Sir Robert Walpole's brother, Horatio Walpole, 1st baron Walpole of Wolterton, 1678–1757); m. Reginald Henry Nevill, 1847; children: Meresia Nevill (1849–1918); Edward Nevill (1851–1915); Horace Nevill (1855–1924); Ralph Nevill (1865–1930).
The owner of what was once considered the world's best plant collection, specialized in orchids and tropical plants; moved to Reginald Nevill's estate, Dangstein, near Midhurst in Sussex after marriage, while concurrently maintaining a London home; enjoyed friendships with Benjamin Disraeli and Joseph Chamberlain; regularly attended Royal Horticultural Society meetings; maintained her plant collection at Dangstein; enjoyed a social life, often mingling with socialites, artists and politicians. Plant collection was dispersed when Dangstein was dismantled (1976).