Many people would be surprised to learn that there is a small part of West London, not far from the Albert Bridge, where you can stroll through gardens that have changed little during the past three centuries. Here you can see a grade II* listed rockery, the oldest in Europe, and the UK's largest olive tree.
The four acre plot, within the Manor of Chelsea, belonged to one Charles Cheyne. He allowed the Society to lease the land and develop it into a medicinal garden, making it the second oldest botanical garden in Britain. The area was doubtlessly chosen for its south facing aspect and proximity to the river, both conducive to the temperate microclimate which it still enjoys today. In addition, they were able to build a boathouse for their ceremonial barge.
In 1682 the then Curator, John Watts, having established contact with the Professor of Botany at Leiden University invited him to visit. It was during that visit that the idea of the plant and seed exchange was born, a programme which continues today.
In 1712 Charles Cheyne sold his estate to Dr Hans Sloane, the noted physician and collector whose extensive assortment of curiosities would one day be left to the nation as the basis of the British Museum. Sloane, himself, had studied at the Physic Garden in his youth, and became concerned when he saw the Apothecaries' difficulties in maintaining their tenure. In 1722 he guaranteed them a permanent lease for the fixed amount of five pounds per year, an arrangement which is still ongoing.
Renowned botanist Philip Miller, author of the hugely popular Gardener's Dictionary, shepherded the Garden into its Golden Age. As well as enhancing the seed exchange programme, cultivating many plants that had never before been seen in the UK, he also shared his expertise with other botanists and students.
He also trained other young men in the field of botany, including William Aiton: the first Gardener at Kew. Another fledgling botanist that he took under his wing was the young Joseph Banks. Banks, in return, donated many new specimens to the garden, collected during his voyage to the South Pacific on James Cook's Endeavour. The ballast from his own expedition to Iceland, basaltic lava, was also contributed towards the rock garden that was completed in 1773. Incidentally, this was the first of its kind in Europe and can still be seen today.
When Botany was dropped from the medical curriculum at the end of the 19th century, the Society of Apothecaries gave up the running of the Garden and the lease was taken up by the City Parochial Foundation. It was still a resource for scientific research, but not in the same way of old. In 1983 it became a registered charity, opening its gates up to the public for the first time.
But there's always a silver lining, and in this instance it was the opening up of the Garden to the general public. So if you want to tread in the footsteps of Phillip Miller, or see what Joseph Banks used to steady his ship, then a fascinating day out awaits you.
The four acre plot, within the Manor of Chelsea, belonged to one Charles Cheyne. He allowed the Society to lease the land and develop it into a medicinal garden, making it the second oldest botanical garden in Britain. The area was doubtlessly chosen for its south facing aspect and proximity to the river, both conducive to the temperate microclimate which it still enjoys today. In addition, they were able to build a boathouse for their ceremonial barge.
In 1682 the then Curator, John Watts, having established contact with the Professor of Botany at Leiden University invited him to visit. It was during that visit that the idea of the plant and seed exchange was born, a programme which continues today.
In 1712 Charles Cheyne sold his estate to Dr Hans Sloane, the noted physician and collector whose extensive assortment of curiosities would one day be left to the nation as the basis of the British Museum. Sloane, himself, had studied at the Physic Garden in his youth, and became concerned when he saw the Apothecaries' difficulties in maintaining their tenure. In 1722 he guaranteed them a permanent lease for the fixed amount of five pounds per year, an arrangement which is still ongoing.
Renowned botanist Philip Miller, author of the hugely popular Gardener's Dictionary, shepherded the Garden into its Golden Age. As well as enhancing the seed exchange programme, cultivating many plants that had never before been seen in the UK, he also shared his expertise with other botanists and students.
He also trained other young men in the field of botany, including William Aiton: the first Gardener at Kew. Another fledgling botanist that he took under his wing was the young Joseph Banks. Banks, in return, donated many new specimens to the garden, collected during his voyage to the South Pacific on James Cook's Endeavour. The ballast from his own expedition to Iceland, basaltic lava, was also contributed towards the rock garden that was completed in 1773. Incidentally, this was the first of its kind in Europe and can still be seen today.
When Botany was dropped from the medical curriculum at the end of the 19th century, the Society of Apothecaries gave up the running of the Garden and the lease was taken up by the City Parochial Foundation. It was still a resource for scientific research, but not in the same way of old. In 1983 it became a registered charity, opening its gates up to the public for the first time.
But there's always a silver lining, and in this instance it was the opening up of the Garden to the general public. So if you want to tread in the footsteps of Phillip Miller, or see what Joseph Banks used to steady his ship, then a fascinating day out awaits you.
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