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.
Since its completion there have been many Curators of the Physic Garden. One of the earliest was John Watts, and it was he who instigated the plant and seed exchange programme in 1682. This scheme, which still continues today, allows botanical gardens around the world to increase the diversity of their flora by sending out specimens to other gardens and receiving new plants in return.
Another landmark year was 1722 when the then owner, Dr Hans Sloane (later Baronet Sloane, President of the Royal College of Physicians), arranged that the lease be permanently fixed at five pounds per annum for as long as the Society wished to maintain it. This five pounds is still paid to his heirs today! His other major contribution of that year was to appoint Philip Miller Curator.
That same year he appointed acclaimed botanist Philip Miller as Gardener (Curator). It was under this gifted individual's stewardship that the botanical garden rose in prestige to become a world famous site. The seed exchange thrived, not least because Miller was extraordinarily successful in cultivating plants never before grown in Britain. He was generous too in passing on his knowledge to the young men who came to study.
One such student was Joseph Banks, naturalist and explorer, who later brought back to Chelsea the ballast of Icelandic lava that was used on his ship, the St Lawrence. This helped build the famous rock garden, first of its kind in Europe, that was completed in 1773. Many of the plant specimens collected on his voyage of discovery with James Cook on the Endeavour were also donated to the Physic Garden.
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.
The Chelsea Physic Garden now receives, on average, around 50,000 visitors a year who, as well as learning about medicinal and edible plants, discover the wonderful botanists who made the Garden what it is today.
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.
Since its completion there have been many Curators of the Physic Garden. One of the earliest was John Watts, and it was he who instigated the plant and seed exchange programme in 1682. This scheme, which still continues today, allows botanical gardens around the world to increase the diversity of their flora by sending out specimens to other gardens and receiving new plants in return.
Another landmark year was 1722 when the then owner, Dr Hans Sloane (later Baronet Sloane, President of the Royal College of Physicians), arranged that the lease be permanently fixed at five pounds per annum for as long as the Society wished to maintain it. This five pounds is still paid to his heirs today! His other major contribution of that year was to appoint Philip Miller Curator.
That same year he appointed acclaimed botanist Philip Miller as Gardener (Curator). It was under this gifted individual's stewardship that the botanical garden rose in prestige to become a world famous site. The seed exchange thrived, not least because Miller was extraordinarily successful in cultivating plants never before grown in Britain. He was generous too in passing on his knowledge to the young men who came to study.
One such student was Joseph Banks, naturalist and explorer, who later brought back to Chelsea the ballast of Icelandic lava that was used on his ship, the St Lawrence. This helped build the famous rock garden, first of its kind in Europe, that was completed in 1773. Many of the plant specimens collected on his voyage of discovery with James Cook on the Endeavour were also donated to the Physic Garden.
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.
The Chelsea Physic Garden now receives, on average, around 50,000 visitors a year who, as well as learning about medicinal and edible plants, discover the wonderful botanists who made the Garden what it is today.
About the Author:
Get the latest news by checking out our property website on Property Pigeons blog where you can also find out more on Chelsea properties for sale or any other property related information.
No comments:
Post a Comment