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.
One of the first Curators was John Watts, and it was he who in 1682 devised the seed exchange programme with other leading botanists, an exchange which still goes on today. Possibly the most celebrated of all these transactions was the sending of the first long-strand cotton seeds to the British Colony of Georgia in 1733, laying the foundation of the American cotton industry.
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 young student was Joseph Banks, later to achieve fame for his scientific voyages around the world. He contributed many plant specimens collected during his travels, and made a significant contribution the rock garden that was opened in 1773 in the form of lava brought back from a trip to Iceland.
After the medical reforms of the second half of the nineteenth century, botany was removed from the medical curriculum. The Physic Garden lost its importance as an educational resource, although it was still used for scientific research. In 1901 trusteeship passed from the Apothecaries to the City Parochial Foundation: a charitable institution. It retained control until 1983 when the Chelsea Physic Garden became a registered charity and opened its doors to the public for the very 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.
One of the first Curators was John Watts, and it was he who in 1682 devised the seed exchange programme with other leading botanists, an exchange which still goes on today. Possibly the most celebrated of all these transactions was the sending of the first long-strand cotton seeds to the British Colony of Georgia in 1733, laying the foundation of the American cotton industry.
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 young student was Joseph Banks, later to achieve fame for his scientific voyages around the world. He contributed many plant specimens collected during his travels, and made a significant contribution the rock garden that was opened in 1773 in the form of lava brought back from a trip to Iceland.
After the medical reforms of the second half of the nineteenth century, botany was removed from the medical curriculum. The Physic Garden lost its importance as an educational resource, although it was still used for scientific research. In 1901 trusteeship passed from the Apothecaries to the City Parochial Foundation: a charitable institution. It retained control until 1983 when the Chelsea Physic Garden became a registered charity and opened its doors to the public for the very 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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