The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries was founded by Royal Charter in 1617 and is still in existence nearly 400 years later. The precursor of today's pharmacist, an apothecary was required to study botany, particularly the identification, cultivation and preparation of medicinal herbs. An area of land that could be used as a garden for study was therefore essential.
In 1673 they found the perfect site in Chelsea. Not only did they have a four acre area in which to grow plants, the Apothecaries also had access to the river. This meant that they could build a boathouse for the barge that they used both for ceremonial occasions and field trips. The fact that it was south facing and enjoyed its own gentle microclimate must also have influenced their decision. Thus was founded the Chelsea Physic Garden.
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.
The British have always had a special relationship with nature, to the extent that we appreciate it wherever it may spring up. Such is the case with the Chelsea Physic Garden which has now become a popular London attraction.
In 1673 they found the perfect site in Chelsea. Not only did they have a four acre area in which to grow plants, the Apothecaries also had access to the river. This meant that they could build a boathouse for the barge that they used both for ceremonial occasions and field trips. The fact that it was south facing and enjoyed its own gentle microclimate must also have influenced their decision. Thus was founded the Chelsea Physic Garden.
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.
The British have always had a special relationship with nature, to the extent that we appreciate it wherever it may spring up. Such is the case with the Chelsea Physic Garden which has now become a popular London attraction.
About the Author:
Get the inside scoop by reading our property blog on Property Pigeons where you can also read about estate agents in Chelsea or any other property related info.
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Don't use active link, spamming, phising or making chaos