The Apothcaries' Garden at Chelsea was founded by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries in 1673, and renamed the Chelsea Physic Garden in 1875. The Society was itself founded by Royal Charter in 1617 as a trade association for those whom today we would call pharmacists. Apothecaries, as well as dispensing medicine, were involved in the gathering and processing of medicinal plants. It was important, therefore, that they had somewhere to study and grow the plants they would one day prepare.
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.
By 1722 the area had been sold to Dr Hans Sloane, physician and later President of the Royal Society and Royal College of Physicians. Himself a former student at the Garden, he had great sympathy for the Apothecaries and arranged for the land to be leased to them in perpetuity for the fixed sum of five pounds per annum. All he asked in return was that 50 new plants be submitted to the Royal Society every year.
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.
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.
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.
By 1722 the area had been sold to Dr Hans Sloane, physician and later President of the Royal Society and Royal College of Physicians. Himself a former student at the Garden, he had great sympathy for the Apothecaries and arranged for the land to be leased to them in perpetuity for the fixed sum of five pounds per annum. All he asked in return was that 50 new plants be submitted to the Royal Society every year.
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.
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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