Unusual Sights in London Weird & Wonderful London Chelsea Physic GardenChelsea Physic Garden
Chelsea Physic Garden was founded by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London in 1673 as a 
place for its apprentices to study the medicinal qualities of plants. It is the oldest botanic garden in London (and the second oldest in the UK - after the University of Oxford Botanic Garden), predating Kew Gardens and the fact that it was founded a mere 8 years after The Great Plague of 1665 suggests how important medicinal prevention was becoming. London was in the process of being rebuilt after the Great Fire of London 1666 (it took over 50 years), and although this section of London was unscathed by the flames, being some way distant to the west - it's important to understand the fire's impact on planning and design. London was nearly extinguished during the years 1665-1666, firstly by huge loss of life from the plague and then wholesale destruction of two-thirds of the City of London. Hooke and Wren when they rebuilt London adopted new rules and procedures (including - minimal flammable material, wide boulevards and gaps between housing blocks). This preventative approach filtered into a need to supply medicines, which were woefully inadequate during the Great Plague.
Chelsea Physic Garden began to take shape into its present form in 1722, when four acres of land were leased to the the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries for £5 per year in perpetuity. On condition that they supplied 50 Herbarium plants per year to the Royal Society (probably the most significant benefactor to scientific disciplines in the world). From this point the Chelsea Physic Garden took off and established seed programmes and exchanges with communities all over the world. Captain James Cook and Sir Thomas More would tie-up their vessels at the landing stage on the nearby Thames, and deposit their findings after distant and arduous voyages. The seed bank established here, supplied cotton to the colonies of Georgia and has established seed exchange practices, which have been adopted by similar institutions the world over.
Physic is the science of healing, and plants were the main tools at the apothecary's disposal. The Chelsea Physic Garden has only been open to the public since 1983 and contains many plants which have only successfully grown here - within its unique micro-climate; such as an olive tree, palms and outdoor grapefruits. This is partly due to central London being several degrees warmer, but also due to the many high brick walls which further trap heat in the gardens.
Quick YouTube tour around Chelsea Physic Garden.
The atmosphere of the Chelsea Physic Garden is what makes it stand out. It feels ancient and not over-manicured with a certain wildness about 
the place (similar to Highgate Cemetery in that respect). It's a restful haven, amid a bustling metropolis and feels secretive and special. If you're artistic, take a sketch pad, camera or tools for writing. It has character which can rapidly surmount unwelcome blocks to your artistic flow. Never more so - than on a sunny Spring morning, with birds and insects industriously tackling their maintenance work.
There is a cafe, above the normal level you'd expect to find in similar attractions - but the prices are higher as a result. Food and drink is well prepared and taking the quality into consideration, certainly represents good value for London (afternoon tea is worth splashing out on). Bring cash if required, as credit cards are not taken in the cafe. If you're on a strict budget with many mouths to feed, you may want to explore alternatives. This shouldn't be a problem as you're in the heart of London here.
Please Note: A maximum of 2 children allowed per accompanying adult. There are no facilities for leaving bags or belongings.
N.B. Friends must show their membership card on entry or they will be charged the full adult admission charge.
Open to the public: April to October: Tue-Fri 12-5pm and Sun/Bank Hol Mon 12-6pm
Friends enjoy wider access year round.
Check the website for more details: http://www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
£8.00 for adults and senior citizens
£5.00 for students, unemployed people and children (5-15 years old)
Free for Friends of the Garden (£35 a year - unlimited entry)
Chelsea Physic Garden welcomes people with disabilities; you are advised to telephone before a visit so they can supply you with full access details, and ensure that your visit will be safe, comfortable and enjoyable. Companions of disabled visitors are admitted free.
Amateur vid of a group trip to Chelsea Physic Garden streamed from YouTube. They often lend more insight than professional marketing-led videos.
Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HS (Public entrance is in Swan Walk)
Call: +44 (0)20 7352 5646
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square (District and Circle)
