Medicinal Plants In A London Attic

While I’m still thinking about London and the Barber Surgeon’s apothecary garden I thought I would tell you about The Herb Garret in St Thomas Church. The church and adjoining hospital were ministering to the sick and poor from the early 13^th century. Medicinal plants were pretty much the only treatment available therefore the apothecary was a valued practitioner.

Recipe from 1560 for a salve: lard of goose and sheep dung, oil of spice, honey and poppy.

In 1703 the church was rebuilt and the unusually large attic proved to be the ideal place to dry and store the medicinal plants.

After St Thomas hospital moved to a new site in the 1860s the garret lay undisturbed for almost a century. When the attic was being cleaned four dried poppies were the only plants remaining. Fortunately excellent records of the contents had been kept by the hospital. Opened as a museum in 1961, it is a fascinating place to explore the use of healing plants from medieval to current practices.

Part of the garret was partitioned off in 1822 to make an operating room. This is also open to the public. If you are at all squeamish do not read the descriptions of real patients and the operations they endured. I left feeling deeply grateful to be living in the 21^st century.

Location: 9A St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY. 2 minutes from London Bridge Underground Station. Cost: Approx $9 or 6 British Pounds. When I was there last year they did not accept credit or debit cards. Open daily 10:30 to 5. http://www.thegarret.org.uk

Garden Escapes in London

Are you are going to London for the 2012 Olympics?  London is crowded and noisy at the best of times and you may need to take a break from the hustle and bustle. Two of my favourite restorative spots are hidden in the centre of London.

The Barber Surgeons' Garden

If you’re feeling stressed the fragrances in this garden will be a soothing delight. There has been a garden here since 1555. Originally planted as a physic or medicinal garden by the Barber Surgeons Company it was restored in 1987. Today it has conventional formal and informal areas plus 45 small plots displaying medicinal herbs and plants used from medieval to current times.
It is right next to the Museum of London where refreshments can be obtained, or bring a picnic. Close by are St Paul’s Cathedral, the Barbican Art Gallery and the Old Bailey courthouse.
Location: Monkwell Square off Wood Street. A short walk from St Pauls or Barbican Underground Stations

 Christchurch/Greyfriars Church Garden

Full of shrub and climbing roses, I make a point of visiting this garden each time I am in London. A church was established here in 1225 by the Grey Friars monastic order. Only a tower (private residence) now remains from a second church built after the Great Fire of London. The rose garden established in 1989 follows the floor plan of the earlier church with low box hedges representing the original position of the pews, trees outlining the nave and ten wooden towers, draped with climbing plants, following the line of roof pillars. Just a note: Ghosts are reported to haunt the garden at night. True or not there is an air of mystery about this garden but it gives off nothing but peaceful vibes. Location: On the corner of King Edward and Newgate Street, opposite St Paul’s Cathedral, a few minutes from St Paul’s Underground Station.