Lindley Late - M**der Most Florid with Dr Mark Spencer
Schedule
Tue Jan 20 2026 at 06:30 pm to 08:00 pm
UTC+00:00Location
RHS Lindley Library | London, EN
About this Event
Discover how plants can be crucial in crime scene investigation, helping to identify a suspect or locate a victim, in this talk by forensic botanist Dr Mark Spencer.
Apparently mundane plants such as brambles and nettles can provide valuable insights into when a crime was committed. Fragments of leaves and seeds embedded in soil on the footwear of a suspect can place them at the scene.
Uncover how forensic botany can assist police forces and how this field has played a role in solving major cases for decades.
RHS membership not required. Additional tickets will be available on the door. There will be plenty of time to ask questions.
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Guest Speaker
Dr Mark Spencer - Mark is an experienced and internationally respected botanist, specialising in forensic botany, the plants of North-west Europe, invasive species and the history of botanical science. Since 2008 he has participated in many serious crime investigations across the UK, using his understanding of botany and landscape history to assist in missing person searches (especially ‘cold-cases’), assessing how long human remains have been in-situ and linking suspects to crime scenes. Discover more about his career and published works on his website.
RHS Lindley Library - Our beautiful library in central London holds world-renowned collections of rare and modern books, botanical art, photography and archives. Discover more about our library on the RHS website.
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Event Details
Doors open at 6.00pm, with the event beginning at 6.30pm.
Tickets for this event are required, with the ticket cost supporting the RHS Lindley Library. Some tickets will be available on the door. RHS membership not required.
To keep the event as accessible as possible you can choose a full-price ticket (£10) or donate an amount affordable to you with our 'pay what you can' tickets (min. £1 donation).
RHS Libraries events explore unexpected perspectives on horticulture with a unique selection of collections tours, talks, workshops and conversations. Discover our programme of online and in person events on EventBrite.
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Contact
For any questions, including accessibility enquiries, please email [email protected]
Discover more about the RHS Lindley Library via our website, social media and new Digital Collections.
The image in the banner was kindly provided by Dr Mark Spencer.
Where is it happening?
RHS Lindley Library, 80 Vincent Square, London, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00 to GBP 10.00
