Lindley Learn - Fruit, Veg and the RHS: An Edible History

Name: Lindley Learn - Fruit, Veg and the RHS: An Edible History
Start: 2026-04-27T13:30:00+01:00
End: 2026-04-27T16:30:00+01:00
Location: RHS Lindley Library

Schedule

Mon Apr 27 2026 at 01:30 pm to 04:30 pm

UTC+01:00

Location

RHS Lindley Library | London, EN

Join our new study afternoon as we unearth a history of fruit and vegetables, from the founding of the RHS in 1804 through to the mid-1950s.
About this Event

Join RHS Libraries as we delve a little deeper into our collections with our programme of study days.

In this session hosted by garden historian Dr Francesca Murray, discover the fruits and vegetables which defined the work of the RHS from our founding in 1804 to the mid-20th century.

From strawberries and apples to onions, unpack the relationship between the RHS and edible plants, explore the role of market gardeners in the Victoria era and how advancements in hybridisation shaped the food we grow and eat.

It will be made up of a lecture by Francesca, followed by a tour of selected works from the RHS Lindley Library collections. This will include watercolours by William Hooker, and the archives of the Royal Horticultural Society.

There will be regular breaks and light refreshments will be served, plus the opportunity to ask questions throughout the session.

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Speaker

Francesca Murray - Francesca studied horticulture and garden design at Berkshire Agriculture College before running her own garden design business. Francesca has an MA in Garden History and a PhD from Queen Mary’s University of London, where she researched nineteenth-century gardeners and nurserymen. She is a trustee of the Gardens Trust and speaker for Perennial.

RHS Lindley Library - Our beautiful library in central London holds world-renowned collections of rare and modern books, botanical art, photography and archives. Our events explore unexpected perspectives on horticulture with a unique selection of collections tours, talks, workshops and conversations. Discover more about our library on the RHS website.

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Event Details

Tickets for this event are limited and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are £20 for RHS members and students, and £25 for non-members. The ticket cost supports the RHS Lindley Library.

The session will begin at 1:30pm, with doors opening at 1.15pm. This event will take place between the Library and the Council Chamber.

Please note that due to the nature of the Edwardian building, it is necessary for participants of the event to be able to independently manage stairs.

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 is a watercolour of The Dutch Codlin by William Hooker, 1820. RHS Lindley Collections: Find more inspiration with the RHS Digital Collections.