The Herbs of Hamnet
Location:
Chelsea Physic Garden
Date & time:
Saturday 21 Mar 2026, 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Price:
£25.00
Step inside the walls of this ancient physic garden, established in 1673 for apothecaries to study the healing properties of plants and take part in a unique and fascinating talk and demonstration.
About the event
Join herbologist Maya Jayaweera Thomas for an in-depth exploration of the plants featured in the award-winning film and acclaimed novel Hamnet. From mugwort and heartsease to valerian, this talk delves into the rich symbolism and practical uses of the plants featured in both works, illuminating their role in everyday Elizabethan life and their continued relevance in modern herbal practice.
Blending history, storytelling, and hands-on insight, this session offers a captivating introduction to plant medicine from the 1600s onward, along with practical tips for anyone interested in cultivating their own medicinal herb garden.
About the speaker
Maya Jayaweera Thomas is a herbologist, writer and creative consultant exploring the connections between people, plants and place. With a background in documentary film and a distinction in Herbology from the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, she creates workshops and collaborations across the UK.
FAQs
Is the Chelsea Physic Garden accessible?Most of the Garden is fully accessible, with the exception of the first floor Gallery at Chelsea Physic Garden which is used only for special events and is only accessible via a narrow 22 step staircase with a handrail.
If you are attending an event and need help please get in touch at enquiries@chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk or call 0207 352 5646.
Bikes (including folding bikes) and scooters are not permitted. There are bike racks located along Royal Hospital Road. These can be used to secure any bikes and scooters.
Please do not secure any bikes or scooters to the railings outside the Royal Hospital Chelsea or Burton Court. Any items secure to these railings will be removed.
What’s on
Check out more events at this venue
Lore & Alchemy: Perfume Making Workshop
- 15 March 2026, 11.00am
- Chelsea Physic Garden
- £50.00
Step into a world where stories grow on trees and every plant holds a secret. In this hands-on Folklore Perfume Blending workshop, you’ll explore the myths, legends and ancestral beliefs woven through the aromatic plants we still love today.
More info