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  • Luke Llewellyn

Short history on Oxford Botanic garden


image: Home | Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum


Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum (OBGA) is the oldest surviving botanic garden in Britain, occupying the same location in central Oxford since 1621.. Originally set up by Sir Henry Danvers, 1st Earl of Danby as a ‘Physicke’ medicinal garden during the English Civil War. Eventually being re-named a Botanic Garden in 1834. OBGA hosts and protects over 6000 plant species, aiming to teach people about botany and conserve plants, supporting further botanical research. Carl Linnaeus visited the gardens in 1736 and whether or not he had any impact on the garden I do not know, but the layout of the garden, with Taxonomic classification being a keystone behind the delivery of information clearly reflects his methodical approach to taxonomy. Throughout the garden you can see an in-depth history to various important plant families as one might expect from a museum, creating historic distinction from standard botanical garden layouts. The neighbouring Harcourt Arboretum merged with the botanical gardens in 1963, and provides a parallel agenda, supporting research, conservation and education. In 2021 OBGA celebrated its 400th anniversary.


If you're ever in Oxford and looking for something to do, then it's well worth a visit!


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