The mulberry tree in the grounds of Charlton House is probably 400 years old, making it the same age as the House itself and one of the oldest trees in London.
At that time, King James I wanted silk to be made in England so this luxury fabric did not have to be imported from France and Italy. Silk worms like eating mulberry leaves, so the king asked for mulberry trees to be planted across the country. His plan didn’t work, maybe because of the English weather or because he planted the wrong kind of mulberry tree!
Have plants and trees helped you during the pandemic?
Find out more about the Charlton House mulberry tree at Morus Londinium.
Photo by Peter Coles.
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