2008 is the 500th anniversary of the birth of the Father of English Botany, William Turner.
Many events are taking place in Turner's birth place of Morpeth, and throughout Northumberland, to celebrate this occasion.
New events are being added regularly, keep checking this page for updates.
*NEW* Tuesday 17th June 6.30pm - 8.30pm, Tudor Botany Workshop, Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum.
Join plant historian, and author of the new book 'William Turner, the Father of English Botany', Marie Addyman for this fascinating insight into Tudor Botany. Be be prepared to 'unthink' everything you take for granted about the study of plants and to find out how William Turner understood the natural world. For more information phone 01670 500771.
*NEW* Wednesday 9th July 1.30pm - 3.30pm, William Turner Garden Open Day. Marie Addyman will be giving a short talk at 2.00pm on Tudor botany, herbalist Carol Maize will be on hand with modern day information on herbal medicine and Textiles Through Time will be giving a demonstation of Tudor dying and weaving. With plants for sale from Chipchase Castle Nursery. At the William Turner Garden in Carlisle Park, NE61 1YD. Phone 01670 535000 for more information. This is a free event.
Chipchase Castle Nursery Open Day - Wednesday 11th June 10.00am - 1.00pm.
Explore this charming nursery in the heart of Northumberland on their open day dedicated to William Turner. The Walled Garden Nursery will be open exclusively for this event. Discover 16th Century plants in the new Quarter Garden created especially for the anniversary. With expert information on the life and works of William Turner, find out how to create your own Quarter Garden at home with a talk from Marie Addyman at 11.00am. £3.00 per person including a fresh tea or coffee refreshment. Click here to visit the Chipchase Castle Nursery website. The Quarter Garden and the 16th Century plants sale are open to visitors all summer long.
Chesters Walled Garden Guided William Turner Tour - Saturday 28th June 2.00pm
This peaceful garden haven on the Roman frontier is the perfect setting for a tour incorporating the plants Turner described in his Herball, guided by author and herb expert Susie White. Entry to the garden, including the tour is £3.00 per person. Find out more about Chesters Walled Garden here.
Chesters Walled Garden Turner Herbs Sale - Saturday 28th June - Saturday 5th July
For one week only you can buy a special selection of the herbs Turner described in his Herball at Chesters Walled Garden, at discount prices too!
Langley Garden Station RHS Lecture - Wednesday 2nd July, 10.00am - 5.00pm
The Garden Station's annual RHS talk commemorates the achievements of William Turner with the theme of Tudor Plants and Books. Booking information is available from the Garden Station's website, click here to visit.
William Turner in Later Life - Thursday 17th July 7.00pm - 8.30pm,
At Morpeth Chantry. Turner spent the last few years of his life as Dean of Wells in Somerset, the Friends of the Old Deanery Garden, Wells, are visiting us especially to deliver this lecture. Please book by phone with Castle Morpeth Borough Coucil on 01670 535000. Free entry.
The Alnwick Garden Poison Garden William Turner Day - Wednesday 13th August
For one day only the guided tours of the Poison Garden will delve into the world of Tudor medicine, exploring the darker side of the plants Turner wrote about in his Herball. Find out more about The Alnwick Garden, including details on entry costs here.
Heighley Gate William Turner Family Open Evening - Thursday 28th August 6.30pm -8.30pm.
A rare chance to visit this great garden centre in the evening, come along to hear how honeysuckle influenced early poetry, folklore and touched on the works of William Turner. Take part in fun children's crafts and activities and enjoy an exhibition of crafts produced over the summer. Enjoy a Tudor arbour here and buy 16th Century climbers all summer long. Click here to visit the Heighley Gate website.
Dilston Physic Garden, Herbal Medical Tradition Course - Wednesday 10th September 10.00am - 3.00pm.
An absorbing and informative day exploring the tradition of herbal medicine in Northumberland, beginning 500 years ago with William Turner. Plant historian Dr. Marie Addyman takes you through the old medical theories Turner worked with. Medical herbalist Ross Menzies guides you through the development of modern herbalism, with a hands - on practical opprtunity to make an ointment. £40 per person including refreshements and a delicious light vegetarian lunch using some Dilston herbs. For booking and more information click here to vist the Garden's website.
Wallington, Turner and Brown Two Northumbrian Gardeners - Tuesday 23rd September 10.00am - 3.00pm.
As part of the celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of William Turner's birth learn more about the works of Turner and Capability Brown in the magnificent setting of Wallington in Northumberland with expert talks followed by an afternoon tour of the Wallington Garden. £15 per person. Buffet lunch, mid morning refreshments and property admission included. Tickets available from 1st March 2008. To book contact the National Trust Regional Box Office on 01670 773939 or click here to visit the National Trust events website.
Carlisle Park, Morpeth, Turner's Trees - Sunday 14th September 2.00pm - 4.00pm.
Meet at the William Turner Garden for this fascinating guided walk around the Turner garden and Carlisle Park, discovering more about the trees Turner would have used in his medicine. Family friendly and free! No need to book.
NCCPG 500th Anniversary Lecture, William Turner the Father of British Botany - Saturday 11th October 2.30pm.
The National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens (NCCPG) bring you this entertaining overview of the life of William Turner, by Dr. Marie Addyman. Visitors very welcome, entry is £2.00 per person. For booking and more information click here to go to the NCCPG website.
Open University Tea Lecture, William Turner - Wednesday 22nd October 2.30pm.
A round up of the life and times of William Turner with this event to close the season of celebrations, generously provided to you free of charge by the Open University. Open to students and visitors, and at Matfen Hall near Morpeth. Free entry. For booking information please click here to visit the Open University website.