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Many a Sundry Flower. Medieval Plants and their Uses

Michael Brown


Region:
Anywhere
Notice Period:
Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
Type:
Professional
Fee:
Paid: £95 plus travel expenses
Category:
History
Updated:
19th June 2026

Plants were an essential part of medieval life. Most people lived in houses made of wood and thatch, which often burned down when they cooked their plant based food over wood fires, or huddling over the flames to keep warm.

Plants were used to help you to look more attractive, to seduce a lover, as medicines, for clothing and even to expel demons!

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About Michael Brown

I am an ex- professional horticulturist/Head Gardener and college lecturer in horticulture and garden history, with an MA in Garden History.

My other interest is medieval history, especially daily life, music and pilgrimage.

I designed and set out the medieval gardens at the Prebendal Manor, Nassington, which was once the biggest fully authentic reproduction of a medieval garden in Europe. Sadly much of the garden was later removed to make the site a wedding venue.

I have written four books published by White Owl Books/Pen and Sword.

Death in the Garden, about poisonous plants. An Introduction to Medieval Gardens, Gardens in the Age of Chivalry. Medieval Plants and their Uses. The Medieval Pilgrim. Roads to Salvation.

Also Pontefract Castle Garden, a guide book illustrated by Hannah MVicar.


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