The ‘Big League’ variety of tomatoes growing in the vinery at the Palace amongst a whole host of other popular varieties.
Every month we feature two blogs written by volunteers, one describes an object in the Palace and one a plant from the Garden. It is a great way to learn more about the Palace. If you would like to contribute there is no set format so please do send in your ideas.
This month Jemima Webb, front of house volunteer, has done a fabulous job of writing an object of the month and a specimen of month blog! The specimen of the month in question is currently growing in garden and featured in the temporary exhibition room of the new museum… the well-loved tomato plant!
One of the plant specimens that were sourced from Bishop Compton’s garden (inscribed with ‘crevit in Horto Comptonians’ meaning ‘found growing in Bishop Compton’s garden’), is a tomato plant. Tomatoes were introduced from the Americas in the 16th century after the Spanish conquest.
A tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from Bishop Compton’s garden at Fulham Palace.
Tomatoes became popular in the Mediterranean but were treated with suspicion in England after the influential botanist Gerard Herball wrote that, despite being eaten in Spain and Italy, he believed them to be poisonous. As someone who has always disliked tomatoes, I find it both gratifying and funny that I agree with the 17th century botanist, despite us both knowing that they are eaten by many happily enough!
Bishop Compton was adventurous in his eating habits, shown in how he ate the flowers of the eastern redbud and the Guinea pepper (known today as chilli pepper). So, it is quite likely that he ate the tomatoes grown in his garden as well.
Jemima Webb, Front of house volunteer
Thank you to Jemima for this blog. Please send your ideas for Object / Specimen of the month blogs to rachel.bagnall-bray@fulhampalace.org. If you would like some help, please let me know.
Tomatoes growing in the vinery at the Palace this September