John Goodyer and John Worlidge in Petersfield, Hampshire: Petersfield Plaques #4 & #5

Worcester House, Dragon Street. The adjoining wall (a part of which can be seen to the right) is the original garden wall.

'Birthplace and

residence of John Worlidge

(1633–1693), whose books on

progressive agriculture and

horticulture formed the basis of the

English agricultural revolution.

His Systema Agriculturae of 1669

was based on his experiments

in the adjoining garden.'

28 The Spain, whose most famous occupant introduced the Jerusalem artichoke to this country.

'JOHN GOODYER

Botanist & Royalist

1592–1664

Lived Here'

The two men, one noted in horticulture and the other botany, were also linked by blood: Goodyer was Worlidge's great-uncle. Much more recently, another link between the two men has been made.

In 1988 Major John Bowen gave his garden in the town to the Hampshire Garden Trust, which – with an eye to the town's two 17th century sons – took the 17th century as a theme and strove to recreate a town garden of that era. So 'Petersfield Physic Garden' was born.