Mulberry (half) Marathon

Event Information

The first of three mulberry walks. This walk explores the sites of these plantations, with veteran mulberry trees that could date back to the early 17th century.

Around 1609-11 King James I set out plantations of mulberry trees in Charlton House gardens and Greenwich Palace to feed silkworms for his project to start a domestic silk industry. This walk explores the sites of these plantations, with veteran mulberry trees that could date back to the early 17th century.

The walk ends at Sayes Court Park with another veteran mulberry tree that could date to the mid-17th century, in the gardens of diarist John Evelyn’s house. The stretch between Charlton House and Greenwich Park can be travelled by bus.

Contributors

Peter Coles

Peter Coles is a freelance writer, translator (French to English), editor and photographer. He is Visiting Tutor at the Centre for Urban and Community Research, Goldsmiths, University of London, where he contributes to the Photography and Urban Cultures MA programme.  Mulberry, Peter’s latest book, is published by Reaktion Books (November 2019).

In 2016 Peter collaborated with the Conservation Foundation to set up  Morus Londinium, a project to document, preserve and raise awareness of London’s mulberry tree heritage. Hosted by  the Conservation Foundation, the project has been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Morus Londinium is winner of a European Heritage / Europa Nostra Heritage Award 2021. Visit the website to find Peter’s many blog articles revealing London’s heritage through its veteran mulberry trees. 

In 2018 Peter helped to set up the first Urban Tree Festival.  He is a member of the festival’s Steering Group and a regular contributor, giving talks and leading walks.

Location of event

King James I’s mulberries (Charlton House to Sayes Court )

Meet by the mulberry tree, (NE of front of Charlton House)