A history of the Glasgow University Physic Garden

Summary

The Glasgow University Physic Garden was established in 1704 through Principal John Stirling's moves to establish a Professorship of Medicine. John Marshall was Teacher of Botany and Overseer of the Physic Garden for 15 years from its inception and of the College Great Garden. James Sutherland of Edinburgh advised on the initial siting and layout of the garden on which £1495 scots was expended in the first year. The site of the garden remained unchanged over the 109 years of its existence. Financial support and purchases made over the years varied with the interest shown by the professor in charge, William Hamilton (1781 – 1790) making the most significant managerial contributions. Ten gardeners were employed with specific responsibilties for the garden over the years. Plant damage due to fumes from the nearby University type foundry prompted moves in 1803 to establish the garden elsewhere, but whilst two sites were selected alter 1808 neither were developed. In 1814 the Physic Garden land was finally sold and in 1817 the University entered into formal agreements with leading Glasgow citizens regarding the establishment of a botanic garden in the town.