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Natural History in the Royal Library

Our changing relationship with the natural world, from Tudor to Victorian times

PETRUS DE CRESCENTIIS (C. 1230–35–C. 1320)

Ruralia Commoda

c.1490-5

RCIN 1057436

This book, written around 1305, provides an overview of medieval agriculture and gives instructions to its readers on how to plant a garden. It became one of the first bestsellers in history, going through multiple editions, and was published in several different languages. This copy, printed in the 1490s, was once in the library of Henry VIII at Whitehall Palace in London.


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.