Sir Walter Raleigh's Medicinal Garden at the Tower

About this learning resource

Format: Video

Once a favourite of Elizabeth I and famed for his expeditions to the New World, Sir Walter Raleigh was imprisoned at the Tower of London for 13 years by the new king, James I. This video tells the extraordinary story of how, after losing his power and position and under constant threat of execution, Raleigh struggled with depression before discovering he could help rebuild his own wellbeing by developing a medicinal garden outside his prison cell and making plant-based remedies. Some of Raleigh's plant ingredients are still used in medicines today. Please note: This video includes a reference to a suicide attempt.

National Curriculum links

• Lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements
• Be able to ask and answer simple questions about historical stories
• Explore how to maintain physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing

Learning objectives

• Learn who Sir Walter Raleigh was
• Understand the impact Raleigh’s imprisonment had on his mental and physical health and how some of the activities he developed while imprisoned may have improved them

Resource Information