Royal Horticultural Society Lindley Library

The Royal Horticultural Society Lindley Library is a specialized research library in Vincent Square dedicated to gardening and plant science. Its collections include printed books, photographs, botanical artwork, and documents spanning centuries of horticultural knowledge and practice.

The library was established more than 200 years ago as a record of how gardening and plant study evolved in Britain. Over time it has gathered materials that trace the changes in horticultural knowledge and practice across different periods.

The collection shows how gardens and plants have been portrayed and valued across centuries in Britain. Walking through the materials, you notice the visual language that shaped how people thought about gardening and nature.

The library is open from Tuesday to Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM, with access to the lending library and exhibition area in the Upper Reading Room. It is good to plan your visit and check in advance if you need to register, since the collections are large and detailed.

The collection holds materials from roughly 500 years of history, including rare manuscripts and original botanical artwork that are difficult to find elsewhere. These historical pieces offer visitors a direct window into how people thought about plants and gardens over time.

Location: London

Address: 80 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PE

Email: library.london@rhs.org.uk

Website: https://rhs.org.uk/education-learning/libraries-at-rhs/visit-the-libraries

GPS coordinates: 51.49430,-0.13453

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:46