Rare and unexpected

Our historic collections are diverse and include some fascinating and unusual items.

Unusual items in the collections include:

• Letters by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace
• Hand-drawn maps of bomb strikes near the Institute during WW2
• Boxes of horticultural medals
• An early calculating machine
• Letters from James Archibald Innes to his sister during the Boer War

Our earliest records include the Court Rolls and Court Books of the Manor of Merton (1701-1928), and material relating to John Innes’ many business interests in Merton, the first home of the John Innes Horticultural Institution.

What treasures will you find on your visit?