Castles and Abbeys in Wales: Refugia for ‘Mediaeval’ Medicinal Plants

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Abstract
The restriction to the walls and immediate vicinity of Welsh castles, abbeys and other ancient settlement of a group of species known to have medicinal properties, coupled with the absence of these species from apparently suitable intervening terrain, suggests relict status from former cultivation. On site archaeological evidence of relevant seed or other macro-remains is sparse from these sites. Arguments in favour of such lengthy survival at these ‘ancient’ locations are discussed, as is the alternative view that only at such sites are suitable habitat requirements met. Species considered include Sambucus ebulus, Hyoscyamus niger, Verbena officinalis and Lamium album.

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