Ros Williamson In 1630 Charles I appionted JOHN TRADESCANT the Elder (1570-1638) 'Keeper of His Majesty's Gardens, Vines and Silk Worms' at OATLANDS PALACE near WEYBRIDGE, Surrey. This was the residence of Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I. John Tradescant the Younger also worked the gardens at Oatlands, and after his father's death became Head Keeper. John Tradescant and his son, have a rich history of exploration and plant collection and introduced many different varieties of plants and trees to England from their travels. They were also famous for their collection of 'Rareties', some of which still survive in the Ashmolean Museum today. They definitely deserve a mention in the 'Gardeners' history section for Surrey!