Founded in 1621, Oxford Botanic Garden is the UK's oldest botanical garden. The founder, Henry Danvers KG wanted a 'Physic Garden' to teach medical students about medicinal plants. Danvers leased the five acre site from Magdalen College, and the founding stone for the garden was laid by the University of Oxford's Vice Chancellor on July 25th, 1621.

ExperienceOxfordshire.org - Oxford Botanic Garden

obga.ox.ac.uk - A Brief History