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Home The Plants

Primrose

Primrose (Primula vulgaris)

 

Flowers: March to June. Height: 20cm (8in).

 

Common names include Golden rose, Lent rose, Easter rose, and Butter rose. The name comes from prima rosa, meaning first rose in medieval Latin as it was one of the first flowers to appear in the spring. The Romans held that primroses were given to the earth in memory of a son of the goddess Flora, while Celtic peoples believed the flower to be sacred, representing renewal and the return of abundance. The flower’s original association with Brigid, the goddess of rebirth, was modified in Christian times by linking it with St Bride with bunches of primroses being offered to her on 1st February, (also the date the pagan festival Imbolc). In medieval times, the flower was dedicated to St Agatha, and was ceremonially gathered by children on the 13th March. In later Christian legend it was dedicated to St Valentine. Chaucer’s poem ‘Parliament of Fowls’ contains the first reference to Valentine’s Day as being a romantic occasion and there was a medieval Valentine’s saying:

If you see a bluebird you will marry a happy person

If you see a goldfinch you will marry a rich person

If you see a sparrow you will marry a poor person

If you find a glove your future beloved will have the other one

 

Medicinal: An astringent and sedative, it was prescribed for a wide variety of ailments including to treat wounds, headaches, skin lesions, coughs, rheumatism, for reducing fever, spasms, cramps and paralysis and was also added to wine as a cure for palsy. John Gerard, in his book The Herball (1597), believed that “Primrose tea drunk in the month of May is famous for curing the phrenzies”. A hundred years later, Culpeper’s Complete Herbal (1653) stated “Of the leaves of Primrose is made as fine a salve to heal wounds as any I know.”

 

Culinary: Young leaves, either raw or cooked as a potherb, were added to soups and stews and its flowers made an attractive garnish to salads.

 

Magic & Myth: The Primrose was used as a love oracle as it represented inconstancy and a lover’s doubts. It is also associated with safety and posies of primroses were left on the doorstep to encourage fairies to bless the house and anyone living in it.

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What our visitors say about the castle

Mrs R
I just wanted to say my husband and I visited the Castle and thought it the most splendid place!   From the staff, Tea Room, signage information so well presented, but one of my main reasons for contacting you was to say that Kelly, one of your members of staff excelled herself.   We joined her for a bit of archery, managed to hit the board, my husband 86 and myself 77 didn’t do too badly!  Her rapport and information with the Birds of Prey was second to none, she obviously loves her job, she is truly an asset to the Castle, thank you. Please pass on this email to the relevant source, thank you.
A visitor October 2024
You must visit! Beautiful!
You must go! Driven passed many times, made the effort to visit on Monday. Really interesting. Beautiful location and views. More to look at than you might think! Friendly helpful and informative staff. Great falconry display. Lovely gardens. Nice cakes and scones in the cafe. Highly recommended 👌
YorTours – Breathe in Yorkshire
Another brilliant experience on Friday with my pre booked 2 clients from Ohio
Birds of prey on arrival for 3pm falconry display; followed by castle and boars feeding - whilst I had time to feed in your cafe too
Just brilliant - thanks and we always get a genuine warm welcome from all you staff and the ladies in the cafe too !
Warmest regards,
Nick
Visitor March 2025
The visit was very informative and reached back 300 years to show what lives people experienced . The  catering was excellent and varied. Hope to return one day
Emma Benny
To Bolton Castle staff,
My father and I visited Bolton Castle today (Friday 21st July) and I wanted to express our gratitude for the wonderful experience we had. The Castle staff were all so friendly and welcoming.
I was most impressed with the Lad who facilitated the Falconry and Archery. His knowledge on the birds was phenomenal and his presence and confidence during his time showing the birds was wonderful to watch, we were really impressed.
We really appreciated his time spent answering questions and chatting with us and the other Castle guests.
Thank you so much for a great experience.

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Bolton Castle
Nr Leyburn
North Yorkshire
DL8 4ET

T: 01969 623981
E: info@boltoncastle.co.uk

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