Silk Threads

Today in gardens throughout England, plaques reside next to mulberry trees:

"This is a genuine James I mulberry tree"

James I of England at the beginning of his reign in the 17th century

enthusiastically promoted the development of the silk production in England.

In fact, some historians have described his interest in the silk worm as excessive.

"He appointed special attendants as well as a Governor of the Chamber whose duty

it was to carry the insects 'withsoever his Majesty went'.

One can imagine the kings entourage complete with guardians of the silk worms."

Proclamations were issued promoting sericulture,

mulberry tree seedlings were planted at his insistence

and experiments with silk were funded from the royal purse.

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Excerpted from 'The Story of Silk' by Dr. John Feltwell