Charles Butler 1600 – 1647 “The Father of English Beekeeping”
We are passionate beekeepers who want to reverse the decline of pollinators and restore the biodiversity they need. We seek sustainable, biodiverse, practical and educational solutions for this urgent problem.
Our inspiration is Revd. Charles Butler, who was the Pastor at Wootton St Lawrence Church from 1600 to 1647 and the Father of English Beekeeping. He was an educated and curious country parson who studied the natural world and documented his findings systematically. He combined careful observation with practical skills in beekeeping and musical composition. He published “The Feminine Monarchie” in 1623, a classic beekeeping text that included his famous “Melissomelos” – the Bees’ Madrigal. His book is rare and valuable today, and his insights, methods and environmental awareness are still relevant for beekeepers around the world.
The Charles Butler Foundation has these goals:
- To promote beekeeping and pollinators through an annual Bee Fayre at Wootton St Lawrence, Basingstoke, where Revd. Charles Butler served as a pastor in the 17th century.
- To educate people about the importance of pollinators and the need to create and protect diverse habitats for honeybees, bumble bees and solitary bees.
- To enhance pollinators by working with local communities, schools and wildlife groups to plant and maintain wildlife habitats.
- To help people overcome their fear of bees through ‘Bee Experience Days’, in collaboration with local beekeeping groups.
- To provide educational training support to encourage future generations of beekeepers and wildlife activists.