A Sussex herb farm
Based in the heart of the Sussex High Weald, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Tranquillina is an organic health & beauty brand
Inspired by the Romans
We make 100% organic calendula oils, inspired by the ancient Romans – who used calendula oil to soothe, repair and condition skin - and bathe
100% Organic
We plant, grow, harvest and dry our own calendula flowers on our Soil Association certified farm – and infuse them in sweet almond oil
Handmade
Every limited edition batch is handmade, using cold pressed sweet almond oil - without any chemicals or machines
Our Family
Our family have farmed in Sussex since 1992 growing oats, beans, wheat and hay
We became fully organic in 2000 and are certified by the Soil Association (G4182) – the UK’s leading organic body
There are five partners on the farm, one of whom, Lily, is a qualified medical herbalist – she keeps an eye on the herb growing and production
We operate out of a modern, purpose-built herb barn – set in the middle of 37 herb beds. Where we trial ingredients, dry crops, infuse our oils and bottle, label and package each order by hand
We also run herb courses and events, including herb walks with Lily. We welcome visitors by appointment
Our Brand
Our brand is named after and inspired by the Roman Empress Tranquillina – who reigned from 241 to 244 AD, when the Roman occupation in Sussex was at a high point. A rare silver Tranquillina coin was found in the High Weald as part of a 3rd century treasure hoard some years ago
Tranquillina was the daughter of Timesitheus, the head of the Praetorian Guard, an elite Imperial Roman Army unit of intelligence agents and bodyguards. In 241 AD Tranquillina married Gordian III and became Empress, receiving the prestigious title Augusta – meaning she could issue coins and rule in court. Her full name was Furia Sabinia Tranquillina Augusta
Tranquillina is a name that derives from tranquillus with Latin and Spanish roots. Tranquil conjures a sense of serenity, composure, calm, quiet, peacefulness, free from disturbance
Tranquillina was used as a name for women in early Christian communities, reflecting virtues of peace and calm. It can be traced back to ancient Rome where names were created that signified character traits. It has also appeared in records of saints and other historical texts, lending it a sense of reverence and dignity
It is not hard to imagine Empress Tranquillina using calendula oil in her daily rituals nearly 2000 years ago
We hope that our soothing and refreshing calendula oil helps our customers find tranquillity today
Our Product
Calendula, also called Marigold, is a vibrant orange flowering herb that thrives here on our Wealden clay soil.
It has been used traditionally by many cultures, including the Romans, for thousands of years to soothe dry skin, promote wound and insect bite healing and treat skin inflammation.
We make our oil in 100 ml bottles using our special ingredient - 100% organic Sussex calendula flowers - which we steep in sweet almond oil, with a few drops of delicious smelling organic lemon, lavender and geranium essential oils. These nutrient-rich essential oils help calm and refresh
Calendula has traditionally been seen as an anti-inflammatory and for soothing the skin, reducing scarring, stimulating regeneration and moisturising
Calendula has also for thousands of years been used by many cultures to support healing of cuts, wounds, burns, infections, irritations and insect bites
We find it helps healing of dry, itchy and flaky skin. Some consider it as antiseptic and antimicrobial
Our oils are for external use and can be used on babies
The oil can be enjoyed from head-to-toe, on all skin types, topically on the skin or hair and beard, and as a bath or shower oil
It is lightweight, non-greasy, quickly absorbed, leaving the skin and hair feeling smooth
Calendula = Marigold
Calendula Officinalis is a beautiful, orange flowered, plant. It's best known by its common name - Marigold - but it has many other names including in English: Goldins, Jack-on-horseback, Mary's gold, Pot marigold, Rod's gold, Ruddes, Scotch marigold, Souvenir, Yellow goldes, Goldes, Goldings, Golds and Marybuds
Roman Land
Almost 2000 years ago our farmland was controlled by the Roman Navy under the command of the Emperor of Rome. They made iron here and across the Weald, digging ore out of the ground and smelting it
Wealden iron was of strategic importance to the Romans – they used it to build ships and forts to support their fleet (Classis Britannica) stationed around Britain. Some was also shipped to Rome. Iron was widely used in Roman life from nails, horseshoes, swords and tools, to chariot wheels, buildings and bridges
There is conjecture that the High Weald may have had the status of an Imperial Roman estate – to protect the iron industry here
Today, the High Weald is a quiet patchwork of small fields, woodland valleys and streams. It’s hard to imagine today’s peaceful countryside alive with Romans and ancient Britons smelting iron. But the geology is perfect – sandstone, clay and iron ore – with hornbeam woodlands to fuel the charcoal bloomeries. As Julius Caeser happily discovered when he invaded in 43 AD
Now, with climate change, it is perfect for growing calendula. We trialled many herbs on the farm - and calendula was the standout winner. Today, our corner of the High Weald is busy once again. No longer creating an industrial product, but a domestic health & beauty product – which the Romans would recognise
Calendula was a valuable plant in Roman society. They used calendula oils to heal, calm and protect their skin. Its medicinal properties were well understood – and it was also used for massage and bathing. The flowers were a symbol of victory and used in ceremonies, sometimes worn as garlands or crowns. And the herb was given to gladiators to help their strength and stamina
