Sir Joseph
Banks was a wealthy landowner who for 42 years was
President of the Royal Society of London. He has been
called the "dictator of British Botany" during this
period.
He was also a plant explorer, sailing with Captain
Cook in the Endeavor at the age of 25. He returned
after three years with a vast collection of plant
specimens. Banks became the unpaid Director of Kew
Gardens in 1772 by George III and continued in this
position until his death in 1820.
As Director of Kew he sent out many collectors to
bring back new plants for the gardens and the
Herbarium. Fuchsia and hydrangea were introduced
during this period. By many foreign scientists he was
considered as the "greatest Englishman of his
time."
