Joseph Banks

NAME: Joseph Banks

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Renowned British naturalist and botanist, known for his pioneering contributions to the exploration and documentation of plant species.

BIRTH: Joseph Banks was born Argyll Street, Soho, London, on February 24, 1743.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: His parents were William Banks, a rich Lincolnshire country squire and member of the House of Commons, and his wife Sarah, daughter of William Bate. 

CHILDHOOD: Banks grew up in a privileged household, receiving a broad education and developing a keen interest in natural history from an early age.

EDUCATION: He attended Harrow School and later studied at Eton College.

In late 1760, Banks was enrolled as a gentleman-commoner at the University of Oxford. At Oxford, he matriculated at Christ Church, where his studies were largely focussed on natural history rather than the classical curriculum. He left in 1764 without a degree.

CAREER RECORD: Banks' career was defined by his role as the botanist on James Cook's first voyage of discovery (1768-1771), during which he collected and documented thousands of plant specimens previously unknown in Europe. His resume reads:

1766: Led a natural history expedition to Newfoundland and Labrador

1768-1771: Joined Captain James Cook's first voyage to the Pacific, documenting flora and fauna of new lands

1778-1820: President of the Royal Society, promoting scientific exploration and research

Advised King George III on the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, aiding its rise to prominence

APPEARANCE: Banks was tall and imposing, with a commanding presence. He was known for his neatly powdered hair. 

Sir Joseph Banks, as painted by Joshua Reynolds in 1773

FASHION: Banks was known for his fashionable attire and keen interest in the latest styles. He likely favored practical clothing for his expeditions.

CHARACTER: Banks was described as ambitious, curious, and highly energetic, with a voracious appetite for scientific discovery. 

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Not much documented about his humor, but likely enjoyed witty conversation.

RELATIONSHIPS: Banks married Dorothea Hugessen on March 23, 1779. She was a "well-acred heiress" at the time of their nuptials and she was described by Banks' colleague Daniel Solander as "rather handsome, very agreeable, chatty and laughs a good deal."

Banks and Dorothea had no children.

Banks had many close friendships and professional partnerships with fellow scientists and explorers.

MONEY AND FAME: After his father died in 1561, Banks inherited a substantial fortune. Banks used his wealth and connections to further scientific endeavors and became a prominent figure in the scientific community.

FOOD AND DRINK: Banks was known to enjoy fine dining and was an advocate of exotic cuisine, influenced by his travels.

MUSIC AND ARTS: He had a passion for art and supported artists on his expeditions to document flora and fauna.

LITERATURE: While not a prolific writer himself, Banks was a well-read man with a keen interest in scientific literature. He amassed a significant personal library, filled with books on natural history, botany, and exploration. His library likely included journals of previous explorers, travel accounts, and the latest scientific publications. These works fueled his passion for discovery and provided a foundation for his own scientific contributions.

In his Endeavour journal, Banks recorded 30 years of his life.

NATURE: His love for nature was profound, and he amassed one of the largest botanical collections of his time.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: He enjoyed botany, collecting specimens, and scientific experimentation. Banks also had an interest in sailing and horseback riding.

Banks, with his impressive plant collection, practically invented the whole field of botany as a proper academic discipline. All in all, Banks brought back a staggering 1300 new plant species, single-handedly introducing the Western world to eucalyptus, acacia, mimosa, and even a whole genus named after him – Banksia, of course!

But Banks’s legacy goes beyond collecting fancy plants. He became a champion for the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, transforming it into a world-class center for collecting and studying all things botanical. Thanks to Banks, Kew became a treasure trove of knowledge and a source of inspiration for plant enthusiasts everywhere.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Banks was a dedicated scientist, contributing significantly to botanical science and taxonomy.

When Joseph Banks’s dear old dad shuffled off this mortal coil, leaving young Joe with more gold than a leprechaun’s mattress, Banks could finally indulge his real passion: tinkering with plants. A right botany buff was Banks, and a darn good one at that. This passion, fueled by his newfound wealth, propelled him on several extravagant expeditions, all out of his own pocket, mind you.

In 1768, Banks’s ears pricked up like a spaniel scenting sausages. Word on the street was that Captain James Cook, a real go-getter of an explorer, was planning a jolly to the South Pacific. Not just any jolly, mind you, but a proper scientific one, with the fancy objective of observing the transit of Venus and sniffing around for a rumored “unknown southern land.” Banks, ever the enthusiast, jumped on board (literally, with a staff of eight in tow) and spent the next three years gallivanting around with Cook. He returned a hero, pockets overflowing with a mind-boggling collection of new plant and animal finds.

This voyage, you see, was a bit of a first. Unlike the usual rum-swilling, treasure-hunting expeditions, this one was all about the science. Well, mostly. The government, bless their bureaucratic hearts, had a secret agenda – land-grabbing to keep the French at bay. But hey, who needs politics when you’ve got exotic flora and fauna to classify, right?

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Banks was more focused on empirical science but appreciated the role of philosophy in understanding nature.

SCANDAL: No major scandals are associated with Banks, although some contemporaries criticized his ambitious nature.

MILITARY RECORD: Banks did not serve in the military but accompanied naval expeditions in a scientific capacity.

HOMES He inherited Revesby Abbey, Lincolnshire from his father, this substantial estate became Joseph Banks' primary residence. Here, he cultivated his passion for botany and conducted scientific experiments.

Banks owned a notable estate at Spring Grove in Hounslow, London, which he filled with exotic plants.

TRAVEL: Banks' thirst for exploration led him on remarkable journeys that expanded his knowledge and shaped his scientific legacy:

Newfoundland and Labrador (1766): This early expedition marked Banks' first foray into scientific exploration, allowing him to document the unique flora and fauna of these regions.

Captain Cook's Voyage (1768-1771): Joining Cook's historic Pacific voyage, Banks meticulously documented the plants and animals encountered in Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, and other previously unexplored lands. This journey cemented his reputation as a leading naturalist.

Iceland (1772): Driven by his insatiable curiosity, Banks embarked on a separate expedition to Iceland, further enriching his understanding of the natural world.

It was Banks who suggested the idea that Botany Bay in Australia would form a suitable penal settlement.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: He enjoyed good health throughout much of his life, attributed in part to his active lifestyle. However, his health began to fail early in the 19th century and he suffered from gout every winter. After 1805, Banks practically lost the use of his legs and had to be wheeled to his meetings in a chair, but his mind remained as vigorous as ever.

DEATH: Joseph Banks passed away aged 77 on June 19, 1820, in Spring Grove House, leaving behind a legacy of scientific exploration and discovery. He was buried at St Leonard's Church, Heston.        

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA  Banks' legacy continues to be explored in various media:

Biographies: Notably, Patrick O'Brian's acclaimed work Joseph Banks delves deep into his life and accomplishments.

Documentaries: Historical documentaries explore his voyages and contributions to science.

Fiction: He appears as a character in various historical fiction novels, bringing his personality and impact to life.

ACHIEVEMENTS Banks significantly advanced botanical science, promoting the study of plant species and facilitating international botanical exchanges. His collections formed the basis for modern botany and plant taxonomy.

Pioneering Exploration and Documentation: Banks' voyages with Captain Cook resulted in the discovery and documentation of countless new plant and animal species, significantly expanding scientific knowledge of the natural world.

Champion of Scientific Research: As president of the Royal Society for an unmatched 41 years, Banks actively promoted scientific exploration and research. He championed expeditions, supported scientists, and fostered international scientific collaboration.

The Rise of Kew Gardens: Through his influence with King George III, Banks played a pivotal role in transforming the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, into a leading botanical institution. He championed plant collection and cultivation, laying the foundation for Kew's global reputation.

Advocate for Animal Welfare: Notably progressive for his time, Banks advocated for the humane treatment of animals used in scientific experiments, demonstrating his concern for animal well-being alongside scientific advancement.

Banks was invested as a Knight of the Order of the Bath (KB) on July 1, 1795.