Banks Papers Volume III - AIM25

Identity area

Reference code

GB 0117 MS/121

Title

Banks Papers Volume III

Date(s)

1681-1795 (Creation)

Level of description

sub-fonds

Extent and medium

1 volume

Context area

Name of creator

Banks , Sir , Joseph , 1743-1820 , 1st Baronet , naturalist and patron of science

Biographical history

Sir Joseph Banks was born in London in 1743; educated at Harrow School, 1752-1756 and Eton College, 1756-1760, where he showed an interest in botany. Banks matriculated at Christ Church, Oxford and following his father's death in 1761 chose to devote himself to natural history. He was elected a Fellow of Royal Society and Society of Antiquaries, 1766 and in the same year undertook his apprenticeship as a scientifically trained Linnaean naturalist on an expedition to Labrador and Newfoundland. He later undertook the Endeavour voyage of 1768-1771 with James Cook. On his return in 1771, Banks was introduced to King George III, later becoming his friend and advisor on matters concerning science and agriculture. Banks was President of the Royal Society from 1778 to 1820 and Virtual Director of Royal Botanic Garden at Kew, 1773. Banks was one of the founders of the Africa Society and promoted greater British involvement in the exploration of Africa. He was made a knight in Order of the Bath, 1795 and died in 1820.

Repository

Royal Society

Archival history

GB 0117 MS/121 1681-1795 Sub-fonds 1 volume Banks , Sir , Joseph , 1743-1820 , 1st Baronet , naturalist and patron of science

Sir Joseph Banks was born in London in 1743; educated at Harrow School, 1752-1756 and Eton College, 1756-1760, where he showed an interest in botany. Banks matriculated at Christ Church, Oxford and following his father's death in 1761 chose to devote himself to natural history. He was elected a Fellow of Royal Society and Society of Antiquaries, 1766 and in the same year undertook his apprenticeship as a scientifically trained Linnaean naturalist on an expedition to Labrador and Newfoundland. He later undertook the Endeavour voyage of 1768-1771 with James Cook. On his return in 1771, Banks was introduced to King George III, later becoming his friend and advisor on matters concerning science and agriculture. Banks was President of the Royal Society from 1778 to 1820 and Virtual Director of Royal Botanic Garden at Kew, 1773. Banks was one of the founders of the Africa Society and promoted greater British involvement in the exploration of Africa. He was made a knight in Order of the Bath, 1795 and died in 1820.

A collection of eighteenth century letters and papers of Sir Joseph Banks, his family and other contemporary Fellows.

Single volunme.

Open

No publication without written permission. Apply to Archivist in the first instance.

English

Previous two volumes broken up and their contents now in Miscellaneous Manuscripts. See Year Book 1940 page 317; article 'Gleanings from the Library II' in 'Notes and Records, Volume II, page 68.

Copied from the Royal Society catalogue by Sarah Drewery.

General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal Place and Corporate Names 1997.

Feb 2009. Learned societies Science Banks , Sir , Joseph , 1743-1820 , 1st Baronet , naturalist and patron of science Associations Organizations

Content and structure area

Scope and content