Sir Joseph Banks, Baronet (1743-1820), was born at Argyle Street, London, on 13 February 1743. He was educated by a private tutor, before attending Harrow School and Eton. He entered Christ Church, Oxford, in 1760, where his interest in botany prompted him to procure a teacher in this field for the students. In 1766 he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society, and in that year travelled to Newfoundland to collect plants. During 1768-1771 he journeyed with Cook around the world in the Endeavour, and made natural history collections. In 1772 he visited Iceland. He was President of the Royal Society, 1778-1820, and was created Baronet in 1781. Banks died at Spring Grove, Isleworth, on 19 June 1820. His collections and library passed to the British Museum after his death.
From the guide to the Sir Joseph Banks: Journals, 1767-1768, (Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives)
