History and Heritage

History

Lord Bute

Lord Bute was a friend to Prince Frederick and was given an appointment in the Royal household. Frederick died suddenly in 1751 and so Princess Augusta sought Lord Bute’s advice on finishing the horticultural improvements that her husband had started. Lord Bute with his learning in botany assisted Princess Augusta in enlarging the plant collections at Kew, and when Princess Augusta died in 1772 the two estates were united.

In 1762 he was appointed Prime Minister due to his closeness and influence over the young Prince of Wales. He was replaced as horticultural adviser by Joseph Banks.