1773-1820: George III and Joseph Banks

These were interesting times. George III was described in a Victorian encyclopaedia as "brave, honest and religious; representing the ordinary Englishman". In his reign, Britain was becoming industrialised, laying the foundation for its later status as the richest country in the world. Along the way, America declared its independence, the French revolution erupted and the Napoleonic wars broke out. At Kew, both the gardens and the attitude to botany changed for all time.

Find out more.....

Gardens of Richmond & Kew united

The influence of Sir Joseph Banks

'Farmer' George and his 'ferme ornée'

New buildings at Kew

Back to: Timeline overview

On to: 1820-1841: Gardens in decline