Sir Joseph Banks, a name that resonates with exploration and natural wonders, has left an indelible mark on history. A man who ventured beyond the boundaries of his Lincolnshire roots, his legacy is a testament to the power of curiosity and the impact of one individual on the world.
Born in 1743, Banks' fascination with nature began on his father's estate, Revesby Abbey. Little did he know that his childhood curiosity would lead him on a path to becoming one of the most influential naturalists and botanists of his time. As the Secret Lincolnshire podcast reveals, Banks' early life was a prelude to his extraordinary journey.
"He witnessed the untouched beauty of the Lincolnshire Fens, a landscape teeming with life. It was a natural aviary, a paradise for bird enthusiasts," shares Paul Scott, a member of the Sir Joseph Banks Society in Horncastle. This early exposure to nature's wonders sparked a lifelong passion.
Banks' interest in botany blossomed during his time at Eton. He discovered the world of herbal medicine through interactions with local women, paying them for their knowledge of plants and their uses. This unique approach to learning set the stage for his future explorations.
In 1766, Banks embarked on his first major voyage, crossing the Atlantic to Newfoundland and Labrador. Here, he immersed himself in the local culture, studying the indigenous ways of life. According to Paul, Banks' curiosity knew no bounds: "He was fascinated by everything, from their clothing to their tools and food."
Sir David Attenborough, the patron of the society, highlights Banks' unique approach to collecting. He methodically gathered everyday items, like fishhooks, made by people with no knowledge of European technology. This collection became a treasure trove of cultural artifacts.
But Banks' passion for exploration was not without its challenges. The sea, it seemed, was not his natural habitat. "He suffered from severe seasickness during his voyages, which must have been a constant trial," Paul notes.
Despite this, in 1768, Banks joined Captain James Cook's historic voyage to the South Pacific aboard the HMB Endeavour. Paul describes it as "the first purposeful scientific mission" launched from the UK. The aim? To witness the transit of Venus in Tahiti, a journey that would span three years and see the crew of 98 living aboard a former cargo ship less than 100 feet long.
The voyage was not without incident. When they reached Rio de Janeiro, the governor barred them from landing. But Banks, ever resourceful, sent his servants out at night in a rowing boat to collect plants up the river, right under the governor's nose.
As they continued south, rounding Cape Horn, the crew encountered Tahiti. Here, relationships formed between some of the crew and Tahitian women, including Banks, who had a relationship with the princess or queen of Tahiti. In a famous incident, she stole his trousers while he slept, leaving him trouserless and providing a light-hearted moment amidst the journey's challenges.
The Endeavour moved on to New Zealand and Australia, where the crew discovered plants and animals, like kangaroos, unknown to Europeans. However, the journey was fraught with violence and tragedy. "Half the crew died on this voyage," Paul reveals. "It was a far cry from a leisurely cruise."
The violence extended to the indigenous peoples they encountered. Nine Maori people were killed during their first meeting with Cook in what is now Gisborne, New Zealand. This incident, still controversial, led to a statement of regret by the UK government in 2019. Additionally, the traditional celebration of Cook as the "discoverer" of Australia has faced increasing scrutiny, given that Aboriginal people had lived on the land for tens of thousands of years before his arrival.
In 2023, it was announced that spears belonging to Aboriginal people, taken by Cook's crew when they first arrived in Botany Bay, Australia, would be returned. These spears were taken after a violent encounter with members of the Gweagal clan. Recent research by Dr. Edwin Rose of Cambridge has highlighted the role of indigenous peoples, including Polynesians and Maoris, in helping Banks identify and describe hundreds of plant species.
When the Endeavour's crew returned to Britain in 1771, they were celebrities. "People were astounded by their findings," Paul says. "They became the talk of London, even the king wanted to meet them."
King George III tasked Banks with creating the finest botanic gardens at Kew, and he served as president of the Royal Society for over 40 years until his death in 1820. Banks was a man of immense wealth and influence, positioned at the heart of the Industrial Revolution and Britain's expanding empire.
Today, Banks' legacy is celebrated globally, from the Banks Islands in Vanuatu to the Banksia flowering plants. However, recent conversations have opened up about more controversial aspects of his colonial legacy. Banks recommended establishing the penal colony in Botany Bay, stating there would be little opposition from the natives, a prediction that proved incorrect.
The Aboriginal warrior Pemulwuy led resistance against the Sydney colonists but was shot dead in 1802. His severed head was sent to Banks for his collection, and in 2010, during Prince William's visit to Australia, there were renewed calls for the remains to be returned, though their whereabouts remain unknown.
Beyond his imperial legacy, Banks had a profound impact on his home county of Lincolnshire. He was instrumental in the development of the canal system, including the Horncastle to Tattershall canal, the Sleaford canal, and the Grantham canal. The Horncastle canal, opened in 1802, connected the town to the rest of the country, bringing prosperity.
Banks also oversaw the drainage of the Fens, transforming the landscape into some of the finest growing land in the country.
"Banks was at the heart of it all," Paul concludes. "Our empire was expanding, and he was a key figure in that growth."
And this is the part most people miss: Banks' influence extended far beyond his scientific contributions. He was a man who shaped not just the natural world but also the social and political landscape of his time. A true pioneer, his legacy continues to inspire and provoke thought.
What do you think? Is Banks' legacy one of scientific discovery or colonial exploitation? Share your thoughts in the comments.
