Born in London, Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820) was the son of William Banks, a wealthy landowner of Revesby Abbey, Lincolnshire. He was educated at Harrow School, Eton College and the University of ...

Joseph Banks was born on 13 February 1743 in London. His passion for botany began at school. From 1760 to 1763 he studied at Oxford University, during which time he inherited a considerable fortune.