The Banksia’s name sake
Sir Joseph Banks (1743–1820)
The Endeavour voyage would not have been possible without the wealth and influence of enthusiastic botanist Sir Joseph Banks.
Early life – born into wealth
Joseph Banks was the only son of William Banks, a wealthy country squire and member of the House of Commons.
He went to the prestigious Eton College school from 1756 and studied natural history at the University of Oxford, though he left without gaining a degree.