Founding of the Royal Horticultural Society (1800–1804)

The Royal Horticultural Society, originally the Horticultural Society of London, was founded in 1804. John Wedgwood proposed the society in 1800, aiming to facilitate regular meetings for sharing horticultural discoveries. The first meeting occurred on 7 March 1804 at Hatchards bookshop in London, chaired by Wedgwood, with seven attendees including prominent figures like Sir Joseph Banks.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. John Wedgwood, a partner in the Wedgwood pottery firm, had a strong interest in botany and horticulture, particularly exotic plants. In 1800, he suggested creating a British horticultural society to allow members to present papers, discuss discoveries, and publish results. This proposal laid the groundwork for the society's eventual formation.

First Meeting. The first meeting took place on 7 March 1804 at Hatchards bookshop in Piccadilly, London. Seven men attended, including John Wedgwood as chairman, William Townsend Aiton, Sir Joseph Banks, James Dickson, and William Forsyth. This gathering marked the formal beginning of the society's activities.

Early Purpose. The society aimed to hold regular meetings for presenting papers on horticultural activities and discoveries, encouraging discussion, and publishing results. These goals were modest but foundational for the society's development as a leading gardening charity in the UK.

People involved

Sources

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