James Backhouse Papers

This collection includes records that contain terminology, language or images which are outdated, offensive, or upsetting. While this does not align with RBGKs views and values today, the content is representative of the time and context in which the records were created, and our team are reviewing our collections and policies to determine how these records can be appropriately described, showcased, and discussed to ensure they are placed within this context and are accessible to everyone.

We are committed to enhancing and improving our catalogue descriptions and promoting transparency around our collections, so please get in touch with any feedback or comments about the catalogue at archives@kew.org

This collection consists of one series which includes a manuscript written by James Backhouse titled 'Recollections of the Botany of New South Wales, Van Diemen's Land, and their Dependencies'. The manuscript contains lists of plants seen by Backhouse, with descriptions and notes on the potential uses of some of the plants. Backhouse made these observations between 1832 and 1838 when he spent time in Australia as a Quaker missionary. Alongside the original manuscript there is also a list, compiled by Dr Peter Davis, of all the specimens within Backhouse's manuscript and biographical notes on Backhouse, also written by Davis

James Backhouse was born in 1794. In 1813 he joined the firm of Wagstaffe in Norwich to gain gardening experience. With his brother, Thomas, he bought Telford's nursery, York, 1815. He sailed to Australia as a Quaker missionary in 1831 and remained there until 1838. While in Australia, he sent plants and seeds to York nursery and to W J Hooker at Kew. He discovered new species including Correa backhouseana and met many key figures in Australian botany. After leaving Australia, he toured in South Africa, 1838-1840. He returned to England and the nursery at York in 1841. From 1843-1865 Backhouse spent much time botanising with his son, James Backhouse Junior (1825-1890) and they discovered many rare plants. Thomas died in 1845 and so father and son then ran the family nursery, moving to Holgate, Alcomb in 1853 where they had over 100 acres and 40 glasshouses. Backhouse died in 1869.