Dates

• Existence: 1781 - 1862

Biography

William Borrer was born at Henfield, Sussex in 1781, the eldest son of a landowner and gentleman farmer. As a young man he developed a keen interest in the flora of his native county, which he afterwards extended to British species in general. He travelled extensively through Britain, corresponded with a wide range of British and European botanists, and at one time cultivated 6660 species in his garden at Barrow Hill, Henfield. He was elected to fellowships of the Linnean Society (1805) and the Royal Society (1835). He published little, but was throughout his career generous in sharing his knowledge with others, and 'his gentlemanly amateurism was enhanced by application, attention to detail, and precision.'

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records: