Who opened Kew Gardens?

mother Princess Augusta
It was George III’s mother Princess Augusta who founded the original botanic garden at Kew in 1759.

Who lived in Kew Gardens?

It was originally built as a fashionable mansion for wealthy London silk merchant, Samuel Fortrey in 1631. George II (r 1727-60) and Queen Caroline were first attracted to little Kew, thinking it a perfect lodging for their three eldest daughters.

How many people work Kew Gardens?

Kew currently has around 800 staff with a diverse range of expertise, operational and management skills. Some 60 per cent of staff are specialist plant and fungal scientists and botanical horticulturists.

How many guests can a Kew member bring?

one family guest
Kew membership categories and prices Family membership (1 adult): For one adult and up to four children aged 4–15, plus one family guest each time you visit.

Who worked as director of Kew botanic gardens?

Richard George Deverell (born 1965) became Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in September 2012. He was previously Controller of CBBC, the department within the BBC responsible for output aimed at children.

Who owns Kew Palace?

Kew Palace
Area London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Built 1631
Architectural style(s) Artisan Mannerist
Governing body Historic Royal Palaces

Why is Kew called Kew?

Etymology. The name Kew, recorded in 1327 as Cayho, is a combination of two words: the Old French kai (landing place; “quay” derives from this) and Old English hoh (spur of land). The land spur is formed by the bend in the Thames.

Who is head gardener at Kew Gardens?

Career. Born in Lancashire, Tony Kirkham moved to Surrey to become, aged 16, a forestry apprentice with Tilhill Forestry Nurseries.

Who owns Kew garden?

Kew Gardens, together with the botanic gardens at Wakehurst in Sussex, are managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, an internationally important botanical research and education institution that employs over 1,100 staff and is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural …

Do you have to wear a mask in Kew Gardens?

Shopping. Our shops at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst are open. We encourage you to wear a face covering in our shops and please be considerate of other people’s space. If you can’t get to the gardens, you can still shop at our online store.

Do National Trust members get free entry to Kew Gardens?

Please note Wakehurst is owned by the National Trust but managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Entry is free to National Trust members on presentation of a valid membership card, however car parking charges apply as a vital contribution to RBG Kew’s conservation work at Wakehurst.

Who was the first director of Kew Gardens?

William Hooker
The name William Hooker (1785-1865) is synonymous with Kew, being the name of Kew’s first official Director. Hooker took directorship in 1841 and was instrumental in steering the Gardens towards the research and visitor role that we recognise today.