Royal Botanic Society

Royal Botanic Society
SuccessorQueen Mary's Gardens
Formation1839
FounderJames de Carle Sowerby
Founded atLondon
Dissolved1932
HeadquartersRegent's Park London

The Royal Botanic Society was a learned society founded in 1839 by James de Carle Sowerby under a royal charter. Its purpose was to promote "botany in all its branches, and its applications." The society was based at leased grounds within the Inner Circle in Regent's Park, London, where they created an experimental garden with large palm-houses and a water-lily house. The gardens were open to members and at times the public, and hosted a variety of entertainments, including flower shows. The society was dissolved in 1932 after failing to renew the lease. The society's library is held by the Natural History Museum in London. The site became Queen Mary's Gardens.