| AdminHistory | Nathaniel John Winch (1768-1838), botanist, born Hampton, Middlesex, 20 December 1768. Bound apprentice to Robert Lisle, hostman, in Newcastle upon Tyne, 24 December 1780. Elected sheriff and member of the common council of that city, 1805. Studied the plants of Northumberland, Cumberland, and Durham throughout his life, and in his publications he placed much emphasis on geographical distribution. His business as an iron merchant and anchor smith failed in 1808, and he became bankrupt.
Winch studied cryptogams, especially mosses, as well as flowering plants, and accumulated a herbarium of some twelve thousand species. FLS 1803, ALS 1821. Main publications included "The Botanist's Guide through Northumberland and Durham" (1805-1807), written in conjunction with John Thornhill and Richard Waugh), "Essay on the geographical distribution of plants through … Northumberland, Cumberland and Durham" (1819), and "Observations on the Geology of Northumberland and Durham" (1814). Genus 'Winchia' named after him. Secretary to the Newcastle Infirmary for more than 20 years.
Winch died in Newcastle upon Tyne on 5 May 1838. |