Samuel Brewer facts for kids

Samuel Brewer (1670–1743) was an English botanist, a scientist who studies plants. He lived at the same time as another famous botanist, Dr. Richard Richardson. Samuel Brewer is known for finding and identifying new types of plants.

Early Life and Plant Discoveries

Samuel Brewer was born in Trowbridge, a town in Wiltshire, England. He owned a small piece of land there. He also worked in the business of making woolen cloth.

Brewer was very interested in plants. He shared some of his plant discoveries with Johann Jacob Dillenius, another botanist. These plants were included in a famous book called Synopsis by John Ray, published in 1724.

In 1726, Brewer traveled with Dillenius from Trowbridge. They explored the Mendip Hills and then went to Bristol. Their journey continued into North Wales and Anglesey.

Exploring Wales

Brewer stayed in Bangor, Wales, for over a year. During this time, he spent his days looking for plants. He worked with two other plant enthusiasts, Rev. W. Green and W. Jones.

He often sent dried plant samples to Dillenius. He was especially good at finding and identifying different types of moss. His work helped scientists understand many plant details that were unclear before.

Moving to Yorkshire

In the autumn of 1727, Samuel Brewer moved to Yorkshire. He first lived in Bingley and later in Bierley. Bierley was close to Dr. Richard Richardson, who became his friend and helped him.

Brewer had a small house and garden in Bierley. He spent a lot of time growing and studying plants there. Later, he became the head gardener for the Duke of Beaufort. This important job was at Badminton House, a large country estate.

Brewer's Legacy in Botany

Samuel Brewer passed away in Bierley in 1743. He was buried near the east wall of Cleckheaton chapel.

Even though he faced challenges in his business life, he was a very skilled collector. He collected not only plants but also insects and birds.

Scientists honored Samuel Brewer's contributions to botany. A group of plants, known as a botanical genus, was named Breweria after him by Robert Brown. Also, a type of rock-rose found in North Wales, which Brewer discovered, is called Helianthemum breweri. These names help remember his important work in discovering new plant species.