The first botanic garden at Kew was founded in 1759 by Princess Augusta, as Physic Garden, containing medicinal plants. In 1772 the gardens of Kew and Richmond were united. Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820) controlled the gardens from 1773 onwards who developed them by gathering plants from around the world, for research and economical activities, giving the gardens international reputation. In 1841 the royal gardens transferred property from the crown to the state, and opened to the public. Today the Botanic Gardens serves as a center of botanical research and maintains one of the largest plant collection in the world.