Forsyth
was a Scottish gardener from Aberdeenshire who was
first employed as an assistant to Philip Miller,
Curator of the Chelsea Physic Garden. He finally
succeeded Miller in this position in 1770 but later
became superintendent of the Royal Gardens at
Kensington Palace in London.
In 1774 he constructed what was possible the
earliest rock garden in England. His material included
40 tons of old stone from the Tower of London. In
addition he obtained lava brought from Iceland by Sir
Joseph Banks.
Additional information about William
Forsyth may be found on the Internet.
(Caution: Some links may not directly pertain to this
person. The search engine did not take Professor
Howlett's course.)