Henry Baines (15 May 1793 – 1 April 1878) was a notable botanist who lived in York.

At that time, the cloisters were used by a Mr. Suttle, a wine merchant, to store his wares.

He spent some time in Halifax, during which he became acquainted with naturalists Samuel Gibson, Abraham Stansfield, John Nowell, and William Wilson, among others.

[1] Upon returning to York, he was appointed 'sub-curator' to the museum of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society in 1828 or 1829, under John Phillips,[1] and by 1830 had already procured over 500 plants for their gardens.

During the compilation and publication of this, Richard Spruce was a frequent visitor to the Yorkshire Museum and Baines' residence, often spending Sunday afternoons there.