William George Maton (1774–1835) studied medicine at Oxford University and held several roles at the Royal College of Physicians throughout his career. The first few years of his practice were not very successful and he adopted the system which was popular with young physicians of living in a seaside resort during the summer season. He chose Weymouth where he became interested in botany, which led to a chance introduction to the Royal Family after a princess wished to know the identity of a particular plant. This led to Maton’s appointment as physician-extraordinary to the Queen and as physician to other members of the Royal Family. He succeeded to the practice of Dr Matthew Baillie after his death, and along with a colleague was known for having the best practice in London.