Between 1894 and 1944, Maud and Arthur Smith Woodward welcomed countless eminent scientists into their homes in Kensington and Haywards Heath, Sussex. Arthur’s position as curator of the Geology Department of the British Museum of Natural History (now the Natural History Museum) meant that Maud was hostess to a huge range of famous names, and … Continue reading
In March 2016, as part of International Women’s Day, we took part in ‘Inspirational Women of the Learned Societies’. The tour took visitors around the Burlington House courtyard, taking in some of the stories of the women who have worked in the sciences and arts since the foundation of the Learned Societies, and long before. … Continue reading
When we think of UK oil and gas, we probably think first of the North Sea – but the origins of the UK’s oil industry are in some unexpected places…. Next week, our Petroleum Group and History of Geology Group are teaming up to hold a conference celebrating a number of anniversaries, including the centenary … Continue reading
The spectacular Trotternish peninsula on the Isle of Skye is home to the famous geological sites of the Quirang and the 719m summit of the Storr. They are formed from a set of post-glacial, large-scale landslides which give the impression of the landscape sliding away in front of you. These unusual landforms combined with the stark … Continue reading
On the eve of All Hallows’ Eve, we revisit a spinechilling post from the blog vaults…. Originally published on December 19th, 2013, our archivist Caroline Lam tells the spine chilling tale of GSL Fellow Dr J W Webster, ‘whose name was ordered to be erased’… “In December 1814, the Society established a ‘Foreign Member’ category … Continue reading
Unearthing literary ghosts and extinct creatures in Lyme Regis, Dorset Anthea Lacchia (@AntheaLacchia) In anticipation of the upcoming Lyme Regis Fossil Festival, which takes place from May 1-3 this year, let’s set off on a literary and geological tour through the charming streets and beaches of Lyme Regis, which is also known as the “pearl … Continue reading
William Smith’s geological map of England and Wales turns 200 this year. Continue reading
A guest post from Colin Summerhayes, Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge Before we can understand how humans may be changing the climate, we need to establish a baseline. We have one in the geological record of past climate change. Continue reading
So farewell then, Gary Dahl (1936-2015) Gary Ross Dahl, who died on March 23, was an advertising copywriter and advertising agency owner who became a millionaire on the strength of a six-month fad dating from 1975. Those of us who remember that year, especially if we happen to be geologists, will recall the craze which … Continue reading
Monday 23rd was the birthday of William Smith – ‘father of English Geology’ and creator of the world’s first nationwide geological map. It was also a special day at the Geological Society – the launch of the year long celebrations of the 200th anniversary of Smith’s 1815 geological map … Continue reading
The Geological Society Blog 