The Geological Society of London, founded in 1807, describes itself as the oldest geological society in the world. It is headquartered at Burlington House, Piccadilly, in London, and was granted a royal charter by King George IV on 23 April 1825, under which it was established for investigating the mineral structure of the Earth and for promoting such investigation through its library, collections and publications. The Society states its present mission as supporting and informing scientists and the general public by improving knowledge and understanding of geoscience and promoting professional excellence and ethical standards, and it awarded its first Wollaston Medal, geology's oldest scientific award, to William Smith in February 1831.
Facts
Founded Year FounderThirteen founding members meeting at the Freemasons' Tavern in London, including Humphry Davy, James Parkinson and George Bellas Greenough. 2 Sources
1. Geological Society of London, About Us
The Geological Society of LondonAbout pageQuote, About page
Founded in 1807, we are the oldest geological society in the world.
2. Geological Society of London (Wikipedia)
WikipediaLead sectionQuote, Lead section
The Geological Society of London, known commonly as the Geological Society, is a learned society based in the United Kingdom.
William Smith, geologist (Wikipedia)
WikipediaLegacy sectionQuote, Legacy section
It was not until February 1831 that the Geological Society of London conferred on Smith the first Wollaston Medal in recognition of his achievement. The President, Adam Sedgwick, referred to Smith as the Father of English Geology.
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