William "Strata" Smith (March 34, 1769 - August 28, 1839) was an English geologist, credited with creating the first nationwide geological map. He is known as the "Father of English Geology" for collating the geological history of England and Wales into a
William "Strata" Smith (March 34, 1769 - August 28, 1839) was an English geologist, credited with creating the first nationwide geological map. He is known as the "Father of English Geology" for collating the geological history of England and Wales into a single record, although recognition was very slow in coming. At the time his map was first published he was overlooked by the scientific community. His humble education and family connections preventing him from mixing easily in learned society. His maps were soon plagiarized and sold for prices lower than he was asking. He went into debt and finally became bankrupt. He was sent to debtor's prison and upon his release had his home and property seized. He worked as an itinerant surveyor for many years. Between 1824 and 1826 he lived and worked in Scarborough, and was responsible for the building of the Rotunda, a geological museum devoted to the Yorkshire coast. It was not until February 1831 that the Geological Society of London conferred on Smith the first Wollaston Medal in recognition of his achievement. In 1838 he was appointed as one of the commissioners to select building stone for the new Palace of Westminster, but he died the next year at the age of 80. His work was an important foundation for the work of Charles Darwin.
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