Britain's first geological map | Natural History Museum

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" class="no-js"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8"/> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"/> <title>Britain's first geological map | Natural History Museum</title> <meta name="description" content="Unearth 15 facts about William Smith鈥檚 pioneering map, which was published in 1815."/> <meta property="og:title" content="Britain's first geological map"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Unearth 15 facts about William Smith鈥檚 pioneering map, which was published in 1815."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/william-smith-geological-map-britain-bath-section-full-width.jpg"/> <meta name="twitter:widgets:csp" content="on"/> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@NHM_London"/> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@NHM_London"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Britain's first geological map"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Unearth 15 facts about William Smith鈥檚 pioneering map, which was published in 1815."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/william-smith-geological-map-britain-bath-section-full-width.jpg"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain.html"/> <script src="/etc/clientlibs/nhmwww/jquery.js"></script> <script src="https://assets.adobedtm.com/c2b29812570b/d7d2d2aae38a/launch-e413b49718e8.min.js" async></script> <script> var dataLayerOb = { "event": "pageView", "page": {"path":"/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain.html","site":"main site","siteSearchResultPage":false,"errorPage":false,"articlePage":true,"domain":"www.nhm.ac.uk","transactionPage":false,"title":"Britain's first geological map | Natural History Museum","url":"https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain.html"}, "article": {"datePublished":"2015-06-26","primaryHub":"collections","articleTitle":"Britain's first geological map","dateLastUpdated":"2021-03-22","author":"Lisa Hendry","likes":"","tags":["geology","rocks and minerals","feature","scientists"]}, "user": {"id2":"","id1":""} }; const pollForAdobeAnalytics = () => { let interval; let timer = 0; const TIME_LIMIT = 60000; interval = setInterval(() => { timer += 10; if (timer > TIME_LIMIT) { clearInterval(interval); console.log("adobe analytics failed to load within one minute") return; } if (window.__satelliteLoaded) { const dataLayerEvent = new CustomEvent("dataLayerEvent", { detail: dataLayerOb }); document.querySelector("body").dispatchEvent(dataLayerEvent); clearInterval(interval); } }, 10) } window.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", () => { pollForAdobeAnalytics(); } ); </script> <link rel="preload" href="/etc/clientlibs/nhmwww/webfont.css" as="style"> <link rel="preload" href="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-dependencies.css" as="style"> <link rel="preload" href="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site.css" as="style"> <link rel="preload" href="/etc/clientlibs/nhmwww/jquery.js" as="script"> <link rel="preload" href="/etc/clientlibs/nhmwww/lazyload.js" as="script"> <link rel="preload" href="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-foundation.js" as="script"> <link rel="preload" href="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-plugins.js" as="script"> <link rel="preload" href="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-dependencies.js" as="script"> <link rel="preload" href="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site.js" as="script"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0, shrink-to-fit=no"/>  <script>dataLayer = [{'primaryHubTag':'collections','secondaryTags':['geology','rocks and minerals','feature','scientists'],'datePublished':'2015-06-26','dateLastUpdated':'2021-03-22'}];</script>    <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-5TDGNT');</script>  <link rel="stylesheet" href="/etc/clientlibs/nhmwww/webfont.css" type="text/css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-dependencies.css" type="text/css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site.css" type="text/css"> <script> // WR-1042 - YouTube API was loading quicker than page DOM, causing a "YT.Player is not a constructor" error and stopping Discover captions from being displayed on-click. // Moving the YouTube API function into the headlibs allows the API to load quicker and resolves the issues. onYouTubeIframeAPIReady(); </script> <link rel="icon" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" href="/etc/designs/nhmwww/favicon.ico"/> <link rel="shortcut icon" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" href="/etc/designs/nhmwww/favicon.ico"/> </head> <body>  <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-5TDGNT" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>  <section class="persistent-alert"> <i class="svg-ico icon--warning" data-svg-src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/warning-outline.svg" data-svg-title="icon__warning" data-alt="Warning" data-base-color="#ffffff" data-stroke-color="#ffffff" data-stroke-width="0"> </i> <div class="persistent-alert__body"></div> </section>  <div class="body-overlay" data-show-cookie-banner-overlay="false"></div> <section id="js-cookie-bar" class="cookie-banner" data-show-cookie-banner="false" data-module="cookie-bar" role="region" aria-label="Cookie preferences banner"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="banner-content"> <div role="heading" aria-level="2" class="banner-content__title"><h3>Accept cookies?</h3> </div> <div class="banner-content__description"><p>We use <a href="/about-us/cookies-on-the-museums-website.html">cook<sup></sup>ies</a>聽to give you the best online experience and to show personalised content and marketing. We use them to improve our website and content as well as to tailor our digital advertising on third-party platforms. You can change your preferences at any time.聽聽</p></div> </div> <div class="banner-actions"> <div class="banner-actions__items"> <a class="banner-actions__link" href="/about-us/cookie-preferences.html">Manage my preferences</a> <form id="cookie-banner-form" method="POST" action="/bin/cookie-preferences"> <button type="submit" class="button button--filled button--grey-dark" title="Accept All cookies">Yes, accept all</button> </form> </div> </div> </div> </section>  <div class="skip-link-container"> <a href="#main-content" class="js-no-scroll skip-to-content button button--filled button--grey-dark">Skip to content</a> </div> <header class="global-header cf"> <div class="megamenu"> <div class="global-header__container row"> <div class="global-header__logo" data-gtm-component="header-logo"> <a href="/" class="global-header__logo-link" aria-label="Natural History Museum Homepage"></a> </div> <button class="global-header__nav-button js--mobile-menu-toggle is-hidden--desktop" aria-label="Mobile navigation toggle" data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="false" onclick="toggleMobileMenu(event)"> <span class="global-header__nav-burger"></span> </button> <div class="global-header__nav-wrapper" data-aria-hidden-desktop="false" data-aria-hidden-mobile="true" > <nav class="global-header__primary-nav" data-gtm-component="header-primary-nav"> <ul class="global-header__primary-nav-items"> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/visit.html" class="global-header__link is-hidden--mobile"> Visit </a> <button aria-label="Open Visit submenu" class="global-header__link--trigger is-hidden--desktop" data-parent-menu=".global-header__nav-wrapper" data-sub-menu=".global-header__nav-item-children--visit" onclick="openSubMenu(event)" data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="false" > Visit <i aria-hidden="true" class="ico svg-ico nav-arrow" data-svg-src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/icon_l_general_arrow_r.svg" data-svg-title="icon__back" data-alt="Open Visit" data-stroke-width="10" data-base-color="#A8A8A8" data-fallback="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/icons/icon_l_general_arrow_r.png"> </i> </button> <div data-gtm-component="header-subnav-visit" class="global-header__nav-item-children global-header__nav-item-children--visit " data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="true" > <div class="global-header__nav-select-container is-hidden--mobile" data-aria-hidden-desktop="false" data-aria-hidden-mobile="true" > <select aria-label="Select Museum location" class="global-header__nav-select" name="visit-home-option" onchange="location = this.value;"> <option value="/content/nhmwww/en/home/visit.html">The Museum at South Kensington</option> <option value="/content/nhmwww/en/home/visit/tring.html">The Museum at Tring</option> </select> </div> <ul class="global-header__primary-nav-items"> <li> <button class="global-header__nav-button global-header__nav-button--back is-hidden--desktop" data-current-menu=".global-header__nav-item-children--visit" data-parent-menu=".global-header__nav-wrapper" onclick="closeSubMenu(event)" data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="false" > <i class="ico svg-ico nav-arrow" data-svg-src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/icon_l_general_arrow_l.svg" data-svg-title="icon__back" data-alt="Close visit" data-stroke-width="10" data-base-color="#A8A8A8" data-fallback="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/icons/icon_l_general_arrow_l.png"> </i> Back </button> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item has-no-margin--desktop"> <button aria-label="Open the Museum at South Kensington submenu" class="global-header__link--trigger is-hidden--desktop" data-parent-menu=".global-header__nav-item-children--visit" data-sub-menu=".global-header__nav-item-children--visit-south-kensington" onclick="openSubMenu(event)" data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="false" > The Museum at South Kensington <i aria-hidden="true" class="ico svg-ico nav-arrow" data-svg-src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/icon_l_general_arrow_r.svg" data-svg-title="icon__back" data-alt="Open The Museum at South Kensington" data-stroke-width="10" data-base-color="#A8A8A8" data-fallback="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/icons/icon_l_general_arrow_r.png"> </i> </button> <div class="global-header__nav-item-children global-header__nav-item-children--visit-south-kensington " data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="true" > <ul class="global-header__primary-nav-items"> <li> <button class="global-header__nav-button global-header__nav-button--back is-hidden--desktop" data-current-menu=".global-header__nav-item-children--visit-south-kensington" data-parent-menu=".global-header__nav-item-children--visit" onclick="closeSubMenu(event)" data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="false" > <i class="ico svg-ico nav-arrow" data-svg-src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/icon_l_general_arrow_l.svg" data-svg-title="icon__back" data-alt="Close visit" data-stroke-width="10" data-base-color="#A8A8A8" data-fallback="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/icons/icon_l_general_arrow_l.png"> </i> Back </button> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/visit.html" class="is-hidden--desktop global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">The Museum at South Kensington</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/visit/whats-on.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">What's on</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/visit/galleries-and-museum-map.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Explore the Museum</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/visit/access-at-south-kensington.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Access</a> </li> </ul> </div> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <button aria-label="Open the Museum at Tring submenu" class="global-header__link--trigger is-hidden--desktop" data-parent-menu=".global-header__nav-item-children--visit" data-sub-menu=".global-header__nav-item-children--visit-tring" onclick="openSubMenu(event)" data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="false" > The Museum at Tring <i aria-hidden="true" class="ico svg-ico nav-arrow" data-svg-src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/icon_l_general_arrow_r.svg" data-svg-title="icon__back" data-alt="Open The Museum at Tring" data-stroke-width="10" data-base-color="#A8A8A8" data-fallback="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/icons/icon_l_general_arrow_r.png"> </i> </button> <div class="global-header__nav-item-children global-header__nav-item-children--visit-tring " data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="true" > <ul class="global-header__primary-nav-items"> <li> <button class="global-header__nav-button global-header__nav-button--back is-hidden--desktop" data-current-menu=".global-header__nav-item-children--visit-tring" data-parent-menu=".global-header__nav-item-children--visit" onclick="closeSubMenu(event)" data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="false" > <i class="ico svg-ico nav-arrow" data-svg-src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/icon_l_general_arrow_l.svg" data-svg-title="icon__back" data-alt="Close visit" data-stroke-width="10" data-base-color="#A8A8A8" data-fallback="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/icons/icon_l_general_arrow_l.png"> </i> Back </button> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/visit/tring.html" class="is-hidden--desktop global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">The Museum at Tring</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/visit/tring/whats-on-tring.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">What's on</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/visit/tring/galleries.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Explore the Museum</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/visit/tring/facilities-and-access.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Access</a> </li> </ul> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/discover.html" class="global-header__link is-hidden--mobile is-active--desktop">Discover</a> <button aria-label="Open Discover submenu" class="global-header__link--trigger is-hidden--desktop" data-parent-menu=".global-header__nav-wrapper" data-sub-menu=".global-header__nav-item-children--discover" onclick="openSubMenu(event)" data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="false" > Discover <i aria-hidden="true" class="ico svg-ico nav-arrow" data-svg-src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/icon_l_general_arrow_r.svg" data-svg-title="icon__back" data-alt="Open Discover" data-stroke-width="10" data-base-color="#A8A8A8" data-fallback="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/icons/icon_l_general_arrow_r.png"> </i> </button> <div data-gtm-component="header-subnav-discover" class="global-header__nav-item-children global-header__nav-item-children--discover is-active--desktop" data-aria-hidden-desktop="false" data-aria-hidden-mobile="true" > <ul class="global-header__primary-nav-items"> <li class="is-hidden--desktop" data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="false" > <button class="global-header__nav-button global-header__nav-button--back is-hidden--desktop" data-current-menu=".global-header__nav-item-children--discover" data-parent-menu=".global-header__nav-wrapper" onclick="closeSubMenu(event)" > <i class="ico svg-ico nav-arrow" data-svg-src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/icon_l_general_arrow_l.svg" data-svg-title="icon__back" data-alt="Close discover" data-stroke-width="10" data-base-color="#A8A8A8" data-fallback="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/icons/icon_l_general_arrow_l.png"> </i> Back </button> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/discover.html" class="is-hidden--desktop global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Discover</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/discover/news.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">News</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/discover/anthropocene.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Anthropocene</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/discover/british-wildlife.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">British wildlife</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/discover/collections.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Collections</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/discover/dinosaurs.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Dinosaurs</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/discover/human-evolution.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Human evolution</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/discover/oceans.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Oceans</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/discover/space.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Space</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/discover/what-on-earth.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">What on Earth?</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/discover/video.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Video</a> </li> </ul> </div> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/take-part.html" class="global-header__link">Take part</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/support-us.html" class="global-header__link is-hidden--mobile">Join and support</a> <button aria-label="Open Join and Support submenu" class="global-header__link--trigger is-hidden--desktop" data-parent-menu=".global-header__nav-wrapper" data-sub-menu=".global-header__nav-item-children--support-us" onclick="openSubMenu(event)" data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="false" > Join and support <i aria-hidden="true" class="ico svg-ico nav-arrow" data-svg-src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/icon_l_general_arrow_r.svg" data-svg-title="icon__back" data-alt="Open Join and Support" data-stroke-width="10" data-base-color="#A8A8A8" data-fallback="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/icons/icon_l_general_arrow_r.png"> </i> </button> <div data-gtm-component="header-subnav-support-us" class="global-header__nav-item-children global-header__nav-item-children--support-us " data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="true" > <ul class="global-header__primary-nav-items"> <li class="is-hidden--desktop" data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="false" > <button class="global-header__nav-button global-header__nav-button--back is-hidden--desktop" data-current-menu=".global-header__nav-item-children--support-us" data-parent-menu=".global-header__nav-wrapper" onclick="closeSubMenu(event)" > <i class="ico svg-ico nav-arrow" data-svg-src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/icon_l_general_arrow_l.svg" data-svg-title="icon__back" data-alt="Close support us" data-stroke-width="10" data-base-color="#A8A8A8" data-fallback="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/icons/icon_l_general_arrow_l.png"> </i> Back </button> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/support-us.html" class="is-hidden--desktop global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Join and support</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/support-us/membership.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Membership</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/support-us/give.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Make a donation</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/support-us/patronage.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Patrons</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/support-us/corporate-partnerships.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Corporate partnerships</a> </li> </ul> </div> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="https://www.nhmshop.co.uk" class="global-header__link">Shop</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/schools.html" class="global-header__link">Schools</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/our-science.html" class="global-header__link">Our science</a> <button aria-label="Open Our science submenu" class="global-header__link--trigger is-hidden--desktop is-hidden--mobile" data-parent-menu=".global-header__nav-wrapper" data-sub-menu=".global-header__nav-item-children--deworm3" onclick="openSubMenu(event)" data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="false" > <i aria-hidden="true" class="ico svg-ico nav-arrow" data-svg-src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/icon_l_general_arrow_r.svg" data-svg-title="icon__back" data-alt="Open Discover" data-stroke-width="10" data-base-color="#A8A8A8" data-fallback="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/icons/icon_l_general_arrow_r.png"> </i> </button> <div class="global-header__nav-item-children global-header__nav-item-children--deworm3 " data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="true" > <ul class="global-header__primary-nav-items"> <li> <button class="global-header__nav-button global-header__nav-button--back is-hidden--desktop" data-current-menu=".global-header__nav-item-children--deworm3" data-parent-menu=".global-header__nav-wrapper" onclick="closeSubMenu(event)" data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="false" > <i class="ico svg-ico nav-arrow" data-svg-src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/icon_l_general_arrow_l.svg" data-svg-title="icon__back" data-alt="Close Deworm3" data-stroke-width="10" data-base-color="#A8A8A8" data-fallback="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/icons/icon_l_general_arrow_l.png"> </i> Back </button> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/our-science/our-work/sustainability/deworm3.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Deworm3</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/our-science/our-work/sustainability/deworm3/about.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">About</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/our-science/our-work/sustainability/deworm3/who-we-are.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Who we are</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/our-science/our-work/sustainability/deworm3/objectives.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Objectives</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/our-science/our-work/sustainability/deworm3/intervention.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Achievements</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/our-science/our-work/sustainability/deworm3/research-tool-kit.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Research tool kit</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/our-science/our-work/sustainability/deworm3/publications.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">Publications</a> </li> <li class="global-header__primary-nav-item"> <a href="/our-science/our-work/sustainability/deworm3/news.html" class="global-header__link" data-gtm="subnav-link">News</a> </li> </ul> </div> </li> </ul> </nav> <nav class="global-header__secondary-nav" data-gtm-component="header-secondary-nav"> <ul class="global-header__secondary-nav-items"> <li class="global-header__secondary-nav-item"> <button type="button" class="button global-header__button" onclick="openSearchPanel()" > <i aria-hidden="true" class="ico svg-ico" data-svg-src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/icon_search.svg" data-svg-title="icon__search" data-alt="Open Search Panel" data-base-color="#000000" data-fallback="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/icons/icon_search.png"> </i> Search </button> </li> <li class="global-header__secondary-nav-item"> <a href="/support-us/membership.html" class="button global-header__button" data-gtm="header-button">Membership</a> </li> <li class="global-header__secondary-nav-item"> <a href="/support-us/make-a-donation.html" class="button button--filled button--yellow button--small global-header__button" data-gtm="header-button">Donate</a> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> <div class="search-panel" data-aria-hidden-desktop="true" data-aria-hidden-mobile="true" data-gtm-component="header-search" > <div class="row search-panel__container"> <div class="search-panel__form"> <form action="//www.nhm.ac.uk/search.html" method="get" class="global-header--search-bar__form" role="search"> <div class="large-6 small-6 columns"> <input type="text" name="q" id="searchBar" placeholder="Enter your search terms" class="search-panel__form-input" aria-label="Search box"> </div> <div class="large-2 small-4 columns"> <button class="button button--hollow button--white button--small search-panel__button" aria-label="Search">Search</button> </div> </form> </div> <div class="search-panel__popular"> <p role="heading" aria-level="1" class="search-panel__popular-title">Popular search terms:</p> <ul class="search-panel__popular-items"> <li class="search-panel__popular-item"> <a class="search-panel__popular-link" href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/british-wildlife.html">British wildlife</a> </li> <li class="search-panel__popular-item"> <a class="search-panel__popular-link" href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year.html">Wildlife Photographer of the Year</a> </li> <li class="search-panel__popular-item"> <a class="search-panel__popular-link" href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/dinosaurs.html">Dinosaurs</a> </li> <li class="search-panel__popular-item"> <a class="search-panel__popular-link" href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/space.html">Space</a> </li> <li class="search-panel__popular-item"> <a class="search-panel__popular-link" href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/galleries-and-museum-map.html">Explore the Museum</a> </li> </ul> </div> <button class="search-panel__close-trigger" onclick="closeSearchPanel()" aria-label="Close search"> <i class="ico svg-ico search-panel__icon--close" data-svg-src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/icon_l_general_close.svg" data-svg-title="icon__search_panel_close" data-alt="Close search panel" data-stroke-width="10" data-base-color="#EEEEEE" height="24" width="24" data-fallback="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/mobile-menu.png"></i> </button> </div> </div> </div> </header> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/components/fragments/universalbanner/clientlibs.css" type="text/css"> <script src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/components/fragments/universalbanner/clientlibs.js"></script> </meta> <div class="horizontalnav" data-gtm-component="horizontal-nav" id="hide-me-horizontalnav"> <button data-gtm-component="horizontal-nav-next-btn" data-horizontalnav-prev="true" data-hidden="true"> <svg width="9" height="16" viewBox="0 0 9 16" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M8.73965 0.26035C9.08678 0.607482 9.08678 1.1703 8.73965 1.51743L2.25708 8L8.73965 14.4826C9.08678 14.8297 9.08678 15.3925 8.73965 15.7397C8.39252 16.0868 7.8297 16.0868 7.48257 15.7397L0.37146 8.62854C0.0243273 8.28141 0.0243273 7.71859 0.37146 7.37146L7.48257 0.26035C7.8297 -0.0867832 8.39252 -0.0867832 8.73965 0.26035Z" fill="#565656"/> </svg> </button> <ul class="horizontalnav__list"> <li> <a href="/discover.html" aria-label="Navigate to Discover landing page"> Discover </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/news.html" aria-label="Navigate to the News page"> News </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/anthropocene.html" aria-label="Navigate to the Anthropocene page"> Anthropocene </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/british-wildlife.html" aria-label="Navigate to the British Wildlife page"> British Wildlife </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/collections.html" aria-label="Navigate to the Collections page"> Collections </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/dinosaurs.html" aria-label="Navigate to the Dinosaurs page"> Dinosaurs </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/human-evolution.html" aria-label="Navigate to the Human Evolution page"> Human evolution </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/oceans.html" aria-label="Navigate to the Ocean page"> Oceans </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/what-on-earth.html" aria-label="Navigate to the What on Earth? page"> What on Earth? </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/video.html" aria-label="Navigate to the Video page"> Video </a> </li> </ul> <button data-gtm-component="horizontal-nav-prev-btn" data-horizontalnav-next="true" data-hidden="true"> <svg width="9" height="16" viewBox="0 0 9 16" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M0.26035 0.26035C-0.0867832 0.607482 -0.0867832 1.1703 0.26035 1.51743L6.74292 8L0.26035 14.4826C-0.0867832 14.8297 -0.0867832 15.3925 0.26035 15.7397C0.607482 16.0868 1.1703 16.0868 1.51743 15.7397L8.62854 8.62854C8.97567 8.28141 8.97567 7.71859 8.62854 7.37146L1.51743 0.26035C1.1703 -0.0867832 0.607482 -0.0867832 0.26035 0.26035Z" fill="#565656"/> </svg> </button> </div> <section class="subnav" data-gtm-component="subsectionnav">  <button class="subnav-button repel" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Open Discover sub navigation"> <div class="subnav-button__content cluster"> <p class="subnav-button__title">Discover</p> <div class="subnav-button__icon"> <svg width="12" height="8" viewBox="0 0 12 8" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M11.8047 0.695262C11.5444 0.434913 11.1223 0.434913 10.8619 0.695262L6 5.55719L1.13807 0.695262C0.877721 0.434913 0.455612 0.434913 0.195261 0.695262C-0.0650883 0.955612 -0.0650883 1.37772 0.195261 1.63807L5.5286 6.9714C5.78894 7.23175 6.21105 7.23175 6.4714 6.9714L11.8047 1.63807C12.0651 1.37772 12.0651 0.955612 11.8047 0.695262Z" fill="#333333"/> </svg> </div> </div> </button>  <ul class="subnav-dropdown" data-active="false" aria-hidden="true"> <li> <a href="/discover.html" aria-label="Navigate to Discover landing page"> <h3>Discover</h3> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/news.html" aria-label="Navigate to the News page"> <p>News</p> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/anthropocene.html" aria-label="Navigate to the Anthropocene page"> <p>Anthropocene</p> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/british-wildlife.html" aria-label="Navigate to the British Wildlife page"> <p>British Wildlife</p> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/collections.html" aria-label="Navigate to the Collections page"> <p>Collections</p> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/dinosaurs.html" aria-label="Navigate to the Dinosaurs page"> <p>Dinosaurs</p> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/human-evolution.html" aria-label="Navigate to the Human Evolution page"> <p>Human evolution</p> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/oceans.html" aria-label="Navigate to the Ocean page"> <p>Oceans</p> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/what-on-earth.html" aria-label="Navigate to the What on Earth? page"> <p>What on Earth?</p> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/video.html" aria-label="Navigate to the Video page"> <p>Video</p> </a> </li> </ul> </section> <div id="main-content" class="main-section discover"> <div class="main-section"> <div class="article"> </meta> <div> <div class="layout-row discover-image" data-columns="flush"> <figure role="group"> <picture> <source media="(max-width: 480px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/top-section-of-william-smith-1815-map.jpg.placeholder.480.480.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/top-section-of-william-smith-1815-map.jpg.thumb.480.480.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 768px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/top-section-of-william-smith-1815-map.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/top-section-of-william-smith-1815-map.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 769px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/top-section-of-william-smith-1815-map.jpg.placeholder.1160.1160.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/top-section-of-william-smith-1815-map.jpg.thumb.1160.1160.jpg"/> <img class="lazy" src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/top-section-of-william-smith-1815-map.jpg.placeholder.1160.1160.png" data-src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/top-section-of-william-smith-1815-map.jpg.thumb.1160.1160.jpg" alt="Top section of William Smith's 1815 geological map of Britain"/> </picture> <figcaption> <div class="articlepage--caption-container" data-caption-truncation> <div class="articlepage--caption"> <p>The top area of Britain's first geological map, published in 1815 by William Smith</p> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> </div>  <button id="saved-articles__modal-open" class="saved-articles__bookmark" aria-label="Open saved articles list"> <div class="bookmark-wrapper"> <svg fill="none" viewBox="0 0 24 24" stroke="currentColor"> <path fill="#000" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M5 5a2 2 0 012-2h10a2 2 0 012 2v16l-7-3.5L5 21V5z"/> </svg> <span class="bookmark-badge" id="badge__count"></span> </div> </button>  <div id="saved-articles__overlay" class="saved-articles__overlay" data-state="closed"> <div class="saved-articles__modal" data-gtm-component="saved-articles-modal" aria-modal="true"> <div class="saved-articles" id="saved-articles__modal">  <div class="saved-articles__header-wrapper"> <h3 class="saved-articles__header-title"> Read later <span id="saved-articles__count"></span> </h3> <div class="saved-articles__close-wrapper"> <button aria-label="Close" id="saved-articles__modal-close" type="button" class="saved-articles__close-button">Close</button> </div> </div>  <div class="beta-container"> <div> <span class="beta-badge">Beta</span> </div> <div> <p>During <a class="beta-link" href="/about-us/beta-testing.html">Beta testing</a> articles may only be saved for seven days. </p> </div> </div>  <div class="modal__details"> <ul class="saved-articles__list" id="saved-articles__list"></ul> <div id="saved-articles__empty"> <div class="text-content"> <p>Create a list of articles to read later. You will be able to access your list from any article in Discover.</p> <p>You don't have any saved articles.</p> </div> </div> </div>  <div class="saved-articles__footer-wrapper"> <button id="saved-articles__save-button" type="button" class="saved-articles__add-to-list">+ add current article to list</button> </div> </div> </div> </div>   <div class="section"> <div class="layout-row" data-columns="21">  <div class="article layout-column"> <div class="article--tags-header" data-gtm-component="hub-header"> <a href="http://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/collections.html">COLLECTIONS</a> </div> <h1 class="article--title-header">Britain's first geological map</h1> <div class="article--secondary-info flow"> <div class="article--meta-container"> <div class="article--meta-author">By Lisa Hendry</div> </div> <div class="cluster"> <div class="social-icons-list"> <div class="social-share--container"> <div class="social-share--icons cluster"> <div class="facebook social-share--icon--container"> <a aria-label="Share on facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <svg width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="social-share--icon"> <circle cx="14" cy="14" r="14" fill="#333333"/> <path d="M15.1783 21.9729V15.143H17.5302L17.882 12.4813H15.1783V10.7824C15.1783 10.0119 15.398 9.48656 16.5315 9.48656L17.9776 9.4859V7.10507C17.7275 7.07269 16.8692 7 15.8705 7C13.7858 7 12.358 8.24031 12.358 10.5181V12.4813H10V15.143H12.358V21.9729H15.1783Z" fill="white"/> </svg> </a> </div> <div class="twitter social-share--icon--container"> <a aria-label="Share on twitter" href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Britain%27s%20first%20geological%20map%0Ahttps://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <svg width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <circle cx="14" cy="14" r="14" fill="#333333"/> <path d="M22.1667 9.68591C21.6087 9.94384 21.0089 10.1176 20.3795 10.1959C21.0222 9.79514 21.5158 9.16018 21.7477 8.4035C21.1467 8.7746 20.4806 9.04438 19.7716 9.18979C19.2047 8.5601 18.3952 8.16663 17.5004 8.16663C15.4914 8.16663 14.0152 10.1182 14.469 12.1441C11.8837 12.0093 9.59097 10.7196 8.05598 8.75947C7.24077 10.2156 7.63321 12.1205 9.01843 13.0851C8.50908 13.068 8.02881 12.9225 7.60983 12.6797C7.5757 14.1806 8.60893 15.5847 10.1054 15.8973C9.66744 16.021 9.18779 16.0499 8.69993 15.9526C9.09553 17.2396 10.2444 18.1759 11.6069 18.2022C10.2988 19.2701 8.65064 19.7472 7 19.5445C8.37701 20.4637 10.0131 21 11.7699 21C17.5472 21 20.8111 15.9197 20.614 11.3631C21.2219 10.9058 21.7496 10.3353 22.1667 9.68591V9.68591Z" fill="white"/> </svg> </a> </div> <div class="email social-share--icon--container"> <a aria-label="Share by email" href="mailto:?subject=Britain%27s%20first%20geological%20map&body=http%3A//www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain"> <svg width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="social-share--icon"> <circle cx="14" cy="14" r="14" fill="#333333"/> <path d="M22.9269 8.40756C22.9269 8.40756 22.7861 7.08155 21.4675 7.00002C21.1491 7.00002 10.0223 7.00002 10.0223 7.00002H6.51115C6.51115 7.00002 5.16957 6.9768 5.01465 8.40756C5.02208 8.415 9.39591 12.9117 9.39591 12.9117L11.0682 14.6305L12.0205 15.4899C12.0205 15.4899 13.5535 16.8602 15.2302 15.9268C15.2302 15.9268 15.4581 15.815 15.9266 15.4009C16.4092 14.974 20.4602 10.8598 20.4602 10.8598C20.4602 10.8598 22.8751 8.43729 22.9269 8.40756Z" fill="white"/> <path d="M22.9409 10.0391V17.047L19.4297 13.5505L22.9409 10.0391Z" fill="white"/> <path d="M5 10.0391V17.047L8.51142 13.5505L5 10.0391Z" fill="white"/> <path d="M9.33304 14.3785L11.0911 16.1402C11.0911 16.1402 11.8808 16.8758 12.2524 17.0073C12.2601 17.0229 14.0253 17.9364 15.8835 16.8835C15.8911 16.8758 16.3868 16.6124 17.4009 15.5751C18.4152 14.5376 18.5778 14.375 18.5778 14.375L22.9135 18.6875L22.9367 18.7184C22.9367 18.7184 22.805 20.0732 21.4346 20.0888C20.0643 20.1043 6.66243 20.0964 6.66243 20.0964C6.66243 20.0964 5.20681 20.1738 5.021 18.7028L9.33304 14.3785Z" fill="white"/> </svg> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-gtm-component="like-button-top" class="article-likes-container"> <div class="like-container" data-page-path="/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain"> <a href="#" aria-label="Clap button for article likes" class="like-button-link" tabindex="0"> <span class="clap-svg"></span> <span aria-label="40 article likes" class="like-count js-like-count">40</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="article--introduction"><p>More than two hundred years ago, a man called William Smith did something extraordinary. He became the first person to map the geology of an entire nation.</p> <p>Not only was this scientifically significant, but in the process he produced something rather beautiful.</p> </div> <div class="article--content"> <div class="text parbase section"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <p>Smith's colourful and sophisticated geological map was based on his astute observation that rock layers (strata) could be identified by the fossils they contain. He noticed that the layers always seemed to appear in the same order and realised it was possible to predict where specific types of rock could be found across the country.</p> <p>Smith鈥檚 map and ideas paved the way for a better understanding of geological time and laid the founding principles for geological surveys worldwide. His concept of using fossils to identify rocks is still very important today.</p> </div> </div> <div class="foundation5image parbase section"> <div> <figure class=" flow" role="group"> <picture> <source media="(max-width: 480px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/william-smith-1815-map-full-on-grey-753x600.jpg.placeholder.480.480.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/william-smith-1815-map-full-on-grey-753x600.jpg.thumb.480.480.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 481px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/william-smith-1815-map-full-on-grey-753x600.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/william-smith-1815-map-full-on-grey-753x600.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg"/> <img class="lazy" src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/william-smith-1815-map-full-on-grey-753x600.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/william-smith-1815-map-full-on-grey-753x600.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg" alt/> </picture> <figcaption> <div class="image--caption-container" data-caption-truncation> <div class="image--caption"> <p>Download a larger version of <a href="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/william-smith-1815-geological-map.pdf" target="_blank">William Smith's 1815 geological map PDF (6.4MB)<br /> 聽</a></p> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="text parbase section"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <h4>Fifteen facts about this ground-breaking map:</h4> <p>1. The complete map measures 2.6m by 1.8m and is made up of 15 sections.</p> <p>You can see a full life-size replica of the map in our <a href="/visit/galleries-and-museum-map/images-of-nature-gallery.html" target="Target">Images of Nature gallery</a>.</p> <p>2. Smith single-handedly mapped the geology of the whole of England, Wales and southern Scotland - an area of more than 175,000 km<sup>2</sup>.</p> <p>3. A geological cross-section of the country from Snowdon to London accompanies the map. This illustrates Smith鈥檚 observation that strata across much of southern England dip towards the southeast, with younger strata lying on top of older ones.</p> </div> </div> <div class="foundation5image parbase section"> <div> <figure class=" flow" role="group"> <picture> <source media="(max-width: 480px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/geological-cross-section-from-william-smith-1815-map-753.jpg.placeholder.480.480.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/geological-cross-section-from-william-smith-1815-map-753.jpg.thumb.480.480.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 481px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/geological-cross-section-from-william-smith-1815-map-753.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/geological-cross-section-from-william-smith-1815-map-753.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg"/> <img class="lazy" src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/geological-cross-section-from-william-smith-1815-map-753.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/geological-cross-section-from-william-smith-1815-map-753.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg" alt/> </picture> <figcaption> <div class="image--caption-container" data-caption-truncation> <div class="image--caption"> <p>Geological cross-section from Smith's 1815 map<br /> 聽</p> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="text parbase section"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <p>4. Smith used an innovative colour and shading system to represent each rock layer. Twenty-three strata were meticulously hand-coloured in different tints. Dark shading at the base of each stratum becomes lighter towards the top, creating a 3D impression.</p> <p>5. He wanted to create something both useful and pleasing to the eye so he chose relevant but vivid聽colours to represent the rocks.</p> </div> </div> <div class="foundation5image parbase section"> <div> <figure class=" flow" role="group"> <picture> <source media="(max-width: 480px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/close-up-of-an-area-of-william-smith-1815-map-753.jpg.placeholder.480.480.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/close-up-of-an-area-of-william-smith-1815-map-753.jpg.thumb.480.480.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 481px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/close-up-of-an-area-of-william-smith-1815-map-753.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/close-up-of-an-area-of-william-smith-1815-map-753.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg"/> <img class="lazy" src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/close-up-of-an-area-of-william-smith-1815-map-753.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/close-up-of-an-area-of-william-smith-1815-map-753.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg" alt/> </picture> <figcaption> <div class="image--caption-container" data-caption-truncation> <div class="image--caption"> <p>Smith illustrated the order in which rock layers occur by using darker shades for the base of each layer<br /> 聽</p> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="text parbase section"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <p>6. The official title Smith gave to his map is certainly descriptive:</p> <blockquote>'A Delineation of the Strata of England and Wales, with Part of Scotland; Exhibiting the Collieries and Mines, the Marshes and Fen Lands Originally Overflowed by the Sea, and the Varieties of Soil According to the Variations in the Substrata, Illustrated by the Most Descriptive Names'.</blockquote> <p>It reflects the fact that Smith saw his map as a tool for industry and agriculture. To help people locate coal, for example.</p> <p>7. Geologists today still use many of Smith鈥檚 names for strata, including London clay, green sand and cornbrash.</p> <p>8. Smith made his first attempt to map the geology of an area in 1799, starting with Bath. He made his first small-scale attempts to prepare a national geological map in 1801, sketching the outcrop pattern of seven strata onto an existing map of England and Wales.</p> <p>9. It took Smith another 14 years to gather enough information and funds to publish the first version of his map of Great Britain.</p> <p>10. Smith dedicated the map to <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/joseph-banks-scientist-explorer-botanist.html" target="_self">Sir Joseph Banks</a>, the then President of the Royal Society and the project's most influential supporter.</p> </div> </div> <div class="foundation5image parbase section"> <div> <figure class=" flow" role="group"> <picture> <source media="(max-width: 480px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/william-smith-1815-map-inscription-753.jpg.placeholder.480.480.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/william-smith-1815-map-inscription-753.jpg.thumb.480.480.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 481px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/william-smith-1815-map-inscription-753.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/william-smith-1815-map-inscription-753.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg"/> <img class="lazy" src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/william-smith-1815-map-inscription-753.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/william-smith-1815-map-inscription-753.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg" alt/> </picture> <figcaption> <div class="image--caption-container" data-caption-truncation> <div class="image--caption"> <p>The inscription Smith wrote on his 1815 map, dedicating it to Sir Joseph Banks<br /> 聽</p> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="text parbase section"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <p>11. Britain's foremost cartographer of the time, John Carey, produced the topographical map on which he superimposed Smith's strata.</p> <p>12. Publication of the map was funded by subscriptions. The map was offered in six different formats costing from five guineas to 12 pounds.聽</p> <p>13. Approximately 400 copies of the 1815 map were issued. Many are signed by William Smith himself. Less than 10% are known to still exist.</p> <p>14. The Museum's collection includes five copies of Smith's 1815 map.聽</p> <p>15. Smith's ability to map Britain's geology was based on his realisation that the combinations of distinctive fossils (such as <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/what-is-an-ammonite.html" target="_self">ammonites</a>) within a rock can be used to identify it. He amassed聽a unique fossil collection. He used this as evidence to order his strata and make his maps. The Museum now cares for more than 2,000 of Smith鈥檚 fossils.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="article--footer">  <div class="cluster ga-scroll-event-target"> <div class="social-icons-list"> <div class="social-share--container"> <div class="social-share--icons cluster"> <div class="facebook social-share--icon--container"> <a aria-label="Share on facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <svg width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="social-share--icon"> <circle cx="14" cy="14" r="14" fill="#333333"/> <path d="M15.1783 21.9729V15.143H17.5302L17.882 12.4813H15.1783V10.7824C15.1783 10.0119 15.398 9.48656 16.5315 9.48656L17.9776 9.4859V7.10507C17.7275 7.07269 16.8692 7 15.8705 7C13.7858 7 12.358 8.24031 12.358 10.5181V12.4813H10V15.143H12.358V21.9729H15.1783Z" fill="white"/> </svg> </a> </div> <div class="twitter social-share--icon--container"> <a aria-label="Share on twitter" href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Britain%27s%20first%20geological%20map%0Ahttps://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <svg width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <circle cx="14" cy="14" r="14" fill="#333333"/> <path d="M22.1667 9.68591C21.6087 9.94384 21.0089 10.1176 20.3795 10.1959C21.0222 9.79514 21.5158 9.16018 21.7477 8.4035C21.1467 8.7746 20.4806 9.04438 19.7716 9.18979C19.2047 8.5601 18.3952 8.16663 17.5004 8.16663C15.4914 8.16663 14.0152 10.1182 14.469 12.1441C11.8837 12.0093 9.59097 10.7196 8.05598 8.75947C7.24077 10.2156 7.63321 12.1205 9.01843 13.0851C8.50908 13.068 8.02881 12.9225 7.60983 12.6797C7.5757 14.1806 8.60893 15.5847 10.1054 15.8973C9.66744 16.021 9.18779 16.0499 8.69993 15.9526C9.09553 17.2396 10.2444 18.1759 11.6069 18.2022C10.2988 19.2701 8.65064 19.7472 7 19.5445C8.37701 20.4637 10.0131 21 11.7699 21C17.5472 21 20.8111 15.9197 20.614 11.3631C21.2219 10.9058 21.7496 10.3353 22.1667 9.68591V9.68591Z" fill="white"/> </svg> </a> </div> <div class="email social-share--icon--container"> <a aria-label="Share by email" href="mailto:?subject=Britain%27s%20first%20geological%20map&body=http%3A//www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain"> <svg width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="social-share--icon"> <circle cx="14" cy="14" r="14" fill="#333333"/> <path d="M22.9269 8.40756C22.9269 8.40756 22.7861 7.08155 21.4675 7.00002C21.1491 7.00002 10.0223 7.00002 10.0223 7.00002H6.51115C6.51115 7.00002 5.16957 6.9768 5.01465 8.40756C5.02208 8.415 9.39591 12.9117 9.39591 12.9117L11.0682 14.6305L12.0205 15.4899C12.0205 15.4899 13.5535 16.8602 15.2302 15.9268C15.2302 15.9268 15.4581 15.815 15.9266 15.4009C16.4092 14.974 20.4602 10.8598 20.4602 10.8598C20.4602 10.8598 22.8751 8.43729 22.9269 8.40756Z" fill="white"/> <path d="M22.9409 10.0391V17.047L19.4297 13.5505L22.9409 10.0391Z" fill="white"/> <path d="M5 10.0391V17.047L8.51142 13.5505L5 10.0391Z" fill="white"/> <path d="M9.33304 14.3785L11.0911 16.1402C11.0911 16.1402 11.8808 16.8758 12.2524 17.0073C12.2601 17.0229 14.0253 17.9364 15.8835 16.8835C15.8911 16.8758 16.3868 16.6124 17.4009 15.5751C18.4152 14.5376 18.5778 14.375 18.5778 14.375L22.9135 18.6875L22.9367 18.7184C22.9367 18.7184 22.805 20.0732 21.4346 20.0888C20.0643 20.1043 6.66243 20.0964 6.66243 20.0964C6.66243 20.0964 5.20681 20.1738 5.021 18.7028L9.33304 14.3785Z" fill="white"/> </svg> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-gtm-component="like-button-top" class="article-likes-container"> <div class="like-container" data-page-path="/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain"> <a href="#" aria-label="Clap button for article likes" class="like-button-link" tabindex="0"> <span class="clap-svg"></span> <span aria-label="40 article likes" class="like-count js-like-count">40</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <hr class="article--hr-footer"/> <div class="article--tags-footer"> <ul data-gtm-component="article-tags"> <li> <a href="http://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/geology.html">Geology</a> </li> <li> <a href="http://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/rocks-and-minerals.html">Rocks and minerals</a> </li> <li> <a href="http://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/collections.html">Collections</a> </li> <li> <a href="http://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/features.html">Feature</a> </li> <li> <a href="http://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/scientists.html">Scientists</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>   <div class="article--sidebar layout-column"> <div class="headertextimage parbase section"> <div data-gtm-component="hti" class="hti-wrapper " > <div class="hti--image-wrapper columns small-12 medium-12 large-12 " > <picture> <source media="(max-width: 480px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/take-part/identify-nature/fossil-explorer-app/fossil-explorer-hti-discover.jpg.placeholder.480.480.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/take-part/identify-nature/fossil-explorer-app/fossil-explorer-hti-discover.jpg.thumb.480.480.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 768px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/take-part/identify-nature/fossil-explorer-app/fossil-explorer-hti-discover.jpg.placeholder.768.768.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/take-part/identify-nature/fossil-explorer-app/fossil-explorer-hti-discover.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg" /> <source media="(min-width: 769px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/take-part/identify-nature/fossil-explorer-app/fossil-explorer-hti-discover.jpg.placeholder.1160.1160.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/take-part/identify-nature/fossil-explorer-app/fossil-explorer-hti-discover.jpg.thumb.1160.1160.jpg"/> <img class="lazy" src="/content/dam/nhmwww/take-part/identify-nature/fossil-explorer-app/fossil-explorer-hti-discover.jpg.placeholder.1160.1160.png" data-src="/content/dam/nhmwww/take-part/identify-nature/fossil-explorer-app/fossil-explorer-hti-discover.jpg.thumb.1160.1160.jpg" alt=""/> </picture> </div> <div class="hti-box end columns hti-box__light-grey small-12 medium-12 large-12 " > <div class="small-12 medium-12 large-12 columns hti-box--text-wrapper" data-equalizer-watch > <h3> <a href="/take-part/identify-nature/fossil-explorer-app.html"> Fossil Explorer app </a> </h3> <p>Uncover the ancient plants and animals hidden beneath your feet with this free app.<br /> </p> </div> <div class="small-11 medium-11 large-11 columns right ctabutton--inside-hti"> <a href="/take-part/identify-nature/fossil-explorer-app.html" data-gtm="CTA"> <div class="small-2 medium-2 large-2 columns"></div> <div class="small-7 medium-7 large-7 columns"> <h3 class="ctabutton--inside-hti--cta-text">Find out more</h3> </div> <div class="small-3 medium-3 large-3 columns"> <i class="ico svg-ico arrowl" data-svg-src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/icon_l_general_arrow_r.svg" data-svg-title="icon__arrow" data-alt="" data-stroke-width="4" data-base-color="#808080"></i> </div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>  </div> <div class="layout-row article--related-content" data-columns="1"> <div class="layout-column"> <div class="discoverrelated parbase section"> <div class="discover"> <h3 class="cards__title"></h3> <ul class="small-block-grid-1 medium-block-grid-2 large-block-grid-4 cards" data-gtm-component="curated-article-feed"> <li class="card" data-gtm-component="curated-article-card-0"> <a href="/discover/monstrous-mastodon-molar.html"> <div class="card__wrapper"> <div class="card__image-wrapper"> <div> <picture> <source media="(max-width: 480px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/william-smith-fossils/william-smith-fossil-mastodon-tooth-full-width.jpg.placeholder.480.480.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/william-smith-fossils/william-smith-fossil-mastodon-tooth-full-width.jpg.thumb.480.480.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 640px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/william-smith-fossils/william-smith-fossil-mastodon-tooth-full-width.jpg.placeholder.620.620.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/william-smith-fossils/william-smith-fossil-mastodon-tooth-full-width.jpg.thumb.620.620.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 641px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/william-smith-fossils/william-smith-fossil-mastodon-tooth-full-width.jpg.placeholder.620.620.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/william-smith-fossils/william-smith-fossil-mastodon-tooth-full-width.jpg.thumb.620.620.jpg"/> <img class="lazy card__image" src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/william-smith-fossils/william-smith-fossil-mastodon-tooth-full-width.jpg.placeholder.620.620.png" data-src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/william-smith-fossils/william-smith-fossil-mastodon-tooth-full-width.jpg.thumb.620.620.jpg" alt=""/> </picture> </div> </div> <div class="card__body"> <h3 class="card__title"> 'Monstrous' mastodon molar </h3> <div class="card__description"> <p>This is the first mastodon fossil from Britain ever described. It belonged to William Smith, creator of Britain鈥檚 first geological map.</p> </div> <div class="card__price"> </div> </div> </div> </a> </li> <li class="card" data-gtm-component="curated-article-card-1"> <a href="/discover/what-is-an-ammonite.html"> <div class="card__wrapper"> <div class="card__image-wrapper"> <div> <picture> <source media="(max-width: 480px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/ammonite-explainer/ammonite-collection-nhm-full-width.jpg.placeholder.480.480.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/ammonite-explainer/ammonite-collection-nhm-full-width.jpg.thumb.480.480.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 640px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/ammonite-explainer/ammonite-collection-nhm-full-width.jpg.placeholder.620.620.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/ammonite-explainer/ammonite-collection-nhm-full-width.jpg.thumb.620.620.jpg"/> <source media="(min-width: 641px)" srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/ammonite-explainer/ammonite-collection-nhm-full-width.jpg.placeholder.620.620.png" data-srcset="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/ammonite-explainer/ammonite-collection-nhm-full-width.jpg.thumb.620.620.jpg"/> <img class="lazy card__image" src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/ammonite-explainer/ammonite-collection-nhm-full-width.jpg.placeholder.620.620.png" data-src="/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/ammonite-explainer/ammonite-collection-nhm-full-width.jpg.thumb.620.620.jpg" alt=""/> </picture> </div> </div> <div class="card__body"> <div class="card__tag"> Oceans </div> <h3 class="card__title"> What is an ammonite? </h3> <div class="card__description"> <p>The often tightly wound shells of ammonites may be a familiar sight, but how much do you know about the animals that once lived inside?</p> </div> <div class="card__price"> </div> </div> </div> </a> </li> <li class="card" data-gtm-component="curated-article-card-2"> <a href="/discover/pictures-worth-thousand-words.html"> <div class="card__wrapper"> <div class="card__image-wrapper"> <img class="card__image-icon" src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/png-icons/youtube_icon_thumbnail.png" alt=""/> <img class="card__image lazy" src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/placeholders/youtube-thumbnail-placeholder.320.180.png" data-src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ODax1DvkkPQ/mqdefault.jpg" alt=""/> </div> <div class="card__body"> <h3 class="card__title"> Pictures worth a thousand words </h3> <div class="card__description"> <p>Find out how the Museum鈥檚 traditional artworks and images made using modern techniques help shape our understanding of the natural world.</p> </div> <div class="card__price"> </div> </div> </div> </a> </li> <li class="card" data-gtm-component="curated-article-card-3"> <a href="/discover/staghorn-survivors-most-successful-coral.html"> <div class="card__wrapper"> <div class="card__image-wrapper"> <img class="card__image-icon" src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/png-icons/youtube_icon_thumbnail.png" alt=""/> <img class="card__image lazy" src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/placeholders/youtube-thumbnail-placeholder.320.180.png" data-src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/COECZuE2J8s/mqdefault.jpg" alt=""/> </div> <div class="card__body"> <div class="card__tag"> Oceans </div> <h3 class="card__title"> Staghorn survivors: the world's most successful coral? </h3> <div class="card__description"> <p>Layers of rock off the coast of southern England reveal surprising clues about the past and future of today鈥檚 coral reefs.</p> </div> <div class="card__price"> </div> </div> </div> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-row social-signup"> <div class="layout-column"> <script src="/etc/clientlibs/nhmwww/jqueryvalidate.js"></script> <script src="/etc/clientlibs/nhmwww/social-signup.js"></script> <div class="social-signup--container"> <div class="social-signup--title-container"> <h3 class="social-signup--title">Don't miss a thing</h3> </div> <div class="js-social-signup social-signup--form-container"> <div class="social-signup--description"> <p>Receive email updates about our news, science, exhibitions, events, products, services and fundraising activities. We may occasionally include third-party content from our corporate partners and other museums. We will not share your personal details with these third parties. You must be over the age of 13. <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/about-us/privacy-policy.html">Privacy notice</a>.</p> </div> <form id="newsletter_signup" action="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/first-geological-map-of-britain/jcr:content.newslettersignup.html" method="get"> <div class="social-signup--input-container"> <div class="social-signup--firstname form-field firstname"> <label for="firstname" class="form-required">First name</label> <input type="text" role="textbox" id="firstname" name="firstname" class="item-input" aria-label="input first name"> </div> <div class="social-signup--lastname form-field lastname"> <label for="lastname" class="form-required">Surname</label> <input type="text" role="textbox" name="lastname" id="lastname" class="item-input" aria-label="input surname"> </div> <div class="social-signup--email form-field email"> <label for="email" class="form-required">Email address</label> <input type="text" role="textbox" name="email" id="email" class="item-input" aria-label="input email"> </div> <div class="social-signup--submit"> <button class="button__newsletter-signup" role="button" aria-label="Sign up to our newsletter" type="submit">Sign up</button> </div> </div>  <input aria-label="Question" type="text" name="question" class="question"> <input type="hidden" name="source" value="www.nhm.ac.uk"> <input type="hidden" name="campaign" value="Latest NHM stories"> <input type="hidden" name="confirmationPage" value=""> <input type="hidden" name="doNotBulkEmail" value="false"> <div class="social-signup--error-container"> <div role="alert" class="errors"></div> </div> <div class="social-signup--link-icons"> <p>Follow us on social media</p> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/naturalhistorymuseum"> <img src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/facebook.svg" class="social-signup--img__social" alt="Our Facebook page"/> </a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/NHM_London"> <img src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/twitter.svg" class="social-signup--img__social" alt="Our Twitter account"/> </a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/naturalhistorymuseum"> <img src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/youtube.svg" class="social-signup--img__social" alt="Our YouTube channel"/> </a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://instagram.com/natural_history_museum"> <img src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/instagram.svg" class="social-signup--img__social " alt="Our Instagram account"/> </a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.pinterest.com/nhmlondon"> <img src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/svg-icons/pinterest.svg" class="social-signup--img__social" alt="Our Pinterest account"/> </a> </div> </form> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <footer class="main-footer" data-gtm-component="footer"> <div class="layout-row " data-columns="4" id="layoutcontainer-4d1df0ecd9"> <div class="layout-column flow"> <div class="foundation5image parbase"> <div> <figure class="main-footer--logo flow" role="group"> <img src="/content/dam/nhmwww/press-office/nhm-logo-white.svg" alt="Natural History Museum logo"/> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="text parbase"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <h3><a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/">The Natural History Museum</a></h3> <p><b>Cromwell Road</b></p> <p><b>London SW7 5BD</b></p> <p><b><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Natural+History+Museum/@51.4967183,-0.1785559,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x4876055d2a62ace7:0xf1f051390954c55!4m5!3m4!1s0x48760542e6182f3f:0x7bb7e385c39764c4!8m2!3d51.496715!4d-0.1763672?hl=en">Map</a></b></p> <p>Open daily 10.00-17.50<br /> (last entry 17.30)<br /> Closed 24-26 December</p> <p><a href="/visit.html">Plan your visit</a></p> <p>聽</p> <h3><a href="/visit/tring.html">The Natural History聽Museum at Tring</a><br /> </h3> <p><b>Akeman Street</b></p> <p><b>Tring</b></p> <p><b>Hertfordshire HP23 6AP</b></p> <p><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Natural+History+Museum+at+Tring/@51.7907453,-0.6634277,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x48765bdea86d0a7d:0x169a990130daab9a!8m2!3d51.790742!4d-0.661239?hl=en">Map</a></p> <p>Open Tuesday-Sunday and bank holidays<br /> 10.00-17.00 (last entry 16.00)<br /> Closed 24-26 December</p> <p><a href="/visit/tring.html">Plan your visit to Tring</a>聽</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-column flow"> <div class="list-wrapper"> <div class="list list--footer"> <h2> <a href="/visit.html"> Visit </a> </h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/visit/whats-on.html"> What's on </a> </li> <li> <a href="/visit/galleries-and-museum-map.html"> Galleries and Museum map </a> </li> <li> <a href="/visit/access-at-south-kensington.html"> Access </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="list-wrapper"> <div class="list list--footer"> <h2> <a href="/discover.html"> Discover </a> </h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/discover/news.html"> News </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/anthropocene.html"> Anthropocene </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/british-wildlife.html"> British wildlife </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/collections.html"> Collections </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/dinosaurs.html"> Dinosaurs </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/human-evolution.html"> Human evolution </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/oceans.html"> Oceans </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/space.html"> Space </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/what-on-earth.html"> What on Earth? </a> </li> <li> <a href="/discover/video.html"> Video </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="list-wrapper"> <div class="list list--footer"> <h2> <a href="/schools.html"> For schools </a> </h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/schools/school-visits-at-south-kensington.html"> Visiting South Kensington </a> </li> <li> <a href="/visit/tring/school-visits-at-tring.html"> Visiting Tring </a> </li> <li> <a href="/schools/teaching-resources.html"> Learning resources </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="list-wrapper"> <div class="list list--footer"> <h2> <a href="/about-us/careers.html"> Careers </a> </h2> <ul> <li> <a href="https://jobs.nhm.ac.uk/"> Current vacancies </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-column flow"> <div class="list-wrapper"> <div class="list list--footer"> <h2> <a href="/support-us.html"> Join and support </a> </h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/support-us/membership.html"> Membership </a> </li> <li> <a href="/support-us/membership/gift-membership.html"> Gift membership </a> </li> <li> <a href="/support-us/give.html"> Make a donation </a> </li> <li> <a href="/support-us/patronage.html"> Become a Patron </a> </li> <li> <a href="/support-us/corporate-partnerships.html"> Corporate partnerships </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="list-wrapper"> <div class="list list--footer"> <h2> <a href="/take-part.html"> Take part </a> </h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/take-part/volunteer.html"> Volunteer </a> </li> <li> <a href="/take-part/monitor-and-encourage-nature/community-science.html"> Citizen science </a> </li> <li> <a href="/take-part/identify-nature.html"> Identify UK nature </a> </li> <li> <a href="/take-part/centre-for-uk-nature.html"> Centre for UK Biodiversity </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="list-wrapper"> <div class="list list--footer"> <h2> <a href="/about-us.html"> About us </a> </h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/discover/news.html"> News </a> </li> <li> <a href="/press-office.html"> Press office </a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-us/governance.html"> Governance </a> </li> <li> <a href="/contact-us.html"> Contact us </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="list-wrapper"> <div class="list list--footer"> <h2> <a href="https://www.nhmshop.co.uk/"> Online shop </a> </h2> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-column flow"> <div class="list-wrapper"> <div class="list list--footer"> <h2> <a href="/our-science.html"> Our science </a> </h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/our-science/research.html"> Research </a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-science/services/collections.html"> Collections </a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-science/data.html"> Datasets </a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-science/people.html"> People </a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-science/services/facilities.html"> Facilities </a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-science/study.html"> Study and events </a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-science/services/library.html"> Library and archives </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="list-wrapper"> <div class="list list--footer"> <h2> <a href="/business-services.html"> Business services </a> </h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/business-services/touring-exhibitions.html"> Touring exhibitions </a> </li> <li> <a href="/business-services/consulting.html"> Consulting </a> </li> <li> <a href="/business-services/publishing.html"> Publishing </a> </li> <li> <a href="/business-services/filming.html"> Film locations </a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.nhmimages.com/"> NHM images </a> </li> <li> <a href="/business-services/venue-hire.html"> Venue hire </a> </li> <li> <a href="/business-services/licensing.html"> Licensing </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="list-wrapper"> <div class="list list--footer"> <h2> Legal </h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/about-us/cookie-preferences.html"> Cookie preferences </a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-us/privacy-notice.html"> Privacy notice </a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-us/website-accessibility-statement.html"> Website accessibility statement </a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-us/website-terms-conditions.html"> Terms and conditions </a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/content/dam/nhmwww/about-us/governance/policies-and-procedures/modern-slavery-statement.pdf"> Modern Slavery Statement </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-row " data-columns="1" id="layoutcontainer-cbbaf3cb60"> <div class="layout-column flow"> <div class="text parbase"> <div data-gtm-component="text"> <p>漏聽The Trustees of The Natural History Museum, London<br /> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </footer> <script src="/etc/clientlibs/nhmwww/lazyload.js"></script> <script src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-foundation.js"></script> <script src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-plugins.js"></script> <script src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-dependencies.js"></script> <script src="/etc.clientlibs/nhmwww/clientlibs/clientlib-site.js"></script> <script src="/etc/clientlibs/nhmwww/twitter.js"></script> <div hidden> <div id="new-window">Opens in a new window</div> </div> <script type="te

CINXE.COM

Britain's first geological map | Natural History Museum