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W. G. Fearnsides (1879–1968) was born in West Yorkshire. He was a first-class scholar in geology at the University of Cambridge and following an interesting interlude in the USA, he returned to Cambridge, initially as a freelance geologist, then working in the Geology Department, contributing to their focus of research on the rocks of north and central Wales. In 1913, he was appointed the first occupant of the Sorby Chair of Geology at the University of Sheffield, establishing the Geology Department at Sheffield and deciding to follow similar veins of research to Sheffield geologist H.C. Sorby.

In his time, Fearnsides was an outstanding geologist of remarkable versatility, especially in the fields of applied science. One of his key legacies was a better understanding of how to apply geology and the importance of research on resources, especially coal, iron ore and local refractory materials. Another legacy is in highlighting the importance of ‘home geology’ for national resilience and security. Arguably, the raw-material-based industries of Sheffield and beyond would not have been so productive and resourceful in two world wars without the efforts of W. G. Fearnsides.

W. G. Fearnsides was honoured by many scientific and professional societies. He received the gold medal of the Surveyors’ Institution in 1913 and the Greenwell Medal from the North of England Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. He was an honorary member of the Institute of Mining Engineers.

About the Speaker

Duncan Hawley is a native of Sheffield, born and brought up in Wadsley on the northern edge of the city, overlooking the industry in the Don Valley. One of his abiding memories of his youth is the sound of regular thumps from drop forges that drifted up from the valley. As Ken Hawley’s son you might expect him to be well-versed on tools – but he readily admits he knows ‘nowt’ about tools, although he probably imbibed more about Sheffield tools and its industrial history than most. He always refers to a turnscrew, never a screwdriver (which is an American term).

Duncan attended High Storrs School, then studied geology at UCL, Aberystwyth and Oxford, then followed a varied career as a geography and geoscience educator in schools, field centres, universities, curriculum development and teacher education. He is known for his work on teaching physical geography. Throughout, he maintained an interest in the history of geology, and probably inherited something of his father’s collecting trait as he now holds a collection of early geological maps and other artefacts.

Duncan is a Fellow of the Geological Society of London and Chairperson of the History of Geology Group and regularly publishes on the history of geology. Additionally, he is active in geoheritage and geoconservation as Chairperson of the Sheffield Area Geology Trust and he keeps his hand in with local industrial heritage as a trustee of the Ken Hawley Collection Trust.