10 fun and interesting William Buckland facts

1. William Buckland Honored: Island Named After Him

William Buckland, an English geologist and theologian, was honored in 1827 when Captain Beechey named the Buckland Island in the Bonin Islands after him. Located in the Pacific Ocean, the Buckland Island is part of the Ogasawara archipelago, which is also known as the Bonin Islands. This archipelago is made up of over 30 islands and is located approximately 1000 kilometers south of Tokyo, Japan. The Buckland Island is the largest of the islands in the archipelago, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Bonin Flying Fox, a species of bat.

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2. Scholar, Priest

In 1801, William Buckland was awarded a ministry scholarship, which enabled him to pursue his dream of becoming an ordained priest. After receiving the scholarship, he was able to attend Oxford University and study theology, eventually becoming an ordained priest in the Church of England. His scholarship was a major milestone in his life, and it allowed him to pursue his passion for religion and ministry.

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3. Inventor and Member of the Royal Society

In 1818, William Buckland was inducted into the prestigious Royal Society, a fellowship of the world's most eminent scientists, mathematicians, and innovators. As a member, Buckland was able to collaborate with some of the most brilliant minds of the time, and his contributions to the scientific community were highly regarded. His membership in the Royal Society was a testament to his dedication to the advancement of science and knowledge.

Also → Sir Charles Lyell: A Pioneer in Geology

4. William Buckland wins Copley Medal for research

William Buckland was awarded the prestigious Copley Medal by the Royal Society for his groundbreaking research of Kirkland Cave. His research was used to potentially reconstruct the Earth's past, and was highly praised by the Royal Society for its innovative approach and potential implications. Buckland's research was a major milestone in the field of geology, and his findings have been used to further our understanding of the Earth's history.

Also → James Dwight Dana: A Renowned Geologist and Mineralogist

5. Bridging Faith and Science

William Buckland, a 19th century geologist, was a firm believer in the Bible and its teachings. However, his studies in geology led him to the realization that the story of Noah and the flood could not be confirmed by scientific evidence. This caused Buckland to re-evaluate his views and to look for other explanations for the geological features he observed. His research eventually led him to the conclusion that the Earth was much older than the Bible suggested, and that the geological features he observed were the result of gradual changes over time.

Also → William Smith, Geologist Who Developed Term 'Cornbrash', Dies at 89

6. Fossil-Hunting Honeymoon in Europe

William Buckland, a renowned geologist, married a fellow collector of fossils and embarked on an unforgettable honeymoon. The newlyweds toured Europe with a group of other geologists, exploring the continent's geological wonders and collecting fossils along the way. This romantic journey was the perfect way for the couple to celebrate their union and share their passion for geology.

Also → William John Swainson: A Renowned Naturalist and Zoologist

7. A Tragic Father and Geologist

William Buckland, a renowned geologist and theologian, was married to Mary Morland and together they had nine children. Unfortunately, only five of their children survived to adulthood, a tragedy that Buckland and his wife no doubt felt deeply.

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8. William Buckland Discovers the Red Lady of Paviland

In 1823, William Buckland made a remarkable discovery - the skeleton of a woman, which he believed to be a local prostitute. He named her the "Red Lady of Paviland" due to the red ochre pigment found on the bones. This discovery was significant as it was the oldest known human burial in Western Europe, estimated to be around 26,000 years old.

Also → John Needham: First Catholic Priest in Royal Society

9. William Buckland Endorsed Darwin's Paper on Earthworms

William Buckland was a passionate advocate for Charles Darwin's paper on earthworms and their role in soil formation. He was so impressed with the paper that he recommended it for publication, believing that it would be of great benefit to the scientific community. Buckland was a renowned geologist and theologian, and his endorsement of Darwin's paper was a major factor in its eventual publication.

Also → The Royal Society: A History of Innovation

10. William Buckland, geologist, passed away from tuberculosis

William Buckland, the renowned geologist, passed away from tuberculosis in 1856. His final resting place was to be a Jurassic limestone quarry, which required explosives to excavate. This was a fitting tribute to Buckland, who was a pioneer in the field of geology and had a deep appreciation for the Jurassic period. His burial site was a reminder of his life's work and a testament to his legacy.