In 1807 The Geological Society first met at The Freemasons Tavern on Queen Street, London. The original building no longer exists. It is now The Connaught Rooms
In 1807 The Geological Society first met at
The Freemasons Tavern on Queen Street, London. The original building no longer exists.
It is now The Connaught Rooms
Early geologist in examining columnar basalt on Cader Idris, Wales in 1812. This illustration is in Robert Bakewell's book 'Introduction to Geology' (1813).
Early geologist in examining columnar basalt on Cader Idris, Wales in 1812.
This illustration is in Robert Bakewell's book 'Introduction to Geology' (1813).
Essai d’une carte geólogique di globe terrestre’ by Ami Boue´. The is the first attempt of a geological map of the globe, displayed as a manuscript map in 1843 at a meeting in Austria. This published version, shown here is dated 1845.Image credit: Duncan Hawley © CC-by-NC
Essai d’une carte geólogique di globe terrestre’ by Ami Boue´. The is the first attempt of a geological map of the globe, displayed as a manuscript map in 1843 at a meeting in Austria.
This published version, shown here is dated 1845.
Image credit: Duncan Hawley © CC-by-NC
Marie Stopes, palaeobotanist, working in her laboratory, 1904. Her geological achievements and those of other women in geology feature in HOGG publications. Image credit: Marie Stopes International (with permission, in being used to further understanding about Dr Marie Stopes.)
Marie Stopes, palaeobotanist, working in her laboratory, 1904. Her geological achievements and those of other women in geology feature in HOGG publications.
Image credit: Marie Stopes International (with permission, in being used to further understanding about Dr Marie Stopes.)
1912 Geological map of the south east Highlands, Scotland, showing the first observations of a regular sequence of changes in mineralogy within metamorphic rocks by George Barrow (1853–1932) Ignored for 20 years, Barrow's zones were to unlock the understanding of regional metamorphism, and, later, the identification of ancient subduction zones.
1912 Geological map of the south east Highlands, Scotland, showing the first observations of a regular sequence of changes in mineralogy within metamorphic rocks by George Barrow (1853–1932)
Ignored for 20 years, Barrow's zones were to unlock the understanding of regional metamorphism, and, later, the identification of ancient subduction zones.

Welcome to the
History of Geology Group
HOGG

 The History of Geology Group (HOGG) 

…….exists to encourage and share interest in knowledge and study of the history of geology, encompassing the ideas, events and personalities that have shaped the way in which geology is understood and practised today.

Membership is open to anyone interested in how geological knowledge has developed and has been represented e.g. through geological maps or illustrations.

HOGG is a diverse and inclusive group. Our members are drawn from a wide range of backgrounds – there is no requirement to have geological credentials.

Amongst HOGG members are historians, artists, medics, teachers, linguists, archivists, amateurs and professionals.

We encourage interest from young people.

HOGG members enjoy a programme of regular activities: online talks,  field meetings, conferences and symposia – they receive the acclaimed HOGG magazine GeoHistories , plus regular updates via a HOGG Bulletin, and benefit from a network of knowledgeable enthusiasts.

Click here to go to the Join HOGG page with more details of subscription rates and our simple joining instructions.

Outlines and registration for upcoming HOGG events can be found here.

HOGG produces occasional publications

For the latest snippets on history of geology topics follow our Blue Sky feed.

HOGG is affiliated to the Geological Society of London

Upcoming HOGG Events:

July 29 (Wednesday) 11.00–17.00. Visit Meeting: The Lapworth Museum of Geology, University of Birmingham – collections and archives behind the scenes. 

August 29 (Wednesday ) HOGG Wikipedia Workshop 2026

September 20 – 23. Field Meeting: Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland.  Tercentenary of James Hutton Field meeting: Journey to the South Alpine parts of Scotland in the year 1786: locations in search of proofs for ‘Theory of the Earth’.  Leader:  Duncan Hawley.

October 22 (Thursday) 13.00–14.00. Online talk: Henry Clifton Sorby – the last great gentleman geologist. Talk to mark the bicentenary of the birth of H.C. Sorby (Speaker details tbc)

November 18 (Wednesday) HOGG AGM & Online talk:  The French foundations of James Hutton’s Theory of the Earth.    Presenter: Gregory Todd.

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