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

HOGG  (The History of Geology Group) 

…….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 of 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:

Thurs 23 April 2026 (13.00-14.00 GMT) HOGG Online:

The real Glacier Controversy: the history of attempts to explain how glaciers flow with Brian Whalley 

Registration opens 23 March

Wed 20 May 2026 (13.00-14.00 GMT) HOGG Online:

Sir Andrew Crombie Ramsay:  Geological Lecturing 1847 – 1881,  No compromise. with Anne Barrett (Imperial College)

A discussion of Ramsay’s lecturing,  his management of some of the geological debates of thetime, his personal ambivalence about his capabilities, and his no compromise stance on the uniformity of his lectures to a range of audiences, professional, amateur and academic, with examples from his illustrated lecture notes and the notebooks of one of his Royal School of Mines students.

Registration opens 23 April

HOGG Highlights

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