'The Reverend William Branwhite Clarke colonial scientist', 1798-1878, by Stephen Angus Martin, 1981

MLMSS 3991

fonds

1981

922993

1 folder of textual material - typescript

William Branwhite Clarke, geologist and Anglican clergyman, was born on 2 June 1798 at East Bergholt, Suffolk, England. He graduated from Jesus College, Cambridge, in 1821. In the same year he was made a deacon and ordained a priest in 1823. On 3 January 1832, Clarke married Maria Moreton at St Botolph's, Aldergate. On account of poor health, Clarke was advised to seek a warmer climate and in 1838 he accepted the nomination of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel to a chaplaincy in New South Wales. On his arrival in Sydney in 1839 he was appointed to the parish of Castle Hill and Dural. Clarke's major contribution to New South Wales was as a geologist rather than as a clergyman. His examination of the rock structure and minerals of Australia, and in particular his work with gold and the age of the coal deposits in New South Wales are considered his major achievements. Clarke died on 16 June 1878

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science of the University of New South Wales in part fulfilment of the requirements for the degree by coursework of the Master of Science and Society, 1981

Information transferred from Manuscripts Leaf Catalogue No. 1 (5-544 C) as part of the eRecords Project, 2010-2011

Keyword subject:
Geologists -- New South Wales -- Biography