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William Beard (1772-1868), English farmer turned fossil collector from North Somerset
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William Beard (1772-1868), English farmer turned fossil collector from North Somerset
William Beard (1772-1868), English farmer turned fossil collector from North Somerset. In the 1820s workmen broke through into the Banwell Bone Cave. Between then and about 1840 Beard collected thousands of specimens of fossilised animal bones and his collection is now in the Castle Museum, Taunton, Somerset. He was sponsored by George Henry Law (1761-1845), Bishop of Bath and Wells, who considered the finds to be proof of Noahs Flood. Beard at 57, lithograph from Delineations of Somersetshire by John Rutter (Shaftesbury, 1829)
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Media ID 9753217
© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group
1820s 1829 1840 Archaeology Bath Beard Bishop Bone Bones Broke Castle Cave Collected Collection Collector Considered Farmer Finds Flood Fossil Fossilised George Henry John Lithograph Museum North Palaeontology Proof Shaftesbury Somerset Specimens Sponsored Thousands Turned Wells William Workmen 1761 1845 Noah Rutter Somersetshire Taunton
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases William Beard, an English farmer turned fossil collector from North Somerset. In the early 1820s, a group of workmen accidentally stumbled upon the Banwell Bone Cave, and this discovery sparked Beard's passion for paleontology. Over the next two decades, he dedicated himself to collecting thousands of specimens of fossilized animal bones from the cave. Beard's remarkable collection now resides in the prestigious Castle Museum in Taunton, Somerset. What makes his story even more intriguing is that he was sponsored by George Henry Law, the Bishop of Bath and Wells. The bishop believed that these fossils were concrete evidence supporting Noah's Flood. In this lithograph captured by John Rutter in 1829 when Beard was 57 years old, we see a glimpse into his life as a devoted collector. His weathered face reflects years spent exploring caves and unearthing ancient treasures. This image not only immortalizes Beard but also serves as a testament to his significant contributions to archaeology and palaeontology. The photograph provides us with insight into an era where scientific discoveries often intersected with religious beliefs. It reminds us of how individuals like William Beard played pivotal roles in shaping our understanding of Earth's history through their tireless efforts and unwavering curiosity.
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