Sir Charles Lyell (1797-1875)

Geologist

Sir Charles Lyell was secretary of the Geological Society, professor of geology at King's College, London, and elected a fellow of the Royal Society. His publication 'Principles of Geology' was a powerful influence on the scientific thought of his time. He died in London on 22 February 1875 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.

The Sir Charles Lyell Collection, held by the University of Edinburgh, includes his papers, notebooks, specimens and publications.

Birth in 1797

Charles Lyell was born on 14 November1797, the son of Charles Lyel of Kinnordy and Frances Smith. The entry in the Old Parish Register (OPR) for Kirriemuir in the county of Angus is very basic.

Birth entry for Charles Lyell (7 KB jpeg)
National Records of Scotland, OPR 299/2