Thomas George Bonney1833—1923

Career

Bonney was born in Rugeley, Staffordshire, England, the eldest son of the Reverend Thomas Bonney, headmaster of Rugeley Grammar School. His uncle was the Australian explorer Charles Bonney, and one of his brothers, Frederic Bonney, is remembered for his photography and ethnology in Australia. Thomas was educated at Uppingham School and St John's College, Cambridge, where he graduated as 12th wrangler in 1856, and was ordained in the following year.

From 1856 to 1861 he was mathematical master at Westminster School, and he pursued geology only as a recreational activity, mainly in Alpine regions. In 1868 he was appointed tutor at St John's College, Cambridge and lecturer in geology. His attention was specially directed to the study of the igneous and metamorphic rocks in Alpine regions and in various parts of England (e.g.: the Lizard in Cornwall, at Salcombe and in the Charnwood Forest), Wales and the Scottish Highlands.

From 1877 to 1901 he was professor of geology in University College London. He became secretary and later president of the Geological Society of London (1884–1886), and also a fellow; secretary of the British Association (1881–1885) and its president for the year 1910–1911; president of the Mineralogical Society. He was president of the Alpine Club, 1881–1883. In 1887, Bonney was appointed honorary canon of Manchester.

He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society on 6 June 1878. He died in Cambridge on 10 December 1923. Lake Bonney in Antarctica is named after him.