British Geological Survey

Henry Thomas de la Beche’s geological survey of Devon gained support from Ordnance Survey superintendent Thomas Colby. Its success led to the Ordnance Geological Survey in 1835, with de la Beche as first director.

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The Geological Survey Act of 1845 provided a framework for surveying Great Britain and Ireland. Geological museums, mine plans and mineral statistics developed alongside field mapping, preserving material for subsequent research and practical use.

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After successive reorganisations, the institution adopted the name British Geological Survey on 1 January 1984, later moving its headquarters to Keyworth near Nottingham. In 2018, BGS and the Natural Environment Research Council became part of UK Research and Innovation.

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