Henry George Albert Hickling
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Grace Watt, m. 1954.
Henry George Albert Hickling | |
|---|---|
| Born | 5 April 1883 Nottingham |
| Died | 26 July 1954 (aged 71) |
| Alma mater | University of Manchester BSc (1905, Geology) |
| Spouse(s) | Gertrude Hermine Geiler (m. 1910; d. 1952) Grace Watt, m. 1954. |
| Awards | Murchison Medal (1934) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Paleontology, paleobotany and geology |
| Institutions | University of Manchester University of Newcastle |
Henry George Albert Hickling FRS (5 April 1883 – 26 July 1954) was a British geologist and palaeontologist, who worked on fossil reptile footprints, the structures of fossil plants, coals and the Old Red Sandstone. He was awarded the Murchison Medal of the Geological Society of London in 1934, and elected to the Royal Society in 1936.[1][2]
Hickling, who was known as George, was born and brought up in Nottingham until the age of sixteen. He then lived in Arbroath for three years, where he developed his interest in geology.[1] In 1902, Hickling went to the University of Manchester to study geology, and graduated in 1905 with first class honours. In 1906, he became a demonstrator in the same department, where he taught and conducted research for the next 14 years, rising to the post of reader in 1917.[2]
During this period he was elected to membership Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society on 15 October 1907, and later served as Secretary (1909–20).[3] In 1920, Hickling was appointed to the chair of geology at Armstrong College, which later became King's College, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He retired in 1948, and was succeeded by Thomas Stanley Westoll.[4][5]
At various times during his career, Hickling served on a number of academic and other committees, including the council of the Geological Society of London; as chair of the management committee of the Hancock museum in Newcastle; and as president of the geology section of the British Association for the Advancement of Science.[2]
According to Hickling's biographers, he was well known for his slow and clear tempo while speaking; and the great speed with which he would walk across the countryside, and drive his car.[2]
