The amateur in Lake District geology

The contribution made by amateurs to the geology of the Lake District is analysed with reference to six men—Jonathan Otley (1766–1856), John Bolton (1790–1873), John Ruthven (1793–1868), John Postlethwaite (1840–1925), Charles Edmonds (1885–1964) and Edgar Shackleton (1903–1991). All six qualify for amateur status in terms of the simple definition of ‘amateur’ as one who has a love for the subject and pursues it as a pastime. Nevertheless all made significant contributions and made their mark as local experts. The main reasons for their success included early introduction to geology in childhood, long periods of field observations, opportunities to supplement their income from geology, links and contacts with professional geologists, the availability for contact and publication through local societies and a conviction to ‘popularize’ geology. None became ‘establishment’ figures, but all were influential in pioneering geological discovery in the area.