Sir Edgeworth David
(1858 - 1934)

Sir Edgeworth David was one of Australia’s most accomplished geologists and his work in the Hunter Valley region was of great economic significance to the state of NSW. As Geological Surveyor for the NSW Department of Mines in the 1880s, he spent considerable time in the Hunter Valley area surveying the coal bearing strata. He set up field camps near Maitland from which he systematically investigated the extent of the coal measures in the lower part of the Hunter Valley including the Greta Coal seam, which produced the best seam coal in Australia. The commercial development of this coal seam depended on the maps he produced showing the depth and spatial orientation of the coal strata.

David’s wife, Caroline Mallett, accompanied him to the field camps and she gave birth to two of their children at Maitland. A commemorative monument at Farley near Maitland marks the location of one of his camps. Maitland also has the honour of hearing David’s first public lecture which he gave at the Maitland Town Hall to an audience of local residents who packed in to hear him outline the geology of their district.

The Geological Survey of NSW is assisting the Friends of Grossmann House celebrate the Centenary of local Geology Camps lead by David. Memorabilia including correspondence by David, maps, publications, geological specimens and photos will be on display.

• Dr David Branagan, honorary associate of University of Sydney, will speak about Sir Edgeworth David, his life and his work.
• Mrs Nell Pyle, local resident, will speak of her memories of the geological camps and Sir Edgeworth David's time in Maitland.
• Phil Gilmore, Senior Geoscientist of Geological Survey of NSW, will speak about geological mapping during the times of Sir Edgeworth David and how it has progressed since then.

The event will be held at Brough House, Church Street, Maitland between 10 am and 3 pm on Sunday, 30 August.

Entrance fee

$10 entrance fee (National Trust members & seniors $8; children free) includes access to the displays and talks, a Commemorative book and tour of Grossmann House.

Bookings and enquiries

Janece 02 4933 4450
Grossmann House 02 4936 6453