George Owen of Henllys facts for kids
George Owen (1552 – 1613) was a famous Welsh historian, writer, and nature expert. He lived in a place called Henllys in Pembrokeshire, Wales. George Owen spent his life learning about the history of Wales and studying its natural world.
Contents
Early Life and Family
George Owen was born in 1552 in Henllys, near Newport, Pembrokeshire. His parents were Elizabeth Herbert and William Owen. His father, William Owen, was a successful lawyer. He bought a large area of land known as the Lordship of Kemys. When his father passed away, George Owen inherited this important estate.
A Student of Law and History
George Owen studied law in London at a place called the Inns of Court. This is where lawyers learned their trade. He spent a lot of time dealing with legal battles over land ownership.
But George Owen was also very interested in history. He collected lots of old information about Wales. This included details about family histories (genealogy) and old buildings. He also studied the land and features of Pembrokeshire and other parts of Wales.
Observing Nature and Geology
During his studies, George Owen looked closely at the geology of Wales. Geology is the study of Earth's physical structure and substances. He observed layers of limestone and coal in the ground. Even though he didn't create big theories about how these layers formed, he is seen as an early pioneer of British geology. This means he was one of the first people to study it seriously in Britain.
A Writer and Patron of Arts
George Owen was a literary man, meaning he loved books and writing. He was part of a group of writers in Pembrokeshire. He also supported many Welsh bards, who were poets and storytellers. This was a time when many people in England and Wales were very interested in history.
Protecting Pembrokeshire
George Owen also played a role in protecting his home county. From 1587 to 1590, and again from 1595 to 1601, he was the Deputy Lieutenant of Pembrokeshire. This job meant he was in charge of military defense. He helped fortify Milford Haven to protect it from possible attacks by the Spanish navy. He also trained the local army, called the militia. He served as the High Sheriff of Pembrokeshire in 1587 and 1602. This was another important local government role.
George Owen passed away in Haverfordwest in 1613. He was buried in Nevern church. There is a plaque there that calls him the "Patriarch of English Geologists." Even a wrinkle ridge on the Moon is named after him! It's called Dorsum Owen.
Family Life
In 1571, George Owen married Elizabeth Phillips. They had eleven children together. Their oldest son was Alban Owen, born in 1580. George Owen also had another son, also named George Owen, with his second wife.
See also
- Cnapan
