John Strachey (geologist) facts for kids

John Strachey (born May 10, 1671 – died June 11, 1743) was an important British scientist. He was a geologist, meaning he studied the Earth's rocks and how they are formed. He was also a topographer, someone who maps out the features of the land. Strachey is best known for his ideas about how rock layers are formed.

Early Life and Education

John Strachey was born in a place called Chew Magna in England. When he was only three years old, he inherited large estates, including Sutton Court, from his father.

He went to Trinity College, Oxford to study. Later, in 1688, he was accepted into Middle Temple in London. This was a place where people studied to become lawyers. In 1719, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very special honor for scientists in Britain.

Discoveries in Geology

John Strachey introduced an important idea about how rocks are formed. This idea is known as Stratum, which means layers of rock. He created a detailed drawing that showed the different rock layers under his land. This land was near Bishop Sutton and Stowey in the Chew Valley.

He also looked at the coal seams, which are layers of coal, in nearby coal mines. By measuring the thickness and tilt of these layers, he could guess where coal might be found in other areas. His main goal was to make his land more valuable by finding more coal. Later, another famous geologist named William Smith built on Strachey's ideas.

Other Works and Family Life

Besides his work with maps and geology, John Strachey also wrote other things. One of his publications was called An Alphabetical List of the Religious Houses in Somersetshire (1731).

He passed away in Greenwich, London. John Strachey was married twice. First, he married Elizabeth Elletson, and they had 18 children together. Later, he married Christina Staveley, and they had one more child.

Lasting Recognition

A flat-topped mountain in Antarctica is named after him. It is called Strachey Stump.