John Webb Seymour facts for kids

The Hon John Webb Seymour, also known as Lord Webb Seymour, was an English nobleman who loved studying rocks and the Earth. He was born in 1777 and passed away in 1819. He was very interested in science, especially chemistry and geology, and explored many places to learn about them.

A Life of Learning and Discovery

Early Years and Education

John Webb Seymour was the fourth son of Webb Seymour, 10th Duke of Somerset and Mary Anne, Duchess of Somerset. He grew up in a noble family. He went to school in Ramsbury, taught by Edward Meyrick.

In 1793, his older brother Edward Adolphus Seymour became the 11th Duke. The next year, in 1794, John Webb Seymour began studying at Christ Church, Oxford University. He earned his Master of Arts degree in 1797.

Passionate About Science

While at Oxford, John Webb Seymour was very interested in science. He especially loved chemistry and even set up his own chemistry lab in his rooms! He also studied anatomy, which is the study of the body's structure.

After finishing university, he moved to Edinburgh, Scotland. There, he made good friends with important thinkers like Francis Horner, the philosopher Thomas Brown, and the scientist John Playfair.

Exploring Geology with Playfair

John Webb Seymour and John Playfair often went on trips together. They explored the geology of Scotland and parts of England. Geology is the study of the Earth's physical structure and history, including rocks and landforms. These trips helped Seymour learn a lot about how the Earth was formed. He also learned mathematics from Playfair and studied important books by Francis Bacon.

Joining Scientific Societies

John Webb Seymour was recognized for his scientific interests. In 1799, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group of important scientists and thinkers. He even served as the Vice President of the Society from 1802 to 1805. In 1802, he also became a Fellow of the Royal Society of London, another very respected scientific group.

Serving His Country

Around 1803, there was a threat of invasion from Napoleon's army in France. John Webb Seymour stepped up to help. From 1803 to 1805, he took charge of a group of volunteer soldiers in Devonshire, England, to help protect the country.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1805, he returned to Edinburgh and lived there with his brother at 2 Abercromby Place. He stayed there for the rest of his life, though he sometimes visited England. He didn't publish many books, but he did write a few pages about geology.

John Webb Seymour passed away on April 15, 1819, at his home in Abercromby Place. Because of his important family and influence, he was buried in the Royal Chapel at Holyrood Abbey, which is next to Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh.

Artistic Recognition

A small sculpture of John Webb Seymour, made by John Henning (1771-1851), is kept at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Selected Writings

• With John Playfair: An account of observations made by Lord Webb Seymour and Professor Playfair, upon some geological appearances in Glen Tilt and the adjacent country: This was published in 1814 and came from the Royal Society of Edinburgh's writings.
• Correspondence of Two Brothers with Edward Adolphus Webb