Paul Weatherley facts for kids

Prof Paul Egerton Weatherley (1917–2001) was an important British botanist in the 20th century. A botanist is a scientist who studies plants. He was also known as P. E. Weatherley when he wrote scientific papers.

Paul Weatherley's Early Life

Paul Weatherley was born in Leicester, England, on May 6, 1917. His parents were Leonard Roger Weatherley and Ethel Maude Collin. He went to school at Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys.

Studying Plants at University

Paul was a very bright student. He won a special scholarship to study botany at Oxford University. There, he learned from a famous botanist named A. G. Tansley. Paul earned his first degree in 1939.

He then received another scholarship to study tropical agriculture. This meant learning about farming in warm, sunny places. He earned his doctorate degree in 1942.

Adventures in Africa

After finishing his studies, Paul was sent to Uganda in Africa. He worked there as a Government Botanist. This job meant he helped the Department of Agriculture with plant-related issues.

His trip to Uganda was quite an adventure! The ship he was on was sunk by a German U-boat (a type of submarine) off the coast of Africa. Paul spent 18 hours in a lifeboat, waiting to be rescued. Luckily, he was saved and made it to Uganda. He worked there until 1947.

Teaching and Research in the UK

In 1947, Paul Weatherley returned to the United Kingdom. He began teaching at the University of Manchester. In 1949, he moved to the University of Nottingham, where he became a senior lecturer in 1956.

Becoming a Professor

In 1959, Paul became a Professor of Botany at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. While living there, he joined the Cairngorm Club. This club is for people who enjoy hiking and exploring the Cairngorm Mountains. He also became an elder at St Machar's Cathedral.

Honored for His Work

Paul Weatherley was recognized for his important work in botany. In 1960, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group of experts in Scotland. Later, in 1973, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. This is one of the oldest and most respected scientific groups in the world.

Later Years

Paul retired in 1981 and moved to Torphins, a village in Scotland. Sadly, he developed Parkinson's disease, which affects movement. He passed away in Torphins on August 8, 2001.

Paul Weatherley's Family

In 1943, Paul Weatherley married Margaret Logan Pirie. They had four children together: three daughters and one son.