William Whitaker

William Whitaker (4 May 1836 in London – 15 January 1925 in Croydon) was a British geologist.

Early life He was educated at St Albans School and University College, London, where he attained a degree in chemistry in 1855.

Career He became a geologist, specializing initially in water surveying and mapping. His thorough research, wide knowledge, and his numerous publications, especially his book "The Geology of London and of Part of the Thames Valley" (1889) has led some to call him “the father of English hydrogeology”. He retired in 1896 but continued to work as a water engineer.

Honours He was elected fellow of the Geological Society in 1859, and FRS in 1883. He was president of numerous societies, including both the Geologists’ Association and the Geological Society, and was a recipient of the latter’s Murchison Medal in 1886 and Wollaston Medal in 1923. He died in Croydon, Surrey.