Born Welbeck Street. An unusual childhood: his father changed their name from Beach to create a fictional connection with the medieval Barons De la Beche of Aldworth. Inheriting a slave plantation he took the family to Jamaica in 1800 but died the next year. Henry and his mother were shipwrecked on their return to England. Henry entered a military college but was thrown out for encouraging revolt amongst the cadets.
Geologist. Had a long public and furious debate with Murchison concerning fossils in Devon, in which Murchison called him a "dirty dog". Founder of the British Geological Survey.
Died London.
This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Sir Henry De la Beche
Commemorated ati
Other Subjects
Francis Barber
Born in Jamaica circa 1742/3 with the name 'Quashey' (a common name for male slaves). He was brought to England by his owner, Colonel Richard Bathhurst, and was sent to school in Yorkshire and then...
1 memorial
George Hibbert
Merchant and politician. Born in Manchester. Along with Robert Milligan, he was the driving force behind the creation of the West India Docks. MP for Seaford from 1806 to 1812. Helped found the Roy...
1 memorial
King William IV, Duke of Clarence
The Duke of Clarence became King William IV (The Sailor King), reigning 1830 to 1837. Had a long live-in affair with the actress Mrs Jordan which produced 10 children, all given the surname FitzCla...
8 memorials
Elizabeth Jesser Reid
Founder of Bedford College, anti-slavery activist and philanthropist.
1 memorial
Joe Slovo
South African freedom fighter. Born Lithuania. His family emigrated to South Africa when he was 8. Married First in 1949. died at home in Johannesburg, as a member of Nelson Mandela's government.
1 memorial