William Moorcroft
Person Male Born 1767 Died 27/8/1825
Pioneer veterinary surgeon, Asian explorer. Born Lancashire. First Englishman to qualify as a vet, in France, during a revolution. He set up in practice in Oxford Street, creating a horse hospital. In 1808 he joined the East India Company as superintendent of the Company's Indian stud. This led to expeditions into little-known regions of the Himalayas and Central Asia where he made geographical and biological observations. Also acted as a spy in the early days of the "Great Game" the struggle between England and Russia for control in Central Asia. Died of fever in Afghanistan. Not to be confused with the early 20th century potter of the same name (but do look at his work - it's lovely). We couldn't find a portrait of Moorcroft so this book cover will have to do.
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