Visiting the William Smith Map

Visiting "The Map that Changed the World"

The Geological Society's display copy of William Smith's 1815 geological map of England, Wales and Scotland, as described in Simon Winchester's book 'The Map that Changed the World', is available for viewing at Burlington House – as is the map by the Society's first President, George Greenough (picture). Both maps have been restored, re-framed and re-hung since Simon Winchester wrote 'The Map that Changed the World', and they now hang side by side at the foot of the east staircase of the Society's apartments.

Individual visitors may call in to see the map during office hours (9.30am-5pm) weekdays only. Please note that at times the Society may be very busy and viewings may not be possible. The Society reserves the right to deny admission to map visitors, at its discretion.

In due course we hope to arrange for self-guided audio visits to the Society's apartments – including the Smith and Greenough maps – which will take place at 3pm daily.

Read the FAQs about the "Map that Changed the World"

Handsome accommodation guide

If you are visiting the building and would like to find out more about the history of the Geological Society, you can now purchase a completely revised and updated second edition of ‘Handsome accommodation: A guide to the Geological Society of London apartments’. Featuring full colour photographs, as well as a detailed history of the Society and its most famous Fellows, the booklet is the perfect souvenir of your visit and is on sale at reception for £3.50.