Geology

The geology collection contains more than 40,000 specimens including 500 rocks, 38,915 fossils and 2,500 minerals and is one of the most important scientific and historical collections in the Midlands.

About three-quarters of the specimens are from Northamptonshire Jurassic sites. The other quarter were found across Britain and the wider world. There are a number of individual collections assembled by well-respected geologists such as Lord Northampton from 1790-1851, W. Beeby Thompson from 1848-1931 and Walter Drawbridge Crick from 1857-1903.There are at least 86 type and figured specimens which include ammonite material. Type specimens are the first examples of a new species to be described. Figured specimens are fine examples of their species which have been used to illustrate articles in scientific journals and books. Today it is a closed collection and we do not accept further donations.

Where to see the geology collection
Some objects can be viewed in temporary exhibitions. Most of the collection is not on display and there is no dedicated Geology Gallery.