Earth Sciences Museum, Bristol

The origins of the School of Earth Sciences at the University of Bristol can be traced back to 1876 when geology became a subject offered at the original University College. Initially, geology was taught within the Department of Zoology and Geology after the university received its charter in 1909. It gained independent status in 1910 under the leadership of Professor S. H. Reynolds.

In 1985, after almost a century of gradual growth, the department relocated to its current site in the impressive Wills Memorial Building, showcasing neo-Gothic architecture. Following the Oxburgh Review of Earth Sciences in 1987, the department experienced significant expansion, investment, and enhancements in infrastructure, personnel, research output, and rankings.

In 1992, the school's name was expanded to Earth Sciences to encompass a wide range of research and teaching activities. Subsequent expansion took place in 2003 with the addition of state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching spaces in the Inner Court building. Since 2001, the University of Bristol's Earth Science department has consistently ranked among the top four in the UK.

The Earth Science Collection at the University of Bristol comprises more than 100,000 scientifically and historically significant palaeontological, petrological, and mineralogical samples. This extensive collection includes over 1,600 types, figured, and cited specimens, along with 10,000 geological thin sections and slides, and an archive of international geological maps. Additionally, there are 16,000 handling specimens available for teaching purposes.

The Earth Sciences Collection showcases the rich and illustrious history of geology education at the University of Bristol, with some of the earliest contributions dating back to 1876.