Heritage Centre :

George Edwards: The Bedell and his Birds

2 December 2005 - 22 April 2006

Introduction

George Edwards (1694–1773) is known as the ‘father of British ornithology’. He was a pioneering writer and illustrator of birds and natural history. In parallel with this acclaimed career Edwards was also the Bedell (or Beadle) of the Royal College of Physicians for 27 years.

Edwards combined the mundane duties of a College servant with visits to sketch the menageries of aristocrats. His great works A Natural History of Birds (1743-1751) and Gleanings of Natural History (1758-1764) vividly describe and illustrate birds, animals and insects from around the world.

A gifted but humble man, Edwards achieved international fame. For more than twenty years the College employed a Bedell who was more distinguished than the Presidents he served.

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This page last updated on November 30, 2005


November 30, 2005