2. Douglas W
Freshfield
1897-1911
Lawyer, mountaineer and author, who also edited the 'Alpine
Journal’. Educated at Eton College. First and longest serving
President.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/04/1897-1911-
douglas-w-freshfield.html
3. Dr George
Robert
Parkin, KCMG
DCL LLD
1912
The organising Secretary of the Rhodes Scholarship Trust
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/04/1912-dr-george-
robert-parkin-kcmg-dcl.html
4. Professor
Edmund
Johnston
Garwood
1913
Served as director of the Jarrow Chemical Company and lecturer
at the Cambridge University Extension Lecture Syndicate. In
1896, he accompanied the British Exploring Expedition (led by
Sir William Conway) to Spitzbergen. Between 1930 and 1932,
served as President of the Geological Society of London.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/05/1913-professor-
edmund-johnston-garwood.html
5. Dr John Scott
Keltie (later
Sir) FRGS FSS
1914
Author of influential report on geographical
education. Editor of GA journal and ‘Nature’.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/05/1914-dr-john-
scott-keltie-later-sir.html
6. Hilaire Belloc,
1915
Author and traveller. President of the Oxford Union
and MP for Salford.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/05/1915-hilaire-
belloc.html
7. Sir Halford J
Mackinder,
MP
1916
Elder statesman of geography, and geopolitics.
Controversial (racist) events and viewpoints. MP
for Camlachie, Glasgow. Barrister.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/06/1916-sir-halford-j-
mackinder-mp.html
9. Sir William
Mitchell
Ramsay
1918
Classical Biblical scholar, and archaeologist.
Travelled widely in the Middle East with his wife.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/06/1918-sir-william-
mitchell-ramsay.html
10. Professor
Grenville A J
Cole, FSA
1919
Known as the cycling geologist. Explored his native
Ireland. Also President of Irish Geographical Association.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/06/1919-professor-
grenville-j-cole-fsa.html
11. Sir Charles
Prestwood
Lucas KCMG,
KCB
1920
Colonial administrator. Lawyer and civil servant. Wrote
a history of the British Colonies.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/06/1920-sir-charles-
prestwood-lucas-kcmg.html
12. Professor
Gilbert Murray,
LLD, FBA, MA,
OM
1921
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/07/1921-professor-
gilbert-murray-lld-fba.html
Philosopher and Greek classical scholar at Oxford
University. Buried in Poet’s Corner in Westminster Abbey.
Awarded French Order of Merit. Involved in League of
Nations.
13. Right Hon. Lord
Robert Cecil PC,
KC, MP
1922
Peer and MP and Privy Councillor. Involved with the
League of Nations. Winner of Nobel Prize for Peace.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/07/1922-right-hon-
lord-robert-cecil-pc-kc.html
14. Sir (Edward)
John Russell
DSc, FRS
1923
Director of the Rothamsted Institute of Plant science.
An agronomist.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/07/1923-sir-edward-
john-russell-dsc-frs.html
15. Professor Sir
Richard
Arman
Gregory - (1st
Baronet)
1924
Baronet. Editor of ‘Nature’ journal.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/07/1924-professor-
sir-richard-arman.html
16. Professor John
Linton Myres
OBE FBA (later
Sir)
1925
Archaeologist and Historical geographer. Linked with
the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/07/1925-professor-
john-linton-myres-obe.html
17. Rt. Hon. William
George Arthur
Ormsby Gore
(later Lord
Harlech)
1926
Lord, MP. Secretary of State for the Colonies.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/07/1926-rt-hon-
william-george-arthur.html
18. Colonel Sir
Charles Close
KBE CB CMG
FRS
1927
Director General of the Ordnance Survey & President of
the RGS. Surveyor.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/08/1927-colonel-sir-
charles-close-kbe-cb.html
19. Dr Vaughan
Cornish
1928
Author, and photographer. Early expert on wave
forms, and travelled widely, particularly to the
Caribbean. Also wrote about eugenics.
Landscape activist.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/08/1928-dr-vaughan-
cornish.html
20. Colonel Sir
Henry G
Lyons FRS
1929
Director of the Science Museum, and the first to
introduce visitor operated models. Archaeologist in
Egypt. Wrote a history of the Royal Society.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/08/1929-colonel-sir-
henry-g-lyons-frs.html
22. Sir (William)
Leslie
Mackenzie
1931
Scottish medical geographer, who worked on
improving public health – proponent of council
housing and school meals.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/08/1931-sir-william-
leslie-mackenzie.html
23. Dr Hugh
Robert Mill
1932
Librarian of RGS-IBG. Meteorologist. President of British
Rainfall Association. Biographer of Sir Ernest
Shackleton. On first committee of GA. A key person in
the GA’s early history.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/08/1932-dr-hugh-
robert-mill.html
24. Professor
Percy Maude
Roxby
1933
Expert on China, and the first named ‘Chair’ of
Geography, at Liverpool University. Trained several
future GA Presidents.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/09/1933-professor-
percy-maude-roxby.html
25. Rt. Hon Lord
James Scorgie
Meston
1934
Peer of the realm. President of the Royal Statistical Society.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/09/1934-rt-hon-lord-
james-scorgie-meston.html
26. James
Fairgrieve
1935
One of the greats of the GA, perhaps the greatest
servant the GA has ever had. Teacher. Academic
geographer at the Institute of Education. Author.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/09/1935-james-
fairgrieve.html
27. Sir Josiah Stamp
GCB GBE FBA
(later Lord
Stamp)
1936
Peer of realm. Director of ICI and Bank of England.
President of Royal Statistical Society. Mayor of
Beckenham.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/09/1936-sir-josiah-
stamp-gcb-gbe-fba-later.html
28. Professor
Leslie Patrick
Abercrombie
(later Sir)
1937
Town planner, involved in the plans for rebuilding
London following WWII, and also involved in New Towns
movement.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/09/1937-professor-
leslie-patrick.html
29. Sir Thomas
Henry
Holland KCSI
KCIE FRS
1938
Administrator for Geological Survey of India. Principal
of University of Edinburgh.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/10/1938-sir-thomas-
henry-holland-kcsi-kcie.html
32. Sir Cyril
Norwood
1946
Master at Marlborough College. Teacher and
Headteacher at Harrow. President of St. John’s College,
Oxford.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/10/1946-sir-cyril-
norwood.html
33. Sir Alexander
Morris Carr-
Saunders
1947
Administrator, economist and Director of London
School of Economics. Founder of British Sociological
Society.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/10/1947-sir-
alexander-morris-carr-saunders.html
34. Professor
Herbert John
Fleure, FRS
1948
One of the GA’s longest serving volunteers. Honorary
Librarian who moved between Aberystwyth and
Manchester. Academic geographer and author.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/10/1948-professor-
herbert-john-fleure-frs.html
35. Sir Harry
Alexander
Fanshawe
Lindsay KCIE CBE
1949
Administrator in India. President of RGS. Chairman of Royal
Society of Arts.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/11/1949-sir-harry-
alexander-fanshawe.html
38. Professor
Frank
Debenham,
OBE
1952
Geologist in the South Pole expedition of Captain RF
Scott. Founder & first director of Scott Polar Research
Institute.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/12/1952-professor-
frank-debenham-obe.html
39. Dr Osbert John
Radcliffe
Howarth, OBE
1953
Secretary of British Association. Curator of Down
House for English Heritage. Teacher. Author.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/11/1953-dr-osbert-
john-radcliffe-howarth.html
40. Professor
Sidney William
Wooldridge,
CBE FRS
1954
First Professor of Geography at King’s College University of
London. Interested in fieldwork and Chair of Field Studies
Council.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/01/1954-professor-
sidney-william.html
41. Leonard
Sydney
Suggate
1955
Teacher at Dorking High School and St Clement
Danes Grammar School. Author of regional
textbooks with Dudley Stamp. Served on RGS
council.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/01/1955-leonard-
sydney-suggate.html
45. Professor J A
Steers, CBE
1959
Academic geographer at the University of Cambridge.
Trained many other former GA Presidents at St.
Catharine’s College. Expert on coastal landforms and
processes.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/03/1959-professor-j-
steers-cbe.html
47. Mr. Geoffrey
E Hutchings
1961
Mr. George Joseph Cons was due
to be President this year.
Involved with the creation of the Field Studies
Council, and author of a number of books on
fieldwork techniques, some in association with
Sydney Wooldridge.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/04/1961-mr-geoffrey-
e-hutchings.html
49. Professor
Kenneth
Charles
Edwards, CBE
1963
Academic geographer with an interest in
biogeography. President of IBG and first Chair in
Geography at the University of Nottingham.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/04/1963-professor-
kenneth-charles-edwards.html
50. Professor
David Leslie
Linton
1964
Geomorphologist, who came up with a theory for the
formation of tors. Linked with IBG. Professor of
Geography at the University of Sheffield.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/04/1964-professor-
david-leslie-linton.html
51. Joseph Acton
Morris
1965
Schoolteacher at Latymer Upper School, Edmonton.
Known as ‘jammy’. Author of numerous textbooks.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/05/1965-joseph-
acton-morris.html
53. Mr E C
Marchant,
HMI
1967
School teacher at Marlborough College and school
inspector. Headteacher of a school in India.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/06/1967-mr-e-c-
marchant-hmi.html
54. Professor Alice
Garnett
1968
Academic geographer who did a huge amount for
the GA. First female President, linked with
Sheffield University.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/06/1968-professor-
alice-garnett.html
55. Professor J R
James
1969
Academic geographer with an interest in planning.
Linked to Sheffield University. J R James Archive
available on Flickr.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/07/1969-professor-j-
r-james.html
56. Molly Long
1970
Second female President. Teacher educator at UCL
Institute of Education. Interested in Children’s
geographies.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/07/1970-mrs-i-molly-
long.html
57. Professor W
G V Balchin
1971
Geographer. Author of GA Centenary volume,
published in 1993. Professor of Geography at
University College, Swansea. Carried out fieldwork
in the Arctic and elsewhere.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/07/1971-professor-w-
g-v-balchin.html
58. Mr Alan D
Nicholls
1972
Schoolteacher at St. Clement Danes School. Head of
Geography and Acting Headteacher.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/10/1972-mr-alan-d-
nicholls.html
60. Professor
Harry Thorpe,
OBE
1974
Academic geographer linked with the University of
Birmingham. Interested in allotments and rural
geography.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/08/1974-professor-
harry-thorpe.html
61. Sheila Jones
1975
First female practicing teacher President. Linked
with Bristol and Head of Department at
Colstons Girls School. GA Branch Officer. Sadly
passed away earlier in 2021.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/08/1975-miss-sheila-
m-jones.html
62. Professor
Michael John
Wise
1976
Academic geographer at the University of
Birmingham. President of the IBG and President of
the RGS. President of the IGU. Very popular
President.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/08/1976-professor-
michael-john-wise.html
65. Professor John
Allan Patmore
1979
Academic geographer, linked with University
of Hull. Expert in recreational geographer.
Sport England. MBE
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/03/1979-professor-
john-allan-patmore.html
66. Vic Dennison
1980
FE lecturer in Bristol and one of a number of Bristol-
based Presidents.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/09/1980-mr-vic-d-
dennison.html
67. Professor Bill
Mead
1981
Academic geographer and expert on Scandinavian
geography. Associated with the UCL. Prolific author
and global traveller. A fascinating character who lived
a long and varied life. Popular visitor to Solly Street
into the 2000s…
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/09/1981-professor-
william-bill-richard-mead.html
69. Dr Rex
Walford, OBE
1983
Polymath geographer, teacher educator, musician and
teacher educator. Author of numerous articles and
books. Proponent of games in education. Did a huge
amount to develop the work of the GA. Died tragically in
January 2011. Commemorated with lecture at GA
Conference, and an RGS award for new teachers.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/05/1983-rex-walford-
teacher-who-made.html
70. Pat Cleverley
1984
Teacher at Withywood School in Bristol, who
was teaching when she became President.
Friend of Vic Dennison and Sheila Jones (and
other former Presidents).
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/09/1984-miss-p-j-
cleverley.html
71. Patrick Bailey
1985
Geography teacher in Norfolk. Editor of Teaching
Geography. The Patrick Bailey room at 160 Solly
Street is the main meeting room. Teacher trainer at
the University of Leicester. Author of the first
Secondary Geography handbook.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/10/1985-patrick-
bailey.html
72. Professor
Denys
Brunsden
1986
Legendary geomorphologist. Long association with
conference as one of the organising officers. Long
association with Jurassic Coast and involved in the
campaign to get it UNESCO listing.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/09/1986-professor-
denys-brunsden.html
73. Dr Graham
Humphrys
1987
Academic geographer at the University of Swansea.
Chair of GA Publications and Communications
Committee. Led GA CPD.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/03/1987-dr-graham-
humphrys.html
74. Michael J
Storm
1988
School advisor and inspector linked with London’s
schools. Worked internationally. Developed a series of
questions for Primary Geographers.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/09/1988-mr-michael-
j-storm.html
75. Professor
Richard
Daugherty, MBE
1989
Retired academic geographer. Started as a teacher at
the Manchester Grammar School. Lecturer at the
University of Swansea. A great help in the
development of the blog. Involved in launch of
Teaching Geography.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/02/1989-mr-richard-
daugherty.html
76. Bryan Ellis
Coates
1990
Academic geographer at the University of Sheffield.
Also held posts of Honorary Librarian, Honorary
Treasurer and Publications Editor.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/04/1990-mr-b-e-
coates.html
77. Eleanor
Rawling, MBE
1991
Curriculum innovator and academic geographer.
Involved in numerous National Curriculum updates
over the years. Writer on Place. Still active and
supporting the work of the GA.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/07/1991-eleanor-
rawling-mbe.html
78. Professor
Simon Catling
1992
Academic geographer and teacher educator with a
Primary focus. Prolific author and supporter of
Primary geography community and involved in
Charney Manor conferences.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/09/1992-professor-
simon-catling.html
79. Professor
Andrew
Goudie
1993
Geomorphologist with an interest in drylands. Long
association with the University of Oxford. Prolific
author. President in the GA’s Centenary year.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/12/1993-professor-
andrew-goudie.html
80. Professor Tony
Binns
1994
Academic geographer at the University of Otago in New
Zealand. Worked extensively in Africa. Still active and
supportive of the GA.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/05/1994-dr-j-tony-
binns.html
81. Mike Morrish
1995
Retired headteacher from Haberdashers’ Aske’s school.
Textbook author.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/10/1995-mike-
morrish.html
82. Professor
(William)
Ashley Kent
1996
Teacher educator at the Institute of Education.
Textbook author with Michael Bradford – used in
many schools at the time, including my own.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/11/1996-william-
ashley-kent.html
84. Mr Roger C
Carter
1998
School advisor and inspector in Staffordshire. Editor
of first Primary Geography handbook. Involved in the
leadership of the GA around the time of the
appointment of the first Chief Executive.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/02/1998-mr-roger-c-
carter.html
85. Professor
Michael G
Bradford
1999
Academic geographer at the University of
Manchester who worked to support many
teachers and colleagues. Textbook author with
Ashley Kent. Involved in GA Manchester Branch.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/10/1999-professor-
michael-g-bradford.html
87. Jeremy Krause
2001
School advisor and still active within the GA’s Primary
community, including the Charney Manor Conference.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/02/2001-jeremy-
krause.html
88. Chris Kington
2002
Geography publisher – including publishing Thinking
through Geography books, and Liz Taylor’s
‘Representing Geography’. Heavily involved in the
reform of the GA towards becoming a professional
association.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/12/2002-chris-
kington.html
89. Peter Fox
2004
Only serving state school teacher to have become
President so far. Also involved in the reform of the
GA and appointment of Chief Executives. Still active
and supportive of the GA’s work.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/08/2003-peter-
fox.html
90. Professor Bill
Chambers
2004
Academic geographer at Liverpool Hope University
with an interest in South America. Editor of Primary
Geographer.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/02/2004-professor-
bill-j-chambers.html
91. Sue Lomas,
MBE, DL
2005
Teacher and school improvement officer in
Manchester. Chair of Worldwise Board, and
involved in iGEO competition and Worldwise
Challenge.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/02/2005-sue-lomas-
mbe-dl.html
92. Keith
Grimwade
2006
School advisor and Head of Professional
Development for Cambridgeshire County Council.
Involved in the reform of the GA and Cambridge
GA Branch. Supportive of GA Cambridge branch.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/12/2006-keith-
grimwade.html
93. Mr John
Westaway
2007
Teacher and author. Worked for SCAA and QCA as an
author and in teacher development.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/09/2007-mr-e-j-
westaway.html
94. Margaret
Roberts
2008
Teacher educator at the University of Sheffield.
Author of classic ‘Geography through Enquiry’ and
other books. Still active supporting colleagues in
numerous countries. The doyenne for many of the
enquiry approach.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/02/2008-margaret-
roberts.html
95. John Halocha
2009
Formerly an academic geographer at Bishop
Grosseteste’s University with a particular interest
in Primary education. Author.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/02/2009-john-
halocha.html
96. John Hopkin
2010
Teacher advisor in Birmingham for many years.
Worked on a number of projects for the GA including
the Global Learning Programme, and still actively
supporting the GA’s work including GEO website.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/03/2010-john-
hopkin.html
97. Fran Martin
2011
Academic geographer at the University of Exeter and
now a freelance consultant. Editor of Primary
Geography.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/01/2011-fran-
martin.html
98. Bob Digby
2012
Teacher and teacher educator – former colleague of
Margaret Roberts. Prolific textbook author.
Examiner and trainer of teachers. Honorary
Treasurer of the GA and Trustee.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/05/2012-bob-
digby.html
99. Hazel Barrett
2013
Academic geographer at Coventry University with
a focus on development geography.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/07/2013-hazel-
barrett.html
100. Mark
Higginbottom
2014
Teacher advisor and school improvement officer in the NW
of England. Involved in Worldwise and the iGEO
competition.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/12/2014-mark-
higginbottom.html
101. Steve
Rawlinson
2015
Teacher educator and geographer at Northumbria
University, and involved in the Primary Geography
community, including Charney Manor and Primary
Geographer editorial work.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/10/2015-steve-
rawlinson.html
102. Mary Biddulph
2016
Teacher educator at the University of Nottingham. Part of the
editorial collective which updated GA journals. Also involved in
the Young People’s Geographies project and other research-
based activities, GERECO and GeoCapabilities.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/03/2016-mary-
biddulph.html
103. Nick Lapthorn
2017
Involved with Field Studies Council as Head of
Centre and in other roles. Involved in the Year of
Fieldwork.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2020/07/2017-nick-
lapthorn.html
104. Professor
Stephen
Scoffham
2018
Academic geographer at Canterbury Christchurch
University. Involved in the Primary geography
community, EYPPC and journals.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/10/2018-stephen-
scoffham.html
105. Gill Miller
2019
Academic geographer at the University of Chester,
with an interest in development education. Examiner
for World Development qualification. Key supporter
of the GA’s work in Wales.
https://gapresidents.blogspot.com/2019/11/2019-dr-gill-
miller.html
106. Dr Susan Pike
2020
Former secondary geography teacher. Teacher
educator at Dublin City University, with a particular
focus on primary education.