The Dating Game: one man’s search for the age of the Earth

How old is the Earth? At the end of the nineteenth century, geologists, biologists, physicists and astronomers were all looking for a clock that would provide an answer to this difficult question. The Dating Game tells the story of one man’s vision of developing a geological timescale that would finally lead to an accurate age of the Earth. Despite scientific opposition, financial hardship and personal tragedy, Arthur Holmes (1890-1965), perhaps the greatest geologist of the twentieth century, fought for fifty years to convince the establishment of an Earth of great antiquity. This talk brings Holmes back to life and weaves his adventures, loves and losses around discovering the age of the Earth.

Venue: the main hall downstairs at The Priory, Priory Street, Monmouth