William Bullerwell, 27 September 1916 - 25 November 1977

Abstract

Dr William Bullerwell, Chief Geophysicist and Deputy Director of the Institute of Geological Sciences, London, S.W.7, died suddenly on 25 November 1977 at his home at Kenilworth Court, Putney, at the age of 61. He won distinction for his contributions to geophysical research, both fundamental and applied, particularly in relation to problems in the United Kingdom and the surrounding continental shelf; and, as a man, he will be remembered for his fine personal qualities, for his encouragement of young people and his generous assistance to all who sought his help. William Bullerwell was born at 57 Hunters Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, on 27 September 1916, the younger son of John William and Alice Bullerwell. The Bullerwell family has a long tradition of teaching and farming; William’s mother was the daughter of William Wilkinson, farmer of Shaftoe Moor, Middleton, Northumberland, and his wife Mary, while William’s father was Senior Lecturer in Physics at Armstrong College (subsequently King’s College) in the University of Durham. John William Bullerwell was a don for whom everyone in college had a good word. He served as treasurer of the Choral and Orchestral Society for 40 years and was closely associated with the Newcastle Bach Choir from the time of its foundation. He was a lifelong friend of the distinguished north country musician William Gillies Whittaker and together they made music and collected northern folk songs.