The Geographers Royal: a summary and partial history

ABSTRACT The paper presents a summary biographical history of those persons who have held the title Geographer Royal or a variant since its inception in 1682. The distinction can be made between individuals who held the title because of their personal standing and geographical accomplishments, and those, principally map makers and geographical publishers, who held the title as a reflection of excellence in the commercial production of maps and atlases. The honorific Geographer Royal or equivalent illustrates the importance of royal patronage and the public recognition of geography’s commercial outputs. Neither topic is addressed in existing histories of geography.