Blue plaque for Oxford geologist

William Buckland was widely regarded as an eccentric

A blue plaque has been unveiled to commemorate a geologist, lecturer and churchman who "revolutionised the teaching of science in Oxford".

The memorial to William Buckland, born in 1784 and widely regarded as an eccentric, was put up at the Old Rectory in Islip where he lived.

Buckland attended Oxford University before being ordained a priest and appointed Canon of Christ Church.

He later became Dean of Westminster Abbey and rector of Islip.

A blue plaque is a permanent sign that links its location to an historic person or event.

Buckland's sign was awarded by the Oxfordshire Blue Plaque Board. It was the 41st blue plaque to have been unveiled in Oxfordshire.

Prof Jim Kennedy, director of Oxford University Museum of Natural History, said: "William Buckland revolutionised the teaching of science in Oxford, and was the most charismatic teacher of his day.

"His collections are housed in the University Museum of Natural History, and we are delighted to be associated with the installation of this blue plaque commemorating such a distinguished academic, cleric, and eccentric."