Talk: Henry Seebohm, Sheffield Steel Owner and Ornithologist

A contrarian and innovator, Henry Seebohm was a fascinating and complex character. Based on many unpublished journals, photographs and letters, Paul Hobson illuminates his amazing life through the grimy world of Sheffield steel and the complex and thorny scientific society of Victorian ornithology.

Born in Bradford to Quaker parents, both ministers of the faith, he was educated at Bootham School in York where he immersed himself in its strong natural history ethos and science curriculum. After the tragic death of his fiancée, he fled to an Ireland devastated by the Great Famine, before moving to Sheffield where he founded the incredibly successful steelworks of Seebohm and Dieckstahl. As the company grew, so did his fame, and he ran into conflict with other steel owners, particularly Henry Bessemer.

Whilst being an expert on crucible steel, his passion lay with the study of ornithology. He was a key player in the early development of natural history in Sheffield before he embarked on a number of exciting overseas trips.