Herbert E. Balch

Infobox Person
name = Herbert E. Balch


image_size =
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birth_date = birth date |1869|11|4
birth_place = Wells, Somerset
death_date = 1958
death_place =
other_names =
known_for =
occupation = Archaeologist, Speleologist, Geologist, Naturalist
nationality =

Herbert Ernest Balch (1869–1958) MA FSA was an English archaeologist, naturalist, caver and geologist who explored the Mendip Hills' underground labyrinths and pioneered many of the techniques used by modern cavers.

Early life

Balch was born in Wells, Somerset on birth date |1869|11|4, and gained a scholarship to The Blue School in Wells. [cite web|url=http://www.oucc.org.uk/dtt/vol04/dtt4_24.htm|title=To he who lit the Stygian caves|last=Hooper|first=James|date=7th June 1994|work=Depth through thought -OUCC News |publisher=Oxford University Cave Club|accessdate=2008-05-02] He left school at 14 and became messenger boy at Wells post office and then working his way up to postmaster.

Collection

In 1893, Balch founded Wells Museum. Balch's fine collection of local artefacts and memorabilia still form the core of the museum's displays, which retains the best qualities of a private Victorian collection. [cite web | title=History of Museum | work=Wells Museum bebsite | url=http://www.wellsmuseum.org.uk/story.htm | accessdate=2008-15-04] He rose to become president of the Wells Natural History and Archaeological Society.

Excavations

Balch conducted excavations in conjunction with the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society such as Chelmscombe Cave in Cheddar Gorge. The most famous site that Balch excavated was Wookey Hole Caves, [cite web | title=A Brief History of Archaeological Research in Somerset | work=Somerset County Council bebsite | url=http://www.somerset.gov.uk/somerset/cultureheritage/heritage/info/archaeologicalresearch/archaeologicalresearch9.cfm
accessdate=2008-15-04] where he led excavations of the entrance passage (1904-15), Witch's Kitchen and Hell's Ladder (1926-1927) and the Badger Hole (1938-1954)

Balch was a member of caving clubs such as the Wessex Cave Club. He was a serious speleologist and often made ten-hour trips wearing cloth cap, old suit and tie. [cite web| url=http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg12516984.000-a-cavers-centenary--review-of-a-man-deep-in-mendip-thecaving-diaries-of-harry-savory-19101921-edited-by-john-savory-.html|title=A caver's centenary / Review of 'A Man Deep In Mendip, The Caving Diaries of Harry Savory 1910-1921' edited by John Savory|last=Stanton|first=Willie|date=06 January 1990|work=New Scientist|accessdate=2008-05-02]
Balch Cave near Stoke St Michael is named after him.

Bibliography

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References

Persondata
NAME=Balch, Herbert Ernest
ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
SHORT DESCRIPTION=archaeologist, naturalist, caver and geologist who explored the Mendips' underground labyrinths and pioneered many of the techniques used by modern cavers
DATE OF BIRTH=1869
PLACE OF BIRTH= Wells, Somerset
DATE OF DEATH=1958
PLACE OF DEATH=