Bidder, George Parker, 1806-1878

Epithet: barrister

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000001439.0x000053

George Parker Bidder (1863-1953), marine biologist, attended Trinity College, Cambridge, 1882-84. He settled in the city in 1902, and lectured in the university on sponges during the 1920s. Bidder gave financial support to marine biological research and was President of the Marine Biological Association in 1939. On the death of his father, George Parker Bidder (1836-96), he inherited managerial responsibilities in Cannock Chase Colliery and the Danish Gas Company.

From the guide to the George Bidder: Scientific and Personal Papers, c.1880-1940s, (Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives)

George Parker Bidder (1863-1953), marine biologist, attended Trinity College, Cambridge, 1882-84. He settled in the city in 1902 and lectured in the university on sponges during the 1920s. Bidder gave financial support to marine biological research and was President of the Marine Biological Association in 1939. On the death of his father, George Parker Bidder (1836-1896), he inherited managerial responsibilities in Cannock Chase Colliery and the Danish Gas Company.

Bidder was a member of the provisional committee, and also the later committee of the British Association, which organised a scientific expedition to examine a sector of the Great Barrier Reef off Cairns, Queensland. The expedition was led by Dr C.M. Yonge, physiologist, and left in May 1928. It established a base on the Low Isles in July 1928 and remained there until July 1929. The expedition enjoyed strong co-operation from Australian personnel and a large number of eminent Australian visitors visited the site. F.W. Moorhouse remained as Director of the government Marine Station which was established there in 1930.

From the guide to the George Parker Bidder: Papers regarding the Great Barrier Reef Expedition, 1927-1930, (Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives)