PROMINENT YORKSHIRE WORKERS. 
III.—REV. E. MAULE COLE, M.A., F.G.S. 
(PLATE XXXII.) 
Few people have done more to popularise the study of the 
geology and antiquities of Yorkshire than has the subject of 
this sketch. It can truly be stated that the good he has done 
in this direction by far exceeds the usefulness of his numerous 
published works, valuable though the latter undoubtedly are. By 
writing to various journals, by lecturing in about every town 
in the county, but more particularly by conducting excursions 
over his beloved Yorkshire Wolds, Mr. Cole has undoubtedly 
done much more in furtherance of the study of archeology and 
natural history than can be estimated. One of the greatest treats 
that the writer knows is to be taken along the wolds and dales 
under the leadership of the Vicar of Wetwang, who, in spite of 
his more than three score years and ten, can still ‘cover the 
ground’ as well as most. Every chalk quarry, field, hill, and 
dale—nay, even every mound and earthwork has a history, and 
for each Mr. Cole has a fascinating story. On the Yorkshire 
coast, too (particularly on Flamborough Head), and along 
the Roman wall, he has conducted scores of parties, each 
member of which has benefitted by his store of knowledge and 
by his fund of ready wit. The Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union 
has been much indebted to him in this way, and several of its 
members owe to him their first lesson in natural science. 
The Rev. E. Maule Cole * was born at Dover in 1833, and 
was educated at Brighton, Tonbridge, and Rossall. At the 
last place he became captain of the school. In 1853 he went 
to Oxford, where he won the Goldsmith and Ludwell exhibitions, 
and took honours in classics. Whilst at Oxford he was in two 
college ‘elevens’ and ‘eights.’ In 1857 he was the first old 
boy to go back to Rossall as master. 
When he came to Wetwang in 1865 he had an excellent 
opportunity of following up his interest in geology. Coming 
into contact with the brothers Mortimer, he accompanied them 
in their barrow-opening expeditions, and frequently described 
the pre-historic remains which were secured in his presence. 
Sh oma portrait and account of his father, the Rev. Wm. Sibthorpe 
Cole, see Speight’s ‘Lower Wharfedale,’ 1902, pp. 86-88. 
1907 August I. 
