THE ‘map that changed the world’ will be going on display in York in May.

To mark the bicentenary of William Smith’s geological map of England and Wales, the Yorkshire Museum is putting the map on public view between May 22 and November 30.

A Museum spokesman said: “Smith’s map literally changed the way we thought about what was beneath our feet.

“The map went on to inspire scientists to work out a more accurate age of the planet and underpinned many aspects of the Industrial Revolution.

“The new display will look at the eventful life of ‘Strata’ Smith who saw his work plagiarised and him being sent to a debtors prison before he finally became regarded as the father of English geology.

“It will also explore his strong links to Yorkshire, including his nephew’s appointment as the first keeper of the Yorkshire Museum.”

As well as the recently conserved map, the display will include his other maps and books as well as a selection of items from his fossil collection on loan from the Natural History Museum.

Entry is included in the normal admission price. Phone 01904 687687 for further information.