In his will Roderick Murchison (1792–1871) established the Murchison Medal to be awarded annually by the council of the Geological Society of London. First awarded in 1873, the Murchison Medal is given to those who have made a significant contribution to geology by means of a substantial body of research, and for contributions to 'hard' rock studies. Holmes's two books on petrology and his large body of research in this and other fields of geology, eminently qualified him for this award.