Mary Anning, arguably the World’s most famous fossil hunter, lived and worked on the Jurassic Coast, in Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. Mary was born in Lyme Regis in 1799. As a child living on the Dorset coast, she would go fossil hunting with her father and brother and was able to teach herself geology and palaeontology with little formal education.

Pioneering Contribution to Palaeontology

Mary Anning made many outstanding pioneering contributions to the world of fossil collecting and palaeontology. It all began when she identified an Ichthyosaur skeleton at the tender age of 12. She went on to unearth, describe, illustrate, and prepare hundreds of previously undiscovered fossils, that remain some of the most influential palaeontological discoveries of all time. These exceptional discoveries include the Plesiosaur and pterosaur.

Lifetime Recognition

As a female, self-educated fossil hunter and preparator, Mary Anning received very little personal recognition for her work during her lifetime. She was rejected from the Geological Society, unlike her wealthier male peers.

Her expertise and skills were however sought after by prominent figures, such as William Buckland and Henry de la Beche.

Present day recognition and legacy

Many of Mary Anning’s specimens were given to museums by those better placed in society to do so, leaving little or no credit for Mary Anning herself. Fortunately, through archived letter correspondence and other paraphernalia, some of her pieces are now being rediscovered in museum collections. Unfortunately, there will inevitably be some of Mary Anning’s work that is never attributed to her. 

Thankfully, today, Mary Anning is revered around the world for the pioneering work she did. She continues to captivate the interest of professional and amateur fossil collectors, those visiting the Jurassic Coast, and even Hollywood directors. Crucially, Mary Anning is an inspiration to children learning all about her life and discoveries, in their school curriculum and potentially empowering women to pursue careers in geology, palaeotonology, and other STEM subjects. 

A considerable number of her fossils are on display in museums around the World, including the Natural History Museum in London, Dorset Museum in Dorchester, and Lyme Regis Museum in her home town of Lyme Regis.