Mary Anning
Born along the Jurassic Coast, Mary Anning (1799–1847) became one of the most important fossil hunters and palaeontologists in history. Despite having no formal education and being excluded from scientific societies because she was a woman, she made discoveries that transformed our understanding of prehistoric life. Her finds — including the first complete ichthyosaur and plesiosaur skeletons — put Dorset on the global scientific map. Today, she is celebrated as a pioneer of science and a symbol of determination, curiosity, and coastal heritage.

Mary Anning is such a brilliant choice for HerBCP — and the best part is that people can actually visit places connected to her life, her discoveries, and her legacy. It makes her story feel real and rooted in our coastline.

Where to visit Mary Anning’s Statue

Location:
Long Entry, Lyme Regis, Dorset
Right on the seafront overlooking the beach where she made many of her discoveries.

The statue was unveiled in 2022 after a huge community campaign led by a local schoolgirl, Evie Swire — another brilliant “girl who shaped history” story you can feature later.

The statue is life‑sized, beautifully detailed, and placed so visitors can look out to the cliffs she worked on.

It’s free, outdoors, and accessible.

Where to Learn More About Mary Anning

1. Lyme Regis Museum (Mary Anning’s House)

This is the most important place for anyone wanting to understand her life.

• Built on the site of Mary Anning’s actual home and fossil shop

• Exhibits about her discoveries

• Fossils she found

• Guided tours of the beaches

• Talks and events

It’s the closest you can get to stepping into her world.

2. The Jurassic Coast (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Mary Anning’s discoveries helped define this entire coastline.

Key spots:

• Black Ven (where she found the ichthyosaur)

• Church Cliffs

• Monmouth Beach

There are safe, guided fossil walks available.

3. The Natural History Museum (London)

Many of her most famous finds are displayed here, including:

• Ichthyosaurs

• Plesiosaurs

• Fossils she collected as a teenager

They credit her properly now, after decades of being overlooked.

4. The Etches Collection (Kimmeridge, Dorset)

A modern fossil museum along the coast with strong links to Mary Anning’s legacy.
Great for families, schools, and curious girls.

5. Books & Films

If people want to dive deeper:

• “The Fossil Hunter” by Shelley Emling

• “Remarkable Creatures” by Tracy Chevalier (novel based on her life)

• “Ammonite” (film starring Kate Winslet — fictionalised but atmospheric)