Mary Anning Statue Unveiled

Environmental & Science Education, STEM, Paleontology, History of Science, Nature of Science, Earth & Space Science, Earth Systems, Geology

Ed Hessler

A seafront statue of palaeontolgist Mary Anning has been unveiled near her hometown of Lyme Regis, Dorset. 

The introduction to the story from the BBC says "Anning's discoveries in the early 19th Century helped shape scientific understanding of prehistoric life, but her work was never properly recognised.

"Evie Squire, 15, campaigned for four years for the memorial, which was unveiled on what would have been Anning's 223rd birthday.

"The fossil hunter lived in Lyme Regis, part of what is now called the Jurassic Coast, and began searching the coastline as a child."

 

"She was the first person to discover a complete plesiosaurus, in 1823." This Wiki entry includes an autographed letter from Mary which includes her drawing of the fossil

 

There are different takes on whether she inspired the rhyme "She sells Seashells by the Seashore...", which this entry from the American Folklife Center describes including what would constitute convincing evidence - a thorough discussion. You may listen to the song and read the lyrics there, too.

 

The story about her providing the inspiration for the rhyme is one I would like to be true but it lacks any evidence, based as it is on outright claims as though it were a known truth.