When we think of dinosaurs, our minds often drift to the vast plains of North America or the sun-baked deserts of Mongolia. However, Tunbridge Wells and the High Weald boast their own rich history of prehistoric life.
In celebration of the Brickosaurs exhibit at The Amelia Scott, Tunbridge Wells from the 6th of July to the 2nd of September (FREE to visit!), we have a special display of dinosaur fossils found locally.
High Brooms: Fossil Fragments of Iguanodon
High Brooms, another area within the Borough of Tunbridge Wells, has its own prehistoric claims to fame. In 1822, Gideon Mantell of Lewes, East Sussex, discovered a new species of dinosaur and named it Iguanodon, meaning “iguana tooth.” These plant eaters roamed the High Weald between the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous periods. Some of their remains have been found in High Brooms and are now on display at The Amelia Scott.
What did an Iguadon look like? The Iguanodon is estimated to have weighed about 4 tonnes (1 Asian elephant), measured approximately 10 metres in length (1 whale shark) and stood just over 2 metres tall (1 ostrich). The backbone and tail were supported by tendons that turned to bone as the Iguanodon grew, giving it a horizontal posture.
IMAGE: Iguanodon left femur (thigh) fossil fragment, discovered in High Brooms, Early Cretaceous period (about 135 million years ago).
IMAGE: Iguanodon lower back vertebra fossil, discovered in High Brooms, Early Cretaceous period (about 135 million years ago).
Crowborough: Inspiring The Lost World
In 1909, the discovery of Iguanodon footprints in Crowborough sparked considerable excitement and even inspired a local author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930), to pen his famous novel, The Lost World. This tale of an expedition to a part of the Amazon where dinosaurs still roam captured the imaginations of readers worldwide and highlighted the enduring fascination with these ancient creatures.
IMAGE: Cast of an Iguanodon footprint, East Sussex, Early Cretaceous period (about 135 million years ago).
Southborough: Iguanodon Tail Vertebra Fossil
In Southborough, paleontologists discovered an Iguanodon caudal (tail) vertebra fossil from the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 135 million years ago.
IMAGE: This fossil, catalogued as 1969.128, offers further insight into the anatomy and movement of this remarkable herbivore, showcasing the extensive reach of Iguanodon in the region.
Tonbridge: Prehistoric Flora and Fauna
Tonbridge has also revealed intriguing fossil finds from the Early Cretaceous period, about 135 million years ago.
IMAGE: Bennettitalean or cycadeoid cone, discovered in Tonbridge Quarry. This fossil represents ancient plant life that thrived during the time of the dinosaurs, offering a glimpse into the prehistoric ecosystem.
Tunbridge Wells Common: Megalosaurus, the first dinosaur with a name
The first dinosaur to be named, 200 years ago, was the Megalosaurus. The term “dinosaur” translates to “terrible lizard.”
In the 1820s, Gideon Mantell identified fossil teeth found on Tunbridge Wells Common as those of a Megalosaurus. This dinosaur is estimated to have lived between 145 and 122 million years ago and measured roughly the length of a London bus!
IMAGE: Two early representations of Megalosaurus. Drawn by Goodrich in 1854.
The Weald:Â Baryonyx walkeri
This theropod dinosaur, named for its “heavy claw,” lived during the early Cretaceous period, around 130 million years ago, alongside the Iguanodon. The Baryonyx is particularly fascinating due to its semi-aquatic lifestyle and diet, which included fish and other small prey. Its elongated skull and crocodile-like jaws suggest it was well-adapted to catching slippery, aquatic creatures in the abundant wetlands.
The wetlands were also a home for the armoured fish Lepidotes mantelli. The enamel-like scales of Lepidotes likely evolved as a defence against predators like Baryonyx. The Amelia Scott are showcasing a specimen of this remarkable fish.
The Significance of These Discoveries
The fossils found in and around the Borough of Tunbridge Wells are more than just remnants of ancient creatures; they are windows into a distant past, revealing the rich tapestry of life that once existed in this area. Â So, next time you take a walk around Tunbridge Wells remember that you are treading on ground that dinosaurs once walked.
