Did Dinosaurs Live in London?

By Alice Nichols

London is a city that’s rich in history and culture, but did you know that it was also once home to dinosaurs That’s right, millions of years ago during the Mesozoic Era, London was a very different place, and dinosaurs roamed the land. Let’s explore this fascinating topic in more detail.

The Mesozoic Era

The Mesozoic Era is divided into three periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. It lasted from about 252 to 66 million years ago and is often referred to as the age of reptiles. During this period, dinosaurs were the dominant form of life on Earth.

Dinosaurs in London

During the Mesozoic Era, what is now London was covered by a warm, shallow sea. However, there were also areas of land that would have been home to a variety of dinosaurs. Fossils have been found all over the UK and show evidence of many different types of dinosaur species.

The Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is famous for its dinosaur fossils and has been nicknamed “Dinosaur Island.” The island was once part of a larger landmass called Pangaea, which began to break up during the Triassic period. This separation led to different species evolving on different continents.

Fossils found on the Isle of Wight include those of the theropod dinosaur Baryonyx walkeri. This creature would have been around 8 meters long and had long claws on its hands that it used for catching fish.

Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire is another area where dinosaur fossils have been found. In 2017, a new species was discovered in Oxfordshire and named the “Oxfordshire dinosaur.” It is thought to be a type of stegosaur, which is a herbivorous dinosaur with distinctive bony plates on its back.

The Natural History Museum

If you’re interested in learning more about dinosaurs in London, then a visit to the Natural History Museum is a must. The museum has an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, including the famous Diplodocus skeleton that greets visitors in the main entrance hall.

Conclusion

So, did dinosaurs live in London Yes, they did!

Although it’s hard to imagine what the city would have looked like during the Mesozoic Era, fossils found all over the UK show that dinosaurs were once widespread throughout the country. So next time you’re in London, take a moment to think about the fascinating creatures that once roamed the land.