Uncover Swindon’s Jurassic past at Museum & Art Swindon

‘Fossil Hunters – Unlocking Swindon’s Jurassic Past’ explores Swindon’s Jurassic fossils and the individuals that were inspired by, or came to study, the town’s geology. The exhibition will showcase the museum’s collection of Jurassic marine creatures, as well as the newly-acquired Swindon Stegosaur vertebra. Also on display will be specimens from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Opening tomorrow (4 Oct), highlights of the new exhibition include fossils from marine reptiles such as pliosaurs and ichthyosaurs, as well as a diverse range of ammonites, including those recently discovered at the Morden Sporting Hub development.

Some of the earliest fossils were discovered back in the 1600s as Wiltshire antiquarian, John Aubrey, came to Swindon and discovered the town’s flourishing quarrying industry was holding big secrets. These limestone quarries contained the remains of ancient marine creatures from when the town was under the ocean during the Jurassic age.

Fast forward 100 years and William Smith, known as the father of English geology, was in Swindon and employed by the Wilts & Berks Canal. After boring the ground looking for water, Smith discovered a host of amazing fossils including ammonites, bivalves and marine reptiles. Smith’s interest in Swindon’s fossils paved the way for future fossil hunters including Gideon Mantell, William Morris and William Jocelyn Arkell.

The exhibition curator Elaine Arthurs said: “It was so exciting bringing this exhibition together.

“Swindon’s rich geological history is exemplary and the fossils found here tell the story of life under the sea millions of years ago.”

Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said: “Swindon’s history isn’t just trains, although that plays a huge role in the modern-day town, but it’s also what happened before humans even existed.

“It’s fascinating that these, sometimes huge, creatures once swam the area we call home. Some were even discovered just yards away from Museum & Art Swindon, where The Range stands today.

“The new exhibition is perfect for any dino-loving enthusiast or someone just looking to find out more about our town’s amazing history.”

The exhibition is part of the museum’s Unlocking Collection project, funded by Arts Council England. A team of volunteers have worked with the museum’s fossil collection for many months and have carefully researched and chosen fossils that best illustrate Swindon’s Jurassic past.