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Whitby Was Once a World of Dinosaurs! The Story of Teleosaurus Chapmani

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Long before hundreds of visitors ate fish and chips along the pier and people browsed jet in shop windows, Whitby was a thriving world of dinosaurs! Here is the story of the Teleosaurus Chapmani.

It’s true! Dinosaurs inhabited the Yorkshire Coast during the Jurassic period. The first dinosaur footprints were uncovered in Saltwick in 1895. At that time, the coastal area was characterised as low-lying and warm. As dinosaurs wandered this region for millions of years, the sea levels fluctuated.

Saltwick Bay.

Consequently, dinosaurs left their footprints in the silt and mud on the beaches. These footprints essentially acted as casts, as harder material filled them when the silt solidified. This infilling process made the prints resistant to erosion, thereby preserving them. Astonishingly, some of these prints have endured for over 160 million years!

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One of the most impressive remnants of this ancient era is the Teleosaurus Chapmani at Whitby Museum. This remarkable specimen was uncovered in 1824 in the Alum Shale of Saltwick Bay.


The fascination with fossils in the 19th century

The early 19th century was a time of great excitement and discovery in geology. Fossils were being unearthed across Britain, captivating the imaginations of scientists and the public. Significant discoveries and the work of pioneering geologists sparked this interest.

Saltwick Bay girl exploring the rocks and fossil hunting.

Around this same period, Reverend William Buckland of Oxford University made history by naming the first dinosaur, Megalosaurus, in 1824. This marked the dawn of palaeontology as a formal science. The Teleosaurus Chapmani was among the many fossils contributing to the growing evidence body. They support the existence of ancient, long-extinct creatures.


Unearthing the Teleosaurus Chapmani

In 1758, Captain William Chapman discovered the skeleton of a marine crocodile near Whitby. The discovery was described in the Gentleman’s Magazine 1759 and later detailed by John Wooler in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society. This specimen, Teleosaurus Chapmani Konig, was eventually presented to the British Museum in 1781.

An ammonite fossil bought from Natural Wonders in Whitby.

The Teleosaurus Chapmani belonged to a group of prehistoric crocodile-like creatures known as Thalattosuchians. It was distinctive with an elongated body, long snout filled with sharp teeth, and paddle-like limbs. Perfectly adapted to its aquatic environment, it was an effective predator in the ancient seas that once covered what is now North Yorkshire.


Discovered while extracting alum from the alum shale

The discovery of Teleosaurus Chapmani was nothing short of groundbreaking. It happened at a time when the quarrymen of Whitby were hard at work extracting alum from the alum shale—a key ingredient in the textile industry for fixing dyes. This activity was part of one of Britain’s earliest chemical industries. While crucial for the economy, the alum quarries also inadvertently became the site of significant paleontological discoveries.

Saltwick Nab alum quarries.
The remnants of an old slipway were most likely used as a loading ramp, up which alum-bearing carts were run to load waiting boats.

The quarry workers who unearthed these large skeletons sold them as curious items to various regions of Britain. Some people of Whitby, led by the Rev. George Young, grew worried that while these curiosities were discovered locally, they were being “lost”. This concern inspired them to establish the Whitby Literary & Philosophical Society in 1823, with the primary goal of creating a museum.


The Teleosaurus Chapmani was purchased for £7

In 1824, a fossil skeleton of the crocodile Teleosaurus Chapmani was acquired for £7, becoming one of the main early attractions of Whitby Museum. The collector, Brown Marshall, a carpenter from Whitby, discovered the snout sticking out of a cliff and excavated the skull and most of the skeleton by hanging from ropes at the top of the cliff.

Whitby Museum.

Three years later, part of the tail was removed. Under the guidance of Rev Young, Whitby Museum developed a reputation for its extensive fossil collection, especially the magnificent marine reptiles. Many of these fossils are now impressively displayed on the museum’s walls and never fail to captivate and engage visitors.


On display at Whitby Museum

When the specimen was being prepared for display in the New Museum. It was placed in a flat table case with four sturdy legs.

Teleosaurus Chapmani fossil at Whitby museum.

Just before the protective plate glass was installed, a photograph of the fossil was planned. The camera was set up between two planks, supported by two pairs of steps. Some were concerned that the photographer might accidentally slip and damage the precious fossil. To address this, they suggested propping the table upright so the photograph could be taken from a safer position on the floor rather than from above.

Teleosaurus Chapmani fossil at Whitby museum.

Surprisingly, once the crocodile was set up in this new position, it was noted that it looked much better. As a result, the decision was made to cut off the legs of the table and leave the case at its new angle.

Teleosaurus Chapmani

Visit Whitby Museum

Whitby Museum at Pannet Park.
Photo credit: Ceri Oakes Photography

Located in Pannett Park, Whitby Museum, established in the early 1800s, has beautifully maintained its original Victorian allure.

The museum and art gallery proudly houses a remarkable assortment of artwork and historical artefacts dating back over a century, including fossils, costumes, model ships, and other curiosities.

This precious treasure trove warmly welcomes visitors of all ages and interests.

Address: Pannett Park, Whitby, YO21 1RE


Where can I find fossils in Whitby?

Fossil Hunting Kid.

Whitby is surrounded by beaches, to the north and south, and there is a chance that you can find fossils during your time there. From the northern end at Staithes to the remote cove of Kettleness Bay, fossil enthusiasts can discover a variety of fossils, including ammonites and Whitby jet. While some beaches are family-friendly, others are not recommended for children due to difficult access and safety concerns.

Click here for our guide to safely hunting for fossils in Whitby.


The fossils discovered in Whitby and surrounding areas have provided invaluable insights into the marine ecosystems of the Jurassic period. As we uncover and study these ancient remnants, we gain a deeper appreciation for the prehistoric world and the incredible creatures that once roamed it.

Whitby was once a world of dinosaurs, and its legacy continues to inspire wonder and curiosity today.

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