History of the megalosaurus type material on public display

Journal article

In 1824, newly appointed President of the Geological Society of London, William Buckland, used his inaugural lecture to introduce Megalosaurus. This animal would become the first scientifically named and described dinosaur in the world. The paper that followed Buckland’s address contained illustrations of 15 fossils, including the lectotype specimen; a lower right dentary (jawbone). The remaining 14 specimens comprise the paralectotype series. As the basis for the original description of the first named dinosaur, the fossils are of both historical and scientific importance. During the 164 years between Oxford University Museum of Natural History opening in 1860, and the 200th anniversary of the naming of Megalosaurus in 2024, the jawbone and a variable number of the paralectotype series specimens have been on display at the Museum in at least four different iterations of ‘permanent’ exhibitions. An additional four inhouse and two external exhibitions have also showcased a variety of the specimens in short, temporary displays. Documentation does not provide a complete timeline, and a gap in knowledge currently exists between 1971 and 1986. This paper provides the known history of public display, with commentary on interpretation and visitor experience, as well as the balance of care and use of these high-profile specimens during activities programmed throughout 2024, to commemorate the bicentenary year.

Authors: Nicholls, E

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: History of the Earth Sciences Society
• Journal: Earth Sciences History
• Volume: 44
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 267–292
• Publication date: 2025-04-25
• Acceptance date: 2025-03-27
• DOI: 10.17704/1944-6187-44.1.267
• EISSN: 1944-6187
• ISSN: 0736-623X
• Language: English
• Keywords: exhibition interpretation; dinosaur; Megalosaurus; museum; Buckland