Title: Plesiosaurus macrocephalus

Description: The fossil of a juvenile Plesiosaurus macrocephalus was the first of its species found. It was discovered by Mary Anning at Lyme Regis in December 1830 and named by William Buckland in 1836. William Willoughby, Lord Cole, later Earl of Enniskillen (and Fellow of the Geological Society), purchased the fossil in 1831 for the then massive sum of 200 guineas. The specimen is now housed at the Natural History Museum. 

An image of the creature was first published in: Buckland, W, Geology and mineralogy considered with reference to natural theology. London: William Pickering (1836). (The Bridgewater treatises on the power, wisdom, and goodness of God, as manifested in the creation, 6), plate 19.

Date: 1836

Format: Woodcut

Image reference: 27-16

Recommended print size: Up to 16 x 12 inches (40 x 30cm)