The Remarkable Rutland Sea Dragon: Unearthing a 180 Million-Year-Old Giant Fossil

In February 2021, an astonishing discovery was made by paleontologists in Rutland, England: a skeleton of an Ichthyosaur measuring 10 meters in length, which stands as the largest specimen of its kind ever found in the U.K.

This remarkable fossil was brought to light by Joe Davis during his landscaping work at the Rutland Water Nature Reserve, coinciding with the draining of a lagoon for upkeep. This ancient marine reptile inhabited the seas between 250 and 90 million years ago and could grow up to 13 meters long.

The exceptional preservation of this fossil provides invaluable information about the ancient oceans and has captivated researchers due to its remarkable size and condition. This unexpected find has reignited interest in exploring Britain’s ancient marine heritage and the mysteries that lie beneath its waters.