Lyme Regis is situated at the heart of the Jurassic Coast, so called because of the wealth of fossils found here.
Why is it called the Jurassic Coast?
The Jurassic coast runs from East Devon to East Dorset, and is 154km (96 miles) long. It is called the Jurassic coast because the cliffs contain fossils dating from the Jurassic period (200–145 million years ago).
What is the nickname for Lyme Regis?
Pearl of Dorset
Lyme Regis /ˌlaɪmˈriːdʒɪs/ is a town in west Dorset, England, 25 miles (40 km) west of Dorchester and east of Exeter. Sometimes dubbed the “Pearl of Dorset“, it lies by the English Channel at the Dorset–Devon border.
Why is the Jurassic Coast so special?
It is a hugely diverse and beautiful landscape underpinned by incredible geology of global importance. In 2001 the Jurassic Coast was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for the Outstanding Universal Value of its rocks, fossils, and landforms. It remains England’s only natural World Heritage Site.
Why is the Cobb at Lyme Regis so called?
Lyme Regis’ harbour wall is called the Cobb and was built as a breakwater to protect ships and the town.
Are there still fossils at Lyme Regis?
With Lyme Regis being a gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, fossils are still found by people of all ages on Lyme’s beaches, and with a bit of patience and luck you might be able to find your own fossil!
What is considered the Jurassic Coast?
The Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile long stretch of coastline in southern England, situated within the counties of Dorset and Devon. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its outstanding rocks, fossils and landforms.
What does Lyme mean in Lyme Regis?
Today, it is known as the ‘Pearl of Dorset’. Lyme Regis takes its name from its location on the mouth of the River Lym – Lym simply means ‘torrent of water‘.
Where did Jane Austen live in Lyme Regis?
Pyne House
Above the blue door of Pyne House on Broad Street the plaque reads “This is the most likely lodging of Jane Austen, whose visits to Lyme in 1803 and 1804 gave birth to her novel Persuasion”.
Whats Lyme Regis famous for?
The town and its surrounding area are renowned for their natural beauty, and it has a fascinating history stretching back to the 8th century. Lyme Regis is also famous as the birthplace of Mary Anning, one of history’s most important fossil collectors and palaeontologists.
Can you keep fossils from Jurassic Coast?
Collectors are free to take home small or common fossils but can only keep more significant finds—referred to as category one fossils—after reporting them. A collector who wants to sell a category one fossil has to offer it to museums before private buyers and must report the details of the sale.
Can you swim in Jurassic Coast?
You can swim in the cove, take a boat or kayak trip, walk around and enjoy the beauty. The Lulworth Cove Heritage Centre, next to the car park, reveals the history of Lulworth from 150+ million years ago to the present day. The Jurassic Coast is part of the Unesco World Heritage.
Is Jurassic Coast and Durdle Door same?
Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks. It is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and is an extremely popular beauty spot. It is located on the Lulworth Estate in south Dorset and is part of the Jurassic Coast.
What does the word Regis mean?
of the king
Regis, Latin for “of the king“, occurs in numerous English place names. The name usually recalls the historical ownership of lands or manors by the Crown. In other places it honours royal associations rather than ownership.
Are Lyme and Lyme Regis the same?
Mentioned in the Domesday Book, Lyme received its first Royal Charter from King Edward I in 1284 to become Lyme ‘Regis’. In the 13th century it developed into an important port. Lyme’s existence depended upon the Cobb, a small artificial harbour dating from the time of Edward I.
Is Lyme Regis worth visiting?
Lyme Regis is a pretty seaside resort, boasting beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery, a fascinating history and picturesque harbour as well as plenty of activities, attractions and a varied programme of events to keep you entertained all year round.
Can you keep fossils if you find them?
Collected fossils remain public property and are placed with museums, universities or other public institutions for study and exhibition. You may collect reasonable quantities of common invertebrate fossils such as mollusks and trilobites, but this must be for personal use, and the fossils may not be bartered or sold.
Can you keep fossils found on your property?
But in America, fossils discovered on private property belong to the landowner. So if you, as a resident of the United States, find a dino skeleton on real estate that you own, you can legally keep, sell or export it.
What is the rarest fossil ever found?
Rarest-of-the-Rarest Dinosaur Fossil is a Cretaceous Era Still Life of Oviraptor and 24 Eggs. PICTURED: Artwork of oviraptor dinosaur brooding on a nest of blue-green eggs. Photo credit: Zhao Chuang PNSO.
Why are there so many fossils in Lyme Regis?
Firstly, the area supported a rich diversity of life 200 million years ago and these creatures have been well preserved as fossils. Secondly, the rocks containing these fossils were lifted back up to the surface about 15 million years ago. Thirdly, massive natural erosion is constantly exposing a new crop of fossils.
Why is the Jurassic Coast Red?
Here the rocks re 250 million years old and red in colour. This is due to the desert environment that existed in that area. These rocks show the Triassic period and are the oldest section of the coastline.