Crystal Palace Megalosaurus

3D Model

A scale model in bronze showing the life-size Megalosaurus statue erected in Crystal Palace Park, London, in 1853-1855. The models were probably made by sculptor Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins.

Megalosaurus has the honour of being the first dinosaur to be described in a scientific way (by William Buckland in 1824), although the term ‘dinosaur’ was not coined by the anatomist Richard Owen for another 18 years. Its ‘fearful’ teeth were compared to a collection of knives, swords and saws.

For more information, see https://cpdinosaurs.org/visit/statue-details/megalosaurus.