Dinosaurs

Iguanodon

Found in the Cretaceous rocks of South-East England, this herbivore probably lived in herds and was common in lowland areas across Europe. A complete Iguanodon skeleton forms the centrepiece of the Museum near the entrance.

Compsognathus

At 70 cm (28 inches) in length , Compsognathus is one of the smallest known dinosaurs. The long tail provided balance when running. On display are the skeleton and a life-sized model of this tiny predator.

Megalosaurus

This Jurassic giant had teeth like steak-knives and sharp, hooked claws. At 8 m (26 feet) in length, an adult Megalosaurus was about the same size as a bus. The skull on display was found in Oxfordshire.

Polacanthus

Little is known about this Cretaceous armoured herbivore. Polacanthus belongs to the Ankylosaur group - heavily built dinosaurs that walked on four short, powerful legs and were covered in bony plates and studs or spikes. Part of the skull of this dinosaur is on display in the gallery.

Raptors

Deinonychus ('terrible claw') and Velociraptor ('fast predator') were light and agile predators from the Cretaceous. Both had sharp, hooked claws that could rotate into the flesh of their prey.

Also on display:

• Hypsilophodon, an early Cretaceous herbivore found on the Isle of Wight.
• One of the limb bones of the Late Jurassic giant, Cetiosauriscus. This Sauropod was a colossal 15 metres (50 feet) long.