Scientists name new dinosaur from England brickwork fossils
Scientists named a new dinosaur species from fossils found at brickworks in southern England.
More than twenty-five years after discovery, researchers identified a new genus and species within the museum's fossil holdings. The creature, Paludohadros proudlovii, was originally unearthed in 2001 at Ewhurst Works in Surrey before being given to the institution.
Early records often grouped southern England iguanodontians into two categories. But recent detailed analysis by museum scientists has since revealed distinct differences between them. This reevaluation has allowed paleontologists to distinguish the new find from previously known relatives like Iguanodon or Mantellisaurus.
The specific name proudly commemorates Will Proudlove, a former staff member who rose to become the site manager before his untimely death at thirty-five. His widow Rachael Proudlove noted he was fascinated by the quarry work and always wondered what treasures each layer of clay might reveal.
Measuring roughly five meters long, this young herbivore likely doubled its adult size before dying. It shared the muddy wetlands with Baryonyx walkeri, a predator discovered nearby in 1983 that probably hunted or scavenged similar young dinosaurs.
“We're absolutely overjoyed and honored that Will's name and legacy will live on in this dinosaur.”