Lyme Regis in Dorset has connections with an unusually rich array of distinguished personalities. Some were born here, some came for a visit, some came to stay.

You can find out about many of them in the museum, including: 

Geology, Palaeontology and Science

• Mary Anning, palaeontologist
• Henry de La Beche, palaeontologist (see related blog post)
  
• William Buckland, palaeontologist (see related blog post)
  
• Joseph Lister, pioneer of antiseptic surgery (see related blog post)
  

Royalty

• King Edward I, who granted the town its first royal charter in 1284 (hence the Latin term Regis, or "of the King", in the town's name) - see related blog post
  
• King Charles II, who came here twice... once as a fugitive during the Civil War, and then twenty years later as King (an unplanned visit caused by stormy seas)

The Arts

• Jane Austen, author
• John Fowles, 1926 – 2005, writer
• James McNeil Whistler, artist
• John Gould, ornithologist
• Francis Palgrave, poet
• Beatrix Potter
• ...and many others (see Writers and Artists)

Business and Society

• Thomas Coram , Social reformer and founder of the Coram Foundation
• Elinor Coade, 1733-1821 businesswoman
• Jack Rattenbury, smuggler
• Sir George Somers, founder of Bermuda
• William Pitt the Elder and the Younger - both British Prime Ministers (see related blog post)

Gallery of Notable People

William Buckland, palaeontologist

Further Information About Lyme Regis Museum 

• In the Museum - Exhibitions and Events 
• Tour of Lyme Regis Museum