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 (see related Blog post)
• Beatrix Potter (see related blog post)
• ...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 (see related blog post)
• Jack Rattenbury, smuggler
• Sir George Somers, founder of Bermuda
• William Pitt the Elder and the Younger - both British Prime Ministers (see related blog post)

Others not in the Museum

Due to lack of space, some are not covered in any depth in the Museum. However we will point you to more information about them if possible:

Rev Richard Penell of Porto and Lyme who lived in Rosehill on Silver Street. (see Research Papers)

Gallery of Notable People

William Buckland, palaeontologist

Further Information About Lyme Regis Museum

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