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2000: Unsung hero honoured after nearly 180 years.....

The Sussex Express June 2 2000


Andy Ottaway from Lewes is very fond of dinosaurs – very fond indeed. When he's not hunting for fossils, he works as a volunteer at the National history Museum in London.


And on June 24 he is to unveil a monument to Gideon Mantell and his dinosaur discoveries at Cuckfield.

It was at Cuckfield that Mantell, Lewes born and bred, son found three new species of dinosaur – the Iguanodon (only the second dinosaur ever found at the time), the Hylaeosaurus and the Pelorosaurus.

The monument has been supported by the geologist Association, Mid Sussex Council and Cuckfield Parish Council.



It is really surprising that there is no monuments to Mantell in Lewes, unless you believe Brian the snail, near the tunnel, fulfils that purpose!


“It is a pity that Mantell is not commemorated in Lewes. He simply does not get the recognition his work and international reputation deserve,” said Andy.


"I am delighted to honour Mantell in Cuckfield, but I would be even prouder to do the same in his county town of Lewes."



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