Fossil Reptile
Reptile fossils are rare at Folkestone, typically found as isolated bones or teeth, and often fragmented.
While many types of marine reptiles have been discovered, I am not aware of any crocodile remains being found. This is quite surprising, and I would be very interested to hear from any collector who believes they may have found even a partial crocodile specimen.
Herbivorous dinosaurs, dinosaur footprints, and pterosaurs have also been reported at Folkestone, but these discoveries are extremely rare. Any such finds should be immediately reported to the local museum.
To date, I have not personally encountered either dinosaur or pterosaur fossils at Folkestone.
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On this page you will find some of the better examples in my collection currently. There are many different species to be found at Folkestone. For a better catalogue I recommend a copy of "Fossils of the Gault Clay"
Platypterygius campylodon
(Carter, 1846)
Ichthyosaurs are rare to find at Folkestone, and when discovered, they are usually represented by isolated teeth or vertebrae.
To date, I have not found either, and the only example in my collection is the specimen shown above.
The photo depicts part of an ichthyosaur jaw, as identified by ichthyosaur expert V. Fischer (see his notes below).
"This is a fragment of the anterior part of the premaxilla or dentary because it does not show internal cavities. Knowing this, the fragment appears too large for Sisteronia so I would go for Ichthyosauria indet., cf. Platypterygius."
What is unusual about this specimen is the pitting along one side of the bone, almost as if it has been partially digested (possible acid etching?).
Find frequency on the foreshore: Very rare
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Rhinochelys pulchriceps
(Owen, 1851)
Photographed above is a very rare turtle claw — the only example I have ever found. At just 7 mm in size, I initially mistook it for a fish tooth.
Although turtles are considered the most common reptile fossil from Folkestone, they are by no means frequently encountered. On average, I find only a single bone fragment every three to four years.
A particularly fine fossil skull was discovered by P. Hadland and is featured in his book Fossils of Folkestone.
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Find frequency on the foreshore: Rare
Rhinochelys pulchriceps
(Owen, 1851)
The above specimen is turtle, most likely the lower plastron.
Although turtles are considered the most common reptile fossil from Folkestone, they are by no means frequently encountered. On average, I find only a single bone fragment every three to four years.
This specimen seems to have similar etching as seen in my ichthyosaur jaw fossil
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Find frequency on the foreshore: Rare
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Rhinochelys pulchriceps
(Owen, 1851)
Like the previous example above, this is another example of plastron from a turtle, but in far better condition Most likely fresh out from the clay.
Although turtles are considered the most common reptile fossil from Folkestone, they are by no means frequently encountered. On average, I find only a single bone fragment every three to four years.
​
Find frequency on the foreshore: Rare
Rhinochelys pulchriceps
(Owen, 1851)
Above specimen has a distinct shape, probably a neural of the plastron.
Although turtles are considered the most common reptile fossil from Folkestone, they are by no means frequently encountered. On average, I find only a single bone fragment every three to four years.
​
Find frequency on the foreshore: Rare
Rhinochelys pulchriceps
(Owen, 1851)
With its distinct triangular shape, this piece of turtle is probably a plastron marginal.
Although turtles are considered the most common reptile fossil from Folkestone, they are by no means frequently encountered. On average, I find only a single bone fragment every three to four years.
​
Find frequency on the foreshore: Rare
Rhinochelys pulchriceps
(Owen, 1851)
This turtle bone had a distinctly different look from plastron. A partial limb bone is the most likely identification.
Although turtles are considered the most common reptile fossil from Folkestone, they are by no means frequently encountered. On average, I find only a single bone fragment every three to four years.
​
Find frequency on the foreshore: Rare
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Rhinochelys pulchriceps
(Owen, 1851)
At a glance the above specimen appears to be just a lump of phosphate nodule, but within it is a turtle scute. You can see the telltale patterning in the top corner. Unfortunately any attempt at preparation will destroy the fossil.
Although turtles are considered the most common reptile fossil from Folkestone, they are by no means frequently encountered. On average, I find only a single bone fragment every three to four years.
​
Find frequency on the foreshore: Rare
Rhinochelys pulchriceps
(Owen, 1851)
The above specimen was the first example of fossil reptile I ever found. I think it is a metacarpal, but would gladly encourage an ID if it can be confirmed.
Although turtles are considered the most common reptile fossil from Folkestone, they are by no means frequently encountered. On average, I find only a single bone fragment every three to four years.
​
Find frequency on the foreshore: Rare
Rhinochelys pulchriceps
(Owen, 1851)
This is a partial turtle humerus, its in fantastic condition showing clear bone detail. Size is approx. 4cm long x 1.5cm wide.
Although turtles are considered the most common reptile fossil from Folkestone, they are by no means frequently encountered. On average, I find only a single bone fragment every three to four years.