Wimpole History Festival: Anthea Simmons - Lightning Mary

On a stormy night, a group of villagers are struck by lightning. The only survivor is an infant – Mary Anning. From that moment on, a spark is lit within her. Growing up on the windswept Dorset coast, Mary follows her father, hunting for fossils uncovered by the waves. Ignoring taunts from fellow villagers, Mary is determined to bring back valuable treasures to help feed her family – even if that puts her in the face of danger. Mary must depend on her unique courage and knowledge to fulfil her dream of becoming a scientist at a time when girls have no opportunitiesfor such ambitions.