She sells sea shells
This childhood tongue twister, part of a longer poem written in 1908 by Terry Sullivan, has challenged and delighted generations of children and adults alike.
She sells sea shells by the sea shore.
The shells she sells are surely seashells.
So if she sells shells on the seashore,
I’m sure she sells seashore shells.
It is widely acknowledged to be inspired by Mary Anning.
Mary Anning (1799 – 1847) was a British fossil collector, dealer and palaeontologist. She became became famous for her many important finds in the fossil beds at Lyme Regis.
Born into poverty in Lyme Regis, Dorset, Anning developed an expert eye for fossils at a young age. She scoured the dangerous coastal cliffs of the area, known today as the Jurassic Coast, uncovering spectacular specimens that would reshape our understanding of prehistoric life.
Anyone interested in finding out more about Mary Anning can visit the Lyme Regis Museum.
The novel Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier tells the story Mary Anning’s life and friendships.
