Allenton Hippo Derby Museum

Images of Britain: Allenton Hippo, Derby Museum & Art Gallery

The Allenton Hippo on display in Derby Museum & Art Gallery in Derby in the West Midlands is the remains of a prehistoric hippopotamus. It discovered in Allenton, Derby, during the late 19th century when workers were digging a well for drinking water in the yard of the Crown Inn.

This discovery has provided valuable insights into the Pleistocene fauna of the British Isles and the environmental conditions of the time, challenging assumptions about the region's prehistoric climate and ecological history. The presence of hippos in Derbyshire suggests a landscape characterized by rivers or lakes, surrounded by lush vegetation, which supported a diverse range of megafauna. The Allenton Hippo remains are an important resource for understanding past climate changes and their impact on species distribution in prehistoric Britain.

The Allenton Hippo, identified as Hippopotamus amphibius, highlights the existence of a now-extinct ecosystem in the region, which included not only hippos but also other large animals like mammoths, rhinos, and lions.

The discovery challenges common perceptions of prehistoric Britain, illustrating that the area once supported a much more diverse range of species due to its warmer climate. The Allerton Hippo remains (127 bones in all) are also invaluable for understanding the effects of climate change on species distribution and extinction, as well as offering a window into the Pleistocene environment of the British Isles.