The Shropshire Mammoth – Shropshire, England - Atlas Obscura

The Shropshire Mammoth

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre

A replica of one of the most complete mammoth skeletons discovered in England. 

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The skeleton of a woolly mammoth was discovered by a woman walking her dog by a nearby gravel quarry in 1986. It was one of the most complete mammoth skeletons ever discovered in the United Kingdom. The skeleton of the adult male was unearthed accompanied by partial skeletons of several juvenile mammoths.

A replica of that famous creature is now the central display within the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre at Craven Arms in Shropshire. 

From time to time, the original skeleton makes its way back to its hometown on loan from the Natural History Museum (NHM) where it is permanently displayed.

The exhibition space is complete with loads of extra contextual artifacts and information, including a replica of the interior of a wooden Iron Age roundhouse. The exhibit also shows a video that provides great information about the historic sites around the local area. 

Architecturally, the building itself is a gem that includes a turf roof that provides both insulation and control of water discharge to prevent flooding.

Know Before You Go

The mammoth exhibit is within the free to enter visitor center. There is a charge of £2.50 to enter the exhibition space.


Parking at the site is free, but a £1.00 voluntary donation is requested.

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November 12, 2020

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