Mary Anning, born to a poor family, was from an early age fascinated by the fossils, then called snake stones and devil's toenails, that could be picked up on the beaches. She became far more interested when she realised that these could be sold to the gentry who had grown into avid collectors. She was supported by her family in her enterprise but was often ripped off by the buyers and derided by the scientists. One person came to her rescue: Elizabeth Philpot – daughter of a wealthy family – and the two women became unlikely friends. But the relationship was to take on stranger twists as
the excitement of the fossil discoveries turned to religious difficulties as the importance of these finds began to spread.