Comptonatus Chasei

Britain’s Most Complete Dinosaur Skeleton in a CenturY

In July 2024 researchers announced Comptonatus chasei, a new iguanodontian dinosaur and the most complete land‑dwelling dinosaur skeleton discovered in Britain in more than 100 years. The skeleton was found in 2013 by fossil collector Nick Chase at Compton Bay on the Isle of Wight and subsequently excavated and studied. It includes most of the limbs, vertebrae, ribs and parts of the skull, giving scientists an unprecedented look at a mid‑Cretaceous plant‑eater.

Comptonatus was a medium‑sized herbivore, likely 7–8 metres long with a beaked snout and strong hind legs. Its pubic bone is unusually large and flared, hinting at muscular attachments that may have aided in walking or supporting the abdomen. The skeleton also preserves ossified tendons—bony rods along the spine—which would have stiffened the back and tail. This anatomy places Comptonatus between early iguanodontians like Iguanodon and later duck‑billed hadrosaurs, helping scientists understand how this diverse group evolved. The genus name references Compton Bay; the species name honours Nick Chase, who sadly passed away shortly after the fossil was described.

The Isle of Wight is already famed for its dinosaurs, but Comptonatus stands out for its completeness and scientific value. Most British dinosaurs are fragmentary; a nearly whole skeleton allows researchers to reconstruct posture, muscle attachments and even potential behaviours. The find underscores the importance of amateur fossil hunters who walk the beaches in all weathers and often make the first discoveries. With Comptonatus added to its roster, the Isle of Wight continues to be a hotspot for dinosaur discoveries—and a testament to the collaboration between enthusiasts and scientists.

Credit: American Museum of Natural History / Public domain

Sources: Natural History Museum news article on Comptonatus chasei