The Scientific Glutton

William Buckland was a brilliant man of science who held the position of Dean of Westminster. While he was instrumental in identifying the Megalosaurus, he is best remembered for his eccentric culinary habits. Buckland claimed his goal was to taste every creature in the animal kingdom. Visitors to his home were often served bizarre dishes, including toasted mice, ostrich, and even pan-fried garden snails.

The Heart of a King

Buckland's most infamous story occurred during a dinner party at the home of Lord Harcourt. The family possessed a silver locket containing the mummified heart of King Louis XIV. When the relic was passed around for inspection, Buckland reportedly remarked, 'I have eaten many strange things, but have never eaten the heart of a king before,' and promptly swallowed it before anyone could intervene.

A House of Chaos

His home was a living museum where guinea pigs ran through the halls and fossils were piled on every chair. He even used a pet bear wearing a student's cap and gown to entertain guests at Oxford. Buckland believed that science should be an immersive experience, even if that meant literally digesting his subjects of study.

• First scientist to describe a dinosaur fossil.
• Noted for eating hedgehogs, puppies, and crocodiles.
• Served as the Dean of Westminster Abbey.