In 1847, Westminster Abbey enjoyed a growth in visitors, attracted by the first marine aquarium in England - a collection of madrepores and sea sponges kept in glass cases at Ashburnham House. This is the story of Anna Thynne, whose creation coincided with a philosophical turning point in history.
Rebecca Stott is a writer and broadcaster. She writes both fiction and non-fiction, is affiliated to the Cambridge history of science department and is Professor of English Literature and Creative Writing at UEA. Her work, in radio writing, fiction and non-fiction, weaves together history, literature and the history of science. She is the author of the non-fiction book DARWIN AND THE BARNACLE and the novel GHOSTWALK.