The year is 1811. The place is Lyme Regis, a small town on the south coast of England which was growing in popularity as a seaside resort. 'The Crocodile' is the story of Mary Anning who, when she was only 11 years old, made the stupendous discovery of a fossil dinosaur on the nearby cliffs. The creature was described as a crocodile in deference to a Church which could not accept that unknown species could have lived - and died. The Napoleonic Wars were being fought at that time. Britain and France were enemies and French spies could be found - even in Lyme Regis - with consequent danger to all concerned.