Geology Site Account
Castle Point District, HADLEIGH, Hadleigh Castle landslip, TQ810860, Regionally Important Geological Site
Locate Hadleigh Castle landslip on map
Hadleigh Castle is situated on the edge of an ancient cliff of London Clay which was cut by the Thames about 27,000 years ago, during one of the coldest periods of the Ice Age. The cliff was abandoned by the river at least 10,000 years ago and since then there have been a considerable number of landslips as the ground attempts to regain a stable slope. The ground is still actively landslipping (the largest slide in historical times occurred in the late 19th century) and it may be at least another 10,000 years before it reaches an angle of stability.
Geology Site Map
Locate Hadleigh Castle landslip on map
Hadleigh Castle is situated on the edge of an ancient cliff of London Clay which was cut by the Thames about 27,000 years ago, during one of the coldest periods of the Ice Age. The cliff was abandoned by the river at least 10,000 years ago and since then there have been a considerable number of landslips as the ground attempts to regain a stable slope. The ground is still actively landslipping (the largest slide in historical times occurred in the late 19th century) and it may be at least another 10,000 years before it reaches an angle of stability.
The abandoned cliff line stretches all the way from South Benfleet to Leigh-on-Sea and forms the southern edge of the high ground of the Rayleigh Hills. Landslips occur at a number of places but they are most visible at Hadleigh, and the severe effects on the medieval castle can be clearly seen. Hadleigh Castle therefore provides an excellent example of landslipped ground, in an impressive setting overlooking the Thames estuary. It is a vivid reminder of one of the processes that have shaped, and continue to shape, the surface of the Earth.
An aerial view of Hadleigh Castle and its famous landlip. Photo courtesy of Essex County Council
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Geology Site Map