Geology Site Account

Site name: Hatfield Broad Oak Church Puddingstone

Grid reference: TL 547166

Brief description of site:

At the eastern end of the churchyard of St. Mary's Church is a boulder of Hertfordshire puddingstone (65cm x 60cm x 35cm in size).

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Hertfordshire puddingstone

Hertfordshire Puddingstone was formed around 55 million years ago when the climate of Britain was hot and a layer of pebbles beneath the surface of the ground became cemented with quartz. They are thus very resistant to erosion and have survived the rigours of the Ice Age. They originated in Hertfordshire, hence the name, and were probably carried to Essex by the River Thames when it flowed north of its present course. However, the distribution and abundance of Hertfordshire puddingstone in parts of Essex suggests that some occurrences may have a local Essex source.