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BraPG19, Twinstead Sarsen Stone, TWINSTEAD, Braintree District, TL86123667, Potential Local Geological Site
Site category: Boulders - sarsen Site name: Twinstead Sarsen Stone Grid reference: TL 8612 3667 Summary A large sarsen stone (150cm x 70cm x 30cm) with a mammillated surface is situated just outside the churchyard. It was found under the old church when it was demolished in the late 19th century. A smaller sarsen can be seen on the other side of the track. Details
Sarsens are extremely hard boulders of sandstone formed around 55 million years ago when the climate of Britain was hot and a layer of sand 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 probably originated on the chalk downland of south Cambridgeshire and after retreat of the ice they became concentrated in river valleys such as The Stour.
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Stone no.2 near main sarsen at south east corner of churchyard Stone no.1 Stone no.1 just outside south east corner of churchyard upload a new image |
Reference: Armfield 1893
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