Geology Site Account

Site name: Yew Tree Inn Puddingstone

Grid reference: TL 4915 2671

Brief description of site:

Next to the Yew Tree Inn is a fine 1.2 metre (4 foot) long boulder of Hertfordshire puddingstone. It has been whitewashed in the past but this has fortunately largely worn off.

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Details

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.

On the other side of the road next to the churchyard wall is a one metre long sandstone boulder.

The boulder of Hertfordshire puddingstone next to the Yew Tree Inn at Manuden. Photo: G.Lucy