The Geology
This coastline was originally formed when sand was laid down by the Sea two million years ago. It is likely that the sea would have been quite shallow and that small islands of sand would have formed along the coast with gravel deposits accumulating in the channels between them. Over time the sand and gravel built up to form the land you are standing on.
Then, approximately 10,000 years ago the tides turned and the sea is now claiming the sand back as it wears away at the cliffs. This means that the remaining replica two Towers at Reculver would have been at risk in the future if action hadn't been taken.
History
After the Romans left Britain in the early 5th century, Reculver became a landed estate of the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent. The site of the Roman fort was given over for the establishment of a monastery dedicated to St Mary in 669 AD, and King Eadberht II of Kent was buried there in the 760s. During the Middle Ages Reculver was a thriving township with a weekly market and a yearly fair, and it was a member of the Cinque Port of Sandwich. The twin spires of the church became a landmark for mariners known as the "Twin Sisters", and the 19th century facade of St John's Cathedral in Parramatta, a suburb of Sydney, Australia, is a copy of that at Reculver.
Reculver declined as the Wantsum Channel silted up, and coastal erosion claimed many buildings constructed on the soft sandy cliffs. The village was largely abandoned in the late 18th century, and most of the church was demolished in the early 19th century. Protecting the ruins and the rest of Reculver from erosion is an ongoing challenge.
The 20th century saw a revival as a tourism industry developed and there are now three caravan parks. The census of 2001 recorded 135 people in the Reculver area, nearly a quarter of whom were in caravans at the time. Reculver Country Park is a Special Protection Area and Site of Special Scientific Interest, which has rare clifftop meadows and is important for migrating birds.
EarthCache
Question 1. Explain why the cliff that the Reculver Towers stand on has been particulary subjected to erosion?
Question 2. At the listed coordinates take an elevation reading. Then walk to N51 22.767 E001 11.922. Take an elevation reading here also and work out the difference in elevation between the two points. In your answer please answer why the difference exists in Geology terms.
Question 3. At N51 22.767 E001 11.922 You will find a RipRap. Explain what a RipRap is and why it is here.
Question 4. What kind of Rock has been used for the RipRap? Explain how you got to your answer and explain why this type of rock has been used.
Question 5. Can you see any fleks in the stone used for the RipRap? If so what do you think they are?
Question 6. At the listed coordinates at the base of the towers you will find a date on the bottom line of the plaque. What is it?
Optional: It would be great if you could take a photo of yourself and your GPS with the twin towers behind you.
Please e-mail me with your answers and post your photo on your log.
