Blackfriars in Ipswich has recently been designated a CGS by GeoSuffolk for its extensive use of Eocene Harwich Formation mudstone as a building stone.
The ruins are characteristic of an early Medieval Dominican friary church and associated structures, constrained to occupy a restricted site in an urban area. Modern marine borings suggest that (at least) some blocks of the ‘London Clay’ mudstone were obtained from local foreshore outcrops. This large scale use of local building stone in an attractive setting with excellent access promotes geodiversity in an urban environment.
It is a Historic England Scheduled Monument. GeoSuffolk has registered the CGS with the Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service and has informed Historic England and Ipswich Borough Council. There is a list of Suffolk’s 30 CGS on the Geology and Sites page at www.geosuffolk.co.uk.
GeoSuffolk promotes the understanding and appreciation of the landscape and geology of Suffolk.
Ipswich is well worth exploring for geological interest. The local Sarsen stones are great favourites. Some parks have unexpected seepages of ground water at the Red Crag/London Clay boundary – some are left in their natural state, others are gathered into ponds. The Museum’s collections are especially rich in local fossils, but also contain surprises such as Indian fossil mammals. A walk through the town centre will reveal a wealth of building stones and surely everyone should have their photograph taken in ‘Fossil Animal Dropping Street’ (Coprolite Street) – a reminder of the former artificial fertiliser industry.
Written by Caroline Caroline Markham
Caroline is a Geologist and a member of the Executive Committee of The Ipswich Society
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