TE OF EROSION OF THE SEA-COASTS OF ENGLAND AND WALES. 417 
halk cliff west of Margate, the fall of cliff has been very insignificant, and no flints, 
or very few, can be derived from this source. 
_ Between this point and the Reculvers the marsh is protected by numerous groynes, 
Kept up at great cost by the Commissioners of Sewers, which have been instrumental 
in keeping back the sea. 
_ The London Clay cliffs along the remaining portion of this northern shore have 
ered great denudation and destruction by the waves. There are some beaches 
low the cliff, derived, in part, from the gravel beds on the top of them. 
‘The sea currents do not run so strong along this as on the southern shore of 
_ the area. 
Coast- Changes. 
; There are evidences, both physical and historical, that relate to very great changes 
within this district. The Isle of Thanet, as its name implies, was once separated from 
mainland by an arm of the sea, which has greatly been recovered from the ocean 
within the historical period. 
Thaye not been able to discover any evidence of changes in elevation or depres- 
sion within this area since the Roman occupation of England. 
The estuary of the Wantsum, the river that separated the Isle of Thanet from the 
nland, has been recovered from the sea, partly by human agencies, and in great 
e by the silting up of the river, caused by the sea-currents diverting its mouth 
4 northerly direction, by the travelling of sea-beaches, and by accumulation of 
lown sand. 
‘The Roman Rutupean ports and castra of Richborough and Reculvers were 
undoubtedly accessible to the Roman fleets. 
‘Maps relating to the district, from the time of Queen Elizabeth, all show that the 
uanges now taking place along the coast-line have all been acting in one direction, 
viz. a shifting of the strength of the tidal current from the south towards the north. 
etween Sandwich and the Isle of Thanet an old sea-beach is situated, on one 
ity of which was erected the ancient town of Stonar ; the material of which 
‘composed shows it was derived from material brought from the north. The 
it sea-beaches from Dover to the North Foreland, on the other hand, are derived 
material carried from the south. 
In process of formation during the period dating from the first century. But, 
it would seem that it was not covered by the waves during the Roman occupa- 
f Tam not mistaken, a similar alteration in the great tidal wave that sweeps 
And the removal of ancient 
iers must have played an important part in these operations. 
g afull Report upon this district, of which this must serve as a 
have consulted the Reports made from time to time to the Admiralty Naval 
ment; Reports from the Board of Trade in reference to the beach at Deal; 
dman’s Hssays on the Alluvial Formations and Local Changes on the South 
of England ; an Historical Report on Ramsgate Harbour by John Smeaton, 
+71; various Reports on the south-eastern district prepared for your Committee ; 
l available archxological works relating to the subject, a list of which will 
npany the full Report. 
A tracing of the one-inch Ordnance Map accompanies this Report. 
it 
1. Sidmouth. 
By PETER ORLANDO HUTCHINSON, Old Chancel, Sidmouth, Devon. 
alee and neighbourhood best, having resided mostly there since January 
5, 
e cliffs reveal a fine section of the Trias, extending from Axmouth on the east 
(with a small interruption at Beer Head) to near Babbacombe on the west, a 
q ; 
eo of 19 miles, a. The Red Marl at Sidmouth; but as the strata rise 
£ : EE 
