The Rhætic and Lower Lias of Sedbury Cliff, near Chepstow (Monmouthshire)

Abstract

On the opposite side of the Severn to Aust Cliff, and 2 miles north-north-west of that section, there is a corresponding elevation known as Beachley, Aunard9s, or Sedbury Cliff. Chepstow lies to the west-north-west, and in a direct line is distant about miles, but by road about miles. I have distinguished the cliff-section as that of Sedbury, since Sedbury Park, the country-seat of Sir William Marling, Bart.—to whom, and to Mr. S. S. Marling, I am indebted for permission to examine the cliff and for kind assistance—is situated on the Rhætic and Liassic outlier. The literature relating to the section is not voluminous. In that which has come under my notice I find it incidentally mentioned in several papers,1 and briefly noticed in two other communications. The earliest account is that given by the Rev. P. B. Brodie, but it is based upon information supplied by Mr. Higgins. This account may be summarized as follows. There is a development of true ‘Insect-Limestone’ above the ‘Landscape-Stone,’ and although they are separated one from the other by 4 feet of shale at the eastern end of the section, at the western they thin out and blend as at Aust. The ‘Landscape-Stone’ contains a great variety of insect-remains, some of which are tolerably perfect. The ‘<i>Cypris</i>- and Plant-Bed’ is seen in its proper position, and in every case possesses a true ‘Landscape’ character. Sir W. V. Guise observed that this section closely resembled the exposure at Aust, yet presented differences which