I spent a lovely time with my sister last week in Lyme Regis, in spite of the troubled train journey there (explained in previous blog post). Living in Leicester, we could not be further away from the sea if we tried and so it is a delight to stand and watch the sun rising across the water. I know that the photograph on the left could be anywhere but I wanted to include it because it reminds me of early morning sea watching in Lyme.Lyme Regis is famous for its Cobb, its fossils and, more recently, for the filming of Broadchurch in its vicinity. I saw it all while I was there and I have photographs to prove it:
The Cobb was originally built around 1313 providing a small harbour which is still used today, mainly by fishing boats. It is famous for a scene in The French Lieutenant's Woman featuring Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons in a passionate clinch. Sorry! I'm afraid you'll have to make do with me instead!
A few miles away from Lyme, in Charmouth, the cliffs are continually crumbling and fossils, especially ammonites, can be found even by the most amateur of hunters. When I last visited the area this section of cliff was sheer and there was quite a wide beach. Now the cliff has crumbled to a definite slope and is much closer to the shore line. You can see the cliffs in the background of this photograph. As for the Broadchurch link, the beach huts on the left were featured in the programme.
The fossils found at Charmouth date back about 190 million years. My mind can't conceive of that length of time. The Blue Lias Formation is responsible for preserving and for revealing these fossils. You can read more about it here but I photographed an example of a collection of ammonites in a piece of rock that was found in the area. I have to admit that I did not find it myself but I wish I had. 190 million years! Mind blowing!
Ah, Lyme ... I didn't watch Broadchurch but do link it with The French Lieutanant's Woman - and those lovely cliffs. So glad you had a good week. Maybe next time you'll do clinching.
ReplyDeleteI'm showing my ignorance here but I am going to assume that clinching means hunting for fossils. If you saw how crumbly those cliffs were you wouldn't even suggest it. Far too dangerous for my liking. #EternalCoward
DeleteEr ... I was thinking you might find a passionate Jeremy Irons lookalike for a bit of how's-your-father on the Cobh!
DeleteOh! Haha!! I see what you mean now. Passionate clinch! Hmmm, now let me think. Jeremy Irons? Johnny Depp? Who to choose? *fans overheated face with hand*
Delete... David Tennant ... *I need a sit down* ...
DeleteI am so pleased for you, Rosalind, that you and your sister, had a good time together especially after the sad start to the trip. You look especially brave and statuesque standing on "The Cobb" I have been many times to the rocky parts of Charnwood forest in Leicestershire and one can see many fossils there. Indeed I have a rock with ammonites in on display at home.
ReplyDeleteHaving seen your picture I now wish to see the sea again soon. I quite often set quizzes for family and friends and one my favourite questions is;"Where is the furthest point from the sea in England according to the Ordinance Survey" Answer. A small farm on outskirts of "Cotton in the Elms" Derbyshire!!!!!! Petra.
I'm not sure but I suspect the Charnwood rock with ammonites is very different from the type found in Dorset. And the sea is very special, isn't it.
DeleteYou do a good solitary figure on top of Cobb act....I've never been to Lyme but I did watch the French Lieutenant's Woman...and the book also describes it. Re your last post..D has been delayed so many times by people throwing themselves under trains. When you see the way this Govt has reduced benefits and created a 'punish the weak' society, you can see wHY.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me want to cry to think of all those people struggling financially because of this government and wanting to take the ultimate exit. So very sad.
DeleteAs for me being a good solitary figure, you didn't hear what I was saying to Sister... "Hurry up and take the photo before I get blown away!"
So beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it! :-)
DeleteThe blue lias shales are on the same band of rock that comes out near Watchet where we were a few weeks ago. Apparently the coast a couple of miles away is known for its ammonites!
ReplyDeleteThey're amazing, aren't they, and I'm still mind-blown about the 190 million year aspect.
Deletelovely pics and very interesting history. Nice to see you, but if you'd thrown in David Tennant too.....well, that would have been beyond amazing. Broadchurch was quite good - now I feel like I've been there. Happy Monday
ReplyDeleteCome now, Joanne, if I had access to David Tennant would I really be sharing him with you lot? No way!!! *fans overheated face for second time on this comment page* ;-)
DeleteThis comment is from Anabel Marsh. I pressed the wrong button and then it wouldn't post up so here it is. Thanks, Anabel and sorry for my clumsiness:
ReplyDeleteLovely post - I've only been to Lyme Regis once, partly inspired by The French Lietenant's Woman which I've now read 3 times. I change my mind about the dual ending every time! It's also where Louisa Musgrove jumped down the steps and injured her ankle in Persuasion so I was glad to see The Coob. For myself at long last.
Anabel's Travel Blog
Adventures of a retired librarian
Sorry to cause you so much trouble!
DeleteAnabel's Travel Blog
Adventures of a retired librarian
Not at all. It was my mistake.
DeleteWhat a wonderful place to visit! Anyplace on the ocean is a winner for me, but it'd be awesome to be someplace where there are 190 million-year-old fossils, to boot. They'd make me feel so YOUNG!
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures.
Susan, that is hilarious! Those fossils make me feel young too now you've raised the issue!
DeleteOh Ros, Lyme is like a second home to me! I was at school there and had to be a boarder so I know it more than well. I still love it and the Cobb was where I earned my first ever money by busking! Your photos are lovely and I used to collect fossils on the beach myself, so you are bringing back lots of memories for me. Charmouth is gorgeous too. Thank you Ros. I especially enjoyed this!
ReplyDeleteGlad to have brought back happy memories for you, Val
DeleteSad start – brilliantly happy fun middle – sad ending waving goodbye at the station. My friends all send their love and look forward to your next visit. I’ll always think of you sitting on the stone steps gazing fondly out to sea and who can forget (certainly not the neighbours) our rendering of “Honey Honey” and “Dancing Queen” as we sat curled up on my sofa watching ‘Mamma Mia’. Come back soon. Lots of love big sis x x
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I forgot to blog about us singing along to Mamma Mia....on second thoughts, it's best kept to ourselves!! Loved meeting your friends and promise to be back very soon xxx
DeleteRos are you disobeying a sign? I'd love to have a sister you look so happy together.
ReplyDeleteAnne! I thought you knew me better than that. I would never disobey a sign. It was windy, yes, but not what locals would consider to be a high wind :-)
DeleteI wish you had videotaped the songs you sang from Mamma Mia! The fossils are breathtaking. Lovely photos, and you fun gals are so lucky to have each other!
ReplyDeleteJulie
You truly would not have wanted to hear us sing and we do know how lucky we are to have each other. It's just a shame we live over five hours' worth of travelling away.
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