Standing on the cliffs above Stair Hole and looking at the contorted strata, you realise why this area, among others, played such a key part in convincing 18th century geologists that the earth was not created in 4004BC, as everyone, including Bishop Usher and the church, believed, but was in fact much much older.
The idea that in only a few days so many layers of rock (and there associated fossils) could have been laid down, lifted up, twisted and bent, and then had further layers laid down on top of them which were in turn contorted was no longer sustainable.
Lulworth Cove itself barely needs any introduction. It is the classic example of the sea breaking through a ridge of hard rocks and carving out a near circular bay in the softer soils behind, and one of the many reasons why this whole coastline has been declared a World Heritage Site.
As well as the large shingle beach , there is a large car park, a Visitor Centre, a Beach Cafe (if you can get in) and a couple pubs (both set back from the sea.
Situated on the cliffs between Lulworth Cove and Stair Hole the World Heritage Site Stone is inscribed as follows:
185 Million Years of the Earth's History
This stone which commemorates the inscription of the Dorset and East Devon Coast on the World Heritage List of the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage was unveiled by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales on 3rd October 2002
Inscription on the World Heritage List confirms the exceptional universal value of a cultural or natural property which deserves protection for the benefit of all humanity
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