The Geological Story of the Isle of WightHughes, J. Cecil (John Cecil)
Science
The Geological Story of the Isle of Wight
Hughes, J. Cecil (John Cecil)
Geology -- England -- Isle of Wight; Geology, Stratigraphic -- Tertiary; Paleontology -- England -- Isle of Wight
After a long duration of neolithic times a great step in civilisation
took place with the introduction of bronze. Bronze implements were
introduced into this country probably some time about B.C. 1800-1500;
and bronze continued to be the best material of manufacture till the
introduction of iron some two or three centuries before the visit of
Julius Caesar to these Islands. To the early bronze age belong the
graves of ancient chieftains known as round barrows, of which many are
to be seen on the Island downs. Funeral urns and other remains have
been found in these, some of which are now in the museum at
Carisbrooke Castle. Belonging to later times are the remains of the
Roman villa at Brading and smaller remains of villas in other places;
and cemeteries of Anglo-Saxon date, rich in weapons and ornaments,
which have been excavated on Chessil and Bowcombe Downs. But the study
of the remains of ancient man forms a science in itself--Archaeology.
In studying the periods of Palaeolithic and Neolithic man we have stood
on the borderland where Geology and Archaeology meet. We have seen that
vast geological changes have taken place since man appeared on earth.
We must remember that the geological record is still in process of
being written. It is not the record of a time sundered from the
present day, but continuous with our own times; and it is by the study
of processes still in operation that we are able to read the story of
the past.
[Footnote 17: Mr. W. Dale, F.S.A.]
[Footnote 18: See figure 9, p. 79.]
[Footnote 19: See account by R. W. Poulton in F. Morey's "Guide
to the Natural History of the Isle of Wight."]
[Footnote 20: Surv. Mem., I.W., 1921, p. 174.]
Chapter XIII.
THE SCENERY OF THE ISLAND--Conclusion.
After studying the various geological formations that enter into the
composition of the Isle of Wight, and learning how the Island was
made, it will be interesting to take a general view of the scenery,
and see how its varied character is due to the nature of its geology.
It would hardly be possible to find anywhere an area so small as this
little Island with such a variety of geological formations. The result
is a remarkable variety in the scenery.
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