I wanted this virtual cache to be wheelchair friendly. You do not need to climb on the rocks to claim this cache, all answers and observations can be made from the paths around the Wellington Rocks. Please message me if you have any problems obtaining the answers.

Tunbridge Wells Common

Tunbridge Wells Common is a 104 hectare open space close to the centre of town, containing mixed oak woodland and open areas. It was originally a common dating back to Saxon times where animals grazed, but trees grew as less animals grazed on the land. It is underlain by sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous period (around 136 million years ago), which outcrops in several places across the common.

Sedimentary rock.

Sedimentary rocks are made when sand, mud and pebbles get laid down in layers. Over time, these layers are squashed under more and more layers. Eventually, the layers are “lithified” (turned to rock). Sedimentary rocks can be formed in deserts , lakes, rivers and seas .

One type of sedimentary rock is called sandstone and like the name sounds, it's made up of pieces of sand piling up on top of other sand over years and years. Most sandstone is composed of quartz and/or feldspar because these are the most common minerals in the Earth's crust.

Facts about Sandstone

• Sandstone comes in a variety of colors including red, yellow, gray, and brown.
• It can form under the sea or on land.
• It is common to find natural gas in sandstone because sandstone is porous and traps it.
• Sandstone can be categorized into three groups: arkosic, quartzose, and argillaceous.
• Because this rock is porous it can serve as a filter in nature by filtering out pollutants from running water.
• Groundwater can be transported by underground sandstone.
• Sandstone rock can take thousands of years to form.

Uses of Sandstone

• Sandstone has been used to make housewares since prehistoric time.
• Sandstone is a versatile building structure and has been used to construct buildings, statues, and fountains.
• Sandstone is popular in constructing buildings because it is resistant to weathering.
• Grindstone wheels, which are used for sharpening, are made of sandstone.
• Sandstone is often broken down and used as industrial sand.

The Wellington Rocks

The Wellington Rocks are found on Tunbridge Wells Common; they are an outcrop of Ardingly Sandstone. These rocks were named after the Wellington Hotel nearby.

In earlier times they had other names such as ‘the High Rocks on Mount Ephraim’ or the more popular name of ‘Castle Rock’. This name was either as a result of the nearby Castle Tavern, or because of the shape of the highest point of the rocks

The sandstone rocks were created from deposits of a vast freshwater lake which covered most of Southern Britain.  

An early nineteenth century guide reported that “small transparent pebbles are found on the paths of the Common, especially after rain. These crystals are called Tunbridge Wells Diamonds, and when cut and polished, form brilliant additions to the jewel-case”. These small rounded pebbles can still be seen here today embedded in the sandstone.

Questions to claim the virtual cache:

Please use the message centre to send me (Bearded Zombie) the answers and then log your find. You do not need to wait to log your find once you have sent the message to me.

1. From ground level, how high do you think it is to the highest point?
2. According to the information board, what caused the erosion of the rocks?
3. How long ago did this erosion take place?
4. To prove you were actually here, at (N51 07.801  E000 15.100)  there is another outcrop of sandstone which has been converted into a refuge for over-wintering reptiles and bats. What was the original purpose of this location?