Fifty-five million years ago. That’s how old the sediments are in Gilbert’s Pit. Can you imagine?
Welcome to Gilbert’s Pit a 5.2-hectare geological Site of Special Scientific Interest. Located in Charlton it’s more than just a pit. It’s a window to London’s prehistoric past. Once known as Charlton Sand Pit it was worked for sand from the late 1700s until 1889. Named after one of its managers Mr E Gilbert this fascinating location holds secrets from millions of years ago.
Gilbert’s Pit wasn’t always a geological marvel. A Romano-British settlement existed on Cox’s Mount the pit’s summit between the first and fifth centuries. The area was part of the ancient Hanging Wood. Later the pit became part of the Maryon-Wilson family estate. The family generously gifted this land to the public.
The geology of Gilbert’s Pit is exceptional. It boasts one of the most complete sequences of Paleogene sediments in Greater London. The Paleocene Thanet and Woolwich Formations are incredibly well-preserved. They reveal a wealth of fossils including plants sponges molluscs fish and even reptiles. Scientists have studied this site for over 120 years. Their research has produced a vast body of literature. The information board at the entrance provides details.
Gilbert’s Pit isn’t just rocks and fossils. It’s alive with nature. Birch and oak trees dominate the steeper slopes. Yellow gorse and broom brighten the upper areas. Hawthorn bushes on the lower slopes provide homes for birds.
Today much of Gilbert’s Pit is fenced for protection. However you can access the open areas from Charlton Lane. A path from an information board in Maryon Park leads to Cox’s Mount. The views from the mount are stunning overlooking much of London.
So next time you think of London’s history remember Gilbert’s Pit. It’s a testament to deep time and the beauty of nature a place where millions of years meet modern London.