The Mesvinian Industry of Clacton-on-Sea, Essex

The flint flakes from the Elephas antiquus bed of Clacton-on-Sea have been known for many years, and were collected by the Rev. J. W. Kenworthy. I obtained a large series between the years 1911 and 1916, but their affinities remained an enigma to me until they were examined by the Abbé N. Breuil, who denned them as Mesvinian. When once it had been suggested, one realized that this determination was obviously correct, and it has since been confirmed by several continental authorities who are intimately acquainted with the Mesvinian of Belgium. Stratigraphy . Remnants of the High Terrace with Chellian implements occur in the district (at Frinton, Weeley, etc.) at levels of 70 to 85 feet O.D. These contain much Lower Greensand chert from the Wealden area, and I think they must be referred to the main river of the Thames basin. The Clacton bed is the silting-up of a tributary channel which cuts across the High Terrace, and of which the base lies below the present level of low tide.