The Geology of Pubs and Churches in the Mole Valley Surrey

As the philosopher Will Durant (1885-1981) opined ‘Civilisation occurs by geological consent – subject to change without notice’. This statement is illustrated by Mole Valley’s pubs and churches; symbols of English village life that have served as spiritual and social centres for centuries. Consequently, they are often features of significant historic, architectural and cultural value, each with unique stories to tell. The talk describes how the geology of Mole Valley provides many different building materials including chalk rock, flint, ragstone, carstone, firestone; clay for making bricks and building sand. These rocks have controlled the location, construction and architectural character of Mile Valley’s buildings