Distinctive stone resembling Christmas pudding found during bypass construction

A large piece of a distinctive rock form named for its resemblance to Christmas pudding has been found during the construction of a bypass.

The 3.5-tonne slab of Hertfordshire puddingstone was discovered in the county by workers constructing embankments as part of the A120 Little Hadham bypass project.

Cllr Phil Bibby, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “This fascinating discovery made by our A120 project team reveals the unique geological make-up of our county and is a large piece of history, dating back to prehistoric times.

“We are pleased that the work on the A120 bypass has uncovered such an interesting artefact which can now be enjoyed by the local community and will serve as a lasting reminder of the fantastic and painstaking work being carried out on the new scheme.”

The distinctive stone, consisting of gravel embedded in hard sedimentary rock, is said to look like a Christmas or fruit pudding.

It is found largely in the counties of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire with some deposits also found in the London basin.

The new find is being put on display locally by a Little Hadham village sign.

Cllr Neil Faraday, chair of Little Hadham Parish Council, said: “The puddingstone will stand as a monument to both the commitment and investment of the bypass team but also the natural and rural setting of Little Hadham and its surroundings.

“We hope the puddingstone will become a centre point of our community for generations.”