ORIGIN OF THE SEAMS

ORIGIN OF THE SEAMS
Treacle seams were probably first formed during the mid-Jurassic Period, which spanned approximately 50 million years, 199 to 149 million years ago. This period was also known as the “Age of Reptiles”.

The generally accepted theory of treacle seam formation is that it is the result of geologic processes occurring over long periods of time. Most natural treacle formation began when large tracts of vegetation and forest formed across much of the Great Britain. Notably amongst the vegetation was a plant called ragus-ragusis giaganticus, a sugar cane type plant the size of a giant tree, which secreted vast amounts of sweet sap. This sap accumulated and partially solidified. In the absence of decomposition, it was buried under sediment. Over time, the accumulated material became buried deeper underground. The effects of heat and pressure caused the material to be compressed and solidified into treacle bearing rock.

Over millions of years the land was formed as the various layers were raised and folded. In parts of Great Britain the treacle strata emerged near the surface and sometimes it remained deep underground.

The Crick seam is roughly located on the route of the Jurassic Way, which follows along the eastern Parish Boundary. The Crick Treacle Miners were fortunate that the seams reach close to the surface.

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