Lyme Regis Discovery Trail - Monmouth Beach
Monmouth Beach stretches for about a mile to the west of the Cobb and is steeped in history, both modern and prehistoric.
The beach takes its name from the Duke of Monmouth who landed beside the Cobb to launch his rebellion against his uncle, King James II.
The Monmouth or Pitchfork Rebellion was defeated at the Battle of Sedgemoor. Twelve rebels were hung and 11 quartered at the beach landing place on the order of the notorious Judge Jeffreys as part of the ‘Bloody Assizes’.
Monmouth Beach is the access point for the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve and the South West Coast Path.
The beach is popular with fossil hunters as ammonites, belemnites, fossil plants and even ichthyosaur vertebrae have been found here. The cliffs here are said to date from 189 to 199 million years ago, formed in the early Jurassic period when warm seas covered most of the UK.
At low tide, you can find a layer of limestone at the far end of the beach, called the ammonite graveyard or pavement, where hundreds of large ammonites are exposed in the bedrock and boulders.
Please note: Always check tide times before setting out! You can check on here.
Points of interest
Ammonite Graveyard
On Monmouth Beach to the west of the Cobb, you will find a layer of limestone called the ammonite graveyard or the ammonite pavement. This layer of rock is famous for the large ammonites it contains. You can also find other fossils embedded in the stone.
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