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STUNTNEY

Although no documentation other than references in geological papers has come to light about the coprolite diggings, it appears they were worked on a small scale before 1892 in the sands which cap the hill on which the village stands. There had been a minor revival of the workings in Stow cum Quy fen from 1888 and similar reworking was taking place in Stretham in 1891 so these deposits must have been worked at this time but by whom is unknown. (Cambridge Independent Press,7th November 1891 p7.) These phosphate-rich nodules were also found scattered in the fields on either side of the road, a mile southeast of the village, and by Ley Clerks Farm, eastsoutheast of the village near Nornea but it uncertain they were worked there. (Whitaker 1891,p28; Roberts 1892 p65. K.Oakley, British Phosphates, Wartime Pamphlets,Vol.8 no.3.)