Hell Kettles, Protected geological site in Darlington, England
Hell Kettles is a protected geological site near Darlington featuring two distinct pools created by natural subsidence of the earth. Double Kettle and Croft Kettle each display different water conditions and plant growth, shaped by their separate geological processes.
These pools formed around 1179 when underground Permian rock layers collapsed, causing major subsidence of the earth's surface. This geological event shaped the landscape and turned the area into a place of scientific study.
The name Hell Kettles comes from medieval times when people believed these pools had no bottom, treating them as mysterious places in local stories. Such names show how communities once viewed natural features with wonder and caution.
The site sits south of Darlington along the A167 road and is open to visitors interested in observing natural spring-fed pools and wetland areas. Sturdy footwear helps on the sometimes muddy and soft paths around both pools.
Croft Kettle holds clear water that supports rare stonewort algae species, while Double Kettle remains murky with almost no aquatic plant life. These differences show how two neighbouring pools can develop completely separate ecosystems.
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