AbstractA number of points of interest and controversy in British Permo‐Trias stratigraphy are discussed. Evidence is put forward to suggest that the location of the British area in relation to the poles was very different from that of the present day. The origin of the red colouration in the dune sands is discussed. An attempt is made to reconstruct the outcrop geology of northern England in New Red times, and from this deductions are drawn about the extent of the Zechstein sea. The nature of the false‐bedding in the dune sands is analysed and conclusions are drawn about the extent of the sand sea and the regional pattern of prevailing winds. The relation between false‐bedding and true dip is discussed in an app