A geochemical and mineralogical study of thin (2–20 cm) clay-rich beds found in Turonian–Coniacian chalks from the Anglo-Paris Basin has been undertaken. On the basis of their rare-earth element (REE) and mineralogical composition it is possible to subdivide beds into bentonites, characterized by a negative Eu anomaly and elevated smectite content, and detrital beds (characterized by a minimal or absent Eu anomaly and a greater proportion of illite). Six beds are considered to be bentonites (Glynde 1, Southerham 1, Caburn, Bridgewick 1, Lewes and Shoreham 2). Trace-element discriminant diagrams add support, as does comparison with similar studies undertaken in eastern England and northern Germany. Geochemical evidence demonstrates that the tephra was variably acidic in composition (rhyodacite–rhyolite–comendite/pantellerite), and was probably derived from crustal melting associated with initial rifting of the North Atlantic. Correlation of bentonites between the Anglo-Paris Basin, eastern England and northern Germany can be demonstrated and independently tested, establishing a tephro-event stratigraphy across northwest Europe for this period.