The Stones of Stamford Revisited
The Stones of Stamford Revisited
By Rachel Morley
PGDip (B.Cons.) BEng
Architectural Conservator
In 2014, Rachel put together a talk to the Civic Society about Stamford Stone. It generated a great deal of interest, and as a result the Society has commissioned this book to provide more information. It is a ‘must have’ book for anyone who owns, or is thinking of owning, one of Stamford’s marvellous limestone buildings. Professionals responsible for advising such clients – architects, surveyors, estate agents – will no doubt wish to have their own reference copy close at hand.
The book (or monograph, to describe it more accurately) is made up of three parts. First, a description of the limestone obtained from each of the ‘Big Six’ quarries – Ketton; Clipsham; Collyweston; Barnack; Stamford and Weldon (although only the first three are still being worked). Morley’s book takes a scientific view of these limestones, providing a photomicrograph of each type that helps the reader to understand the type’s strengths and weaknesses. By contrast, Ireson’s book, written thirty years ago, tends to focus on the social histories of the various quarries.
The second part of the monograph looks in some detail, and with copious illustration, at the twenty-three weathering patterns and processes that can cause damage and deterioration to Stamford’s fine buildings. Of increasing relevance during modern winters is the growing use of highway salting. Wet weather dissolves the salt, which penetrates deep into the pore structure of the limestone: dry weather recrystalizes the salt, causing the pores to rupture.
It is one thing to observe and understand the causes of these twenty-three weathering processes. It is quite another to actually do something about them. The third part of this monograph describes the most useful conservation treatments, to help us to preserve our beautiful town for future generations.
Because of its comprehensive nature, this book provides students and their educators with an excellent introduction to the care of, and attention to, Stamford’s built environment – which is, as we all know, the finest stone town in England.
The monograph is on sale at Walker’s Bookshop in Stamford High Street, at a nominal price (£5).
By Rachel Morley
PGDip (B.Cons.) BEng
Architectural Conservator
In 2014, Rachel put together a talk to the Civic Society about Stamford Stone. It generated a great deal of interest, and as a result the Society has commissioned this book to provide more information. It is a ‘must have’ book for anyone who owns, or is thinking of owning, one of Stamford’s marvellous limestone buildings. Professionals responsible for advising such clients – architects, surveyors, estate agents – will no doubt wish to have their own reference copy close at hand.
The book (or monograph, to describe it more accurately) is made up of three parts. First, a description of the limestone obtained from each of the ‘Big Six’ quarries – Ketton; Clipsham; Collyweston; Barnack; Stamford and Weldon (although only the first three are still being worked). Morley’s book takes a scientific view of these limestones, providing a photomicrograph of each type that helps the reader to understand the type’s strengths and weaknesses. By contrast, Ireson’s book, written thirty years ago, tends to focus on the social histories of the various quarries.
The second part of the monograph looks in some detail, and with copious illustration, at the twenty-three weathering patterns and processes that can cause damage and deterioration to Stamford’s fine buildings. Of increasing relevance during modern winters is the growing use of highway salting. Wet weather dissolves the salt, which penetrates deep into the pore structure of the limestone: dry weather recrystalizes the salt, causing the pores to rupture.
It is one thing to observe and understand the causes of these twenty-three weathering processes. It is quite another to actually do something about them. The third part of this monograph describes the most useful conservation treatments, to help us to preserve our beautiful town for future generations.
Because of its comprehensive nature, this book provides students and their educators with an excellent introduction to the care of, and attention to, Stamford’s built environment – which is, as we all know, the finest stone town in England.
The monograph is on sale at Walker’s Bookshop in Stamford High Street, at a nominal price (£5).
