Dimension Stone and the Conservation of Heritage Assets
England has been a major producer and consumer of building and roofing stone for at least 2,000 years.
The diversity of local stone sources, often coupled with local masons employing their own styles, has made a fundamental contribution to England's highly variable and locally distinctive built heritage over many centuries.
Using local building materials, particularly in rural areas, is a very good way to achieve a visual harmony with the characteristics of the local geology and environment. Such use also helps to maintain local and regional distinctiveness.
Certain stones have traditionally been exported for prestigious building work, such as Portland stone or Burlington stone. Their continued supply is important if the requisite materials and skills are to be sustained.
These factors have led to an increase in the demand for building stone, and a growing recognition and appreciation of the value of England's stone resources.
