Bath Stone

Bath Stone is an Oolitic Limestone comprising granular fragments of calcium carbonate. Originally obtained from the Combe Down and Bathampton Down Mines under Combe Down, Somerset, England, its warm, honey colouring gives the World Heritage City of Bath, England its distinctive appearance. An important feature of Bath Stone is that it is a freestone, that is one that can be sawn or 'squared up' in any direction, unlike other rocks such as slate which forms distinct layers.

Additional recommended knowledge

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Geological formation

During the Jurassic Period (195 to 135 million years ago) the region that is now Bath was under a shallow sea. Layers of Marine sediment built and individual spherical grains were coated with lime as they rolled around the sea bed. Under the microscope, these grains (technically - Oolites or Ooids) frequently contain minute fragments of shell or rock and sometimes even decayed skeletons of marine life.

Uses

Bath Stone was also favoured by architect Hans Price who designed much of 19th century Weston-super-Mare.

Extraction

It was mined underground at Combe Down and Bathampton Down Mines, in Somerset; and as a result of cutting the Box Tunnel, at various locations in Wiltshire, including Box and Corsham.

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