Stone in Archaeology Database

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Purbeck Marble was commonly used during the Roman period from soon after AD 43, mostly for architectural purposes (wall sheathing and flooring) and prestigious public buildings, such as the Temple of Claudius at Colchester (c. AD 54) (Williams 2002: 127-9), though it was also used for portable items such as mortaria (ibid.). During the Medieval period, its use became widespread again from the 1140s onwards; its 'golden age' was 1250-1350, when it was used in "practically every large church built at this time" (Williams 2002: 129), notably Westminster Abbey and the Cathedrals of Ely, Salisbury and Lincoln. Its use today is restricted to restoration work.