Stone in Archaeology Database

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Taynton Stone is renowned for its usage in the colleges of Oxford, particularly during the 12th-14th centuries, though it is first documented in the Domesday Book (1086) and there is evidence of its use in Roman times: a Roman coffin in Taynton stone, 6ft 7in. long, was found on the south bank of the Windrush in 1814 (Arkell 1947: 56). Taynton Stone was used in many major building works over the centuries, not only in Oxford: for instance 2000 tons were used at Windsor Castle during the 14th century; it was used for the interior of St Paul's Cathedral in the 17th century; and Magdalen Bridge in Oxford was rebuilt in Taynton Stone in the 19th century (Leary 1983: 73). The stone is still used today for local repair and restoration work.