Stone in Archaeology Database

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Huge blocks of Portland Stone are available from each bed. The Roach however was not particularly exploited until the begining of the 20th century since it was not suited to fine decorative architectural work. Today it is rubbed down and polished and used for decorative cladding (usually interiors) and more commonly for heavy engineering work such as harbours. When first quarried the stone is warm cream in colour but gets lighter exposed to rain and the atmosphere. Smokey polluted atmospheres tends to weather it to a characteristic black and white colour. Despite the above, the stone is very durable and weathers better than most other stones.