Stone supply secures future for Cathedral conservation
Lincoln Cathedral has signed a new agreement to secure a long-term supply of stone for ongoing conservation and repair projects.
The Cathedral previously sourced its Lincoln Limestone from a quarry on Riseholme Road in Lincoln, which was owned by the Cathedral from 1871. The quarry operated until 2021, when suitable stone beds were exhausted.
Since then, geologist Dr Mike Ashton has led efforts to identify an alternative source that meets the specific requirements for use in the Cathedral’s restoration work. Testing at Daniel Charles’ Dunston Quarry has now confirmed a bed of stone with the required depth and quality.
Dan Ingall, Managing Director of Daniel Charles, said Lincoln Limestone is an oolitic limestone formed around 165 million years ago. He described it as a “robust building material, relatively resilient to decay from weathering, and known for its light but warm colour.”
Mark Wheater, Director of Estates and Facilities at Lincoln Cathedral, said the agreement provides security for the Cathedral’s ongoing maintenance. “Each year we use a significant amount of stone for repairs to the fabric. This partnership ensures we can continue to care for the building using the correct materials,” he said, noting that the Cathedral has an in-house works department skilled in heritage conservation.
Lincoln Cathedral is a Grade I Listed Building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and is the only English cathedral listed in its entirety on the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register. Current projects include repairs to the historic chapter house, including restoration of external stonework and the recreation of carved pinnacles on the roof, with the project costing around ÂŁ1.45 million.
Funding for such conservation projects comes entirely from donations rather than government or Church of England sources. More information is available at Lincoln Cathedral’s fundraising page.
Main Image copyright Lincoln Cathedral.
