This is a website for promoting knowledge about Reigate Stone. Used extensively in Medieval London and South-East England between the 11th and 16th centuries, in some scenarios the stone decayed rapidly. This led to declining use and wide-scale replacement between the 16th and 20th centuries. However, some masonry has survived well. Reigate Stone can be found at national and world heritage listed sites like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. Past conservation strategies have often been ineffective and in some cases may have accelerated decay. What remains is often at risk of rapid decay and there is persistent ambiguity about best practice.
The website showcases a long-term research project at the University of Oxford and Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), started in 2016 and funded by the EPSRC and HRP in partnership with Carden & Godfrey Architects. It presents accessible findings from Martin Michette's doctoral thesis, which was completed in 2020. It also consolidates past research and provides a platform for knowledge exchange. This will support practical conservation and foster ongoing discourse within the Reigate Stone community.
