Bath Stone (Combe Down & Westwood Oolite)
Material Library MonographHistoric Building Materials
Illustrative archive

Historical & Geological Context

Bath Stone is an oolitic limestone quarried from subterranean mines in Somerset and Wiltshire. Soft and freely workable in all directions when unmined (freestone), it develops a protective case-hardened crust upon air exposure. Its rich honey-gold tone defines the Georgian terraces of Bath (Royal Crescent) and fine English country mansions.

Petrographic & Geological Characteristics

Warm honey-coloured oolitic limestone (Middle Jurassic Great Oolite), freestone extracted at Combe Down.

Lime Mortar & Breathability Compatibility

Bed with pure slaked lime (CL90) or feebly hydraulic lime (NHL 2) with local stone dust aggregates.

Provenance & Historical Sourcing

Somerset subterranean mines; Combe Down and Monks Park beds.

Condition Report & Patina

Must be laid strictly on its natural quarry bed; requires lime mortars and gentle water wash.

Ref: MAT-REF-007Reference Monograph

Bath Stone (Combe Down & Westwood Oolite)

Somerset, United Kingdom (GB)

Catalogue StatusEducational & Conservation Dossier

Non-commercial reference. Not sold or brokered by Le Cercle du Roi.

Historical EraRoman baths through 18th-century Georgian and Regency architecture
Standard Dimensions / CutsMine blocks, sawn six sides (S6S), profiled ashlar, and baluster blanks
Reference Body / QuarryThe Bath Stone Group
FrameworkCurated Educational Dossier
Editorial & Conservation Notice

This material dossier is compiled from public geological surveys, heritage conservation research (BRGM, CTMNC, Historic England, Monumentenwacht), and historical treatises. Inclusion does not constitute a sales offer by Le Cercle du Roi.