Building stone databases in the UK : a practical resource for conservation

There is a growing awareness that effective repair of historic buildings and monuments requires detailed knowledge of the component materials. In the case of repair or replacement the technical properties of the building stone are of particular importance. Macroscopic examination in isolation is not sufficient and can lead to incorrect specification of the replacement stone. Petrographic examination forms a crucial part of the repair process. Knowledge of currently available resources is equally important. The BRITPITS database contains over 17,000 sites of mineral extraction in the UK, including historical and currently active sites. Approximately 2350 entries cover active mineral workings, yet only 460 quarries are currently producing building stones. The database is used to help identify the original quarry source of a stone, and locate currently available matching stones for repairs. Research projects are underway to identify building stone resource requirements for specific areas in the UK. Detailed stone surveys of 230 buildings in Glasgow provide an assessment of the requirements and quantities of stone for the future maintenance of the stone built heritage of the city. A project with English Heritage is aimed at providing a systematic assessment of local stone sources to ensure the supply of appropriate building stones in the future.