The geology and building stones of Lanercost Priory, Cumbria

This report describes the results of a study of the building stones present in the fabric of Lanercost Priory, Brampton, Cumbria. The work was carried out by Brian Young of the British Geological SUlvey (BGS) Newcastle Office in March 1993 as contract No.GN92F/9 between the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and Carlisle City Council. Whereas all parts of the building accessible at the time of the investigation were examined certain parts of the structure, notably the higher parts of the walls and tower, were inaccessible. Any comments made on these are therefore based on distant observations. Lithological characteristics of the stone, eg rock type, comparative grain size, colour, reaction to 10% hydrochloric acid, block dimension, state of weathering etc. were recorded on site. Apart from a brief examination by stereomicroscope of a few small fragments of loose stone collected during the field investigation no laboratory study of the stones has been undertaken. The descriptions presented here are based entirely on available published sources, unpublished BGS and other records, and the observations made during fieldwork in March 1993. No attempt has been made at any systematic appraisal of the structural condition of the buildings or of the ground conditions beneath them: the report is not in any sense the report of a structural survey. None of the data contained herein should be regarded as a substitute for full and appropriate structural and geotechnical investigations if any remedial or other works are contemplated.