| Summary : Building stone from the Magnesian limeston, part og the Permian Age Aadeby Formation, has been quarried at Roche Abbey since Mediaeval times. The abbey itself was built of this local stone, probably from the outcrop to the north of the Abbey running through Quarry Hils to the later Rigging Quarry. Quarrying is also evident on the east side of Roche Abbey Farm. The stone was used at Windsor Castle in 1350-77, and Sheffield Castle in 1446-7. Quarrying may have ceased at the Dissolution, since Roche Abbey was stripped of much stone, but resumed later in the post-Mediaeval period. The whole of the outcrop shows signs of quarrying. |