Preliminary investigations into Caen Stone in the UK; its use, weathering and comparison with repair stone

Many late 11th and early 12th century buildings in the UK were originally constructed of French Caen Stone. However, alternative sources of limestone had to be used periodically for subsequent repairs. With time, the differing weathering characteristics of the external dressed stones in these buildings have exacerbated the differences in the stonework, even in similar weathering environments. Initial petrographical studies highlight the role of petrography as a key indicator of the likely weathering characteristics of dressed limestone and therefore its long-term appearance in the buildings.