Folkestone Rag Limestone

Folkestone Rag Limestone

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Geological Formation

The Folkestone Rag Limestone is a geological formation that is part of the Lower Greensand Group. The Lower Greensand Group is a series of sedimentary rocks that were deposited during the Early Cretaceous period, which occurred between 145 and 100 million years ago. The formation is characterised by its alternating beds of sandstone, siltstone, and limestone.

The Folkestone Rag Limestone is a type of limestone that is rich in calcium carbonate and contains high levels of fossilised shells and other marine organisms. The stone is characterised by its blue-grey colour and fine-grained texture. The thickness of the formation varies, but it is generally between 12 and 40 metres thick. The stone is blue-grey in colour and has a fine-grained texture.

The Folkestone Rag Limestone is confined to the southeast of England and is found in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. The stone is found in various locations, including Folkestone, Hythe, and Reigate. The stone is also known by alternative names, including Reigate Stone and Kentish Rag.

Use in Buildings

The Folkestone Rag Limestone has been used in numerous famous buildings. One such example is the Canterbury Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral was built between the 11th and 16th centuries and features the Folkestone Rag Limestone in its construction. The stone was used in the construction of the cathedral’s internal walls and columns, as well as in the building’s exterior. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, built in the 19th century, features the stone in its facade. The stone was chosen for its aesthetic appeal and durability, and it is still in good condition today.

The Folkestone Rag Limestone is an attractive building material which has been used in many villages and other buildings in southeast England. In the village of Hythe, the stone is used extensively in the construction of buildings such as cottages and farmhouses.

The Folkestone Rag Limestone is also used in the construction of various churches in southeast England. The stone was used in the construction of the Church of St. Mary in Reigate, which dates back to the 12th century. The stone was also used in the construction of the Church of St. Nicholas in New Romney, which dates back to the 13th century.

Some of the notable buildings and structures that have used Folkestone Rag Limestone include:

1. Folkestone Harbour Arm – This Victorian pier, which extends out into the English Channel, was constructed in the mid-19th century using Folkestone Rag Limestone quarried from the nearby cliffs. (“Folkestone Harbour Arm,” Visit Kent, accessed February 24, 2023, https://www.visitkent.co.uk/attractions/folkestone-harbour-arm-1205/)
2. Martin’s Church, Cheriton – This historic church in Folkestone was built in the 12th century using Folkestone Rag Limestone, with additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. (“St Martin’s Church, Cheriton,” Historic England, accessed February 24, 2023, https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1075748)
3. Dover Castle – The keep and other parts of Dover Castle, which dates back to the 11th century, were constructed using Folkestone Rag Limestone. (“Dover Castle,” English Heritage, accessed February 24, 2023, https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dover-castle/)
4. Canterbury Cathedral – Some of the columns and arches in Canterbury Cathedral, which was founded in the 7th century, are made of Folkestone Rag Limestone. (“Canterbury Cathedral,” Visit Canterbury, accessed February 24, 2023, https://www.canterbury.co.uk/things-to-do/canterbury-cathedral-p105221)
5. The Grand Hotel, Folkestone – This iconic hotel, which was built in the late 19th century, features Folkestone Rag Limestone in its façade. (“The Grand Hotel,” The Grand, accessed February 24, 2023, https://www.grand-uk.com/)

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Further reading

https://webapps.bgs.ac.uk/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?pub=FO