Magnesian Limestone
<NOTE: CONTENTS ARE BETA VERSION – SUBJECT TO FACT CHECK AND VERIFICATION>
Geological Formation of Magnesian Limestone
Magnesian limestone, also known as dolomitic limestone, is a sedimentary rock formed during the Permian period between 299 and 251 million years ago. It was formed from the accumulation of sedimentary particles on the bed of the Zechstein Sea, which covered a large part of the UK, including the North of England. The rock is characterized by a high content of magnesium and calcium carbonates, with occasional fossils of brachiopods and corals. Magnesian limestone is typically thick, ranging from 50 to 200 meters.
The Magnesian Limestone: County Durham, Tyne & Wear, and Cleveland area
Magnesian limestone is a sedimentary rock formed during the Permian period and is rich in magnesium and calcium carbonates.
The rock has been used for building and construction in the UK since Roman times, and was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. The stone was quarried and transported by river from Newcastle to be used in buildings throughout the UK. Alternative names for magnesian limestone include ‘dolomite’ and ‘dolomitic limestone.’
The Raisby Formation is a thin unit of magnesian limestone that is predominantly buff to grey in colour, occasionally showing pink bands. It is approximately 45 meters thick and is found in the area between the River Wear and the coast. It contains occasional fossils of brachiopods and corals, which provide insight into the geological history of the region.
The Ford Formation is a thick unit of magnesian limestone, ranging from 100 to 200 meters thick, and is found in the area between the Tyne and the River Wear. It is predominantly grey to blue-grey in colour, with some units containing pink to yellow-brown bands. The stone has a moderate to high porosity, which makes it susceptible to weathering and erosion over time. The Atlas notes that the Ford Formation has been extensively quarried for use in building and construction, with notable examples including Durham Cathedral and the Central Station in Newcastle.
The Roker Formation is a relatively thin unit of magnesian limestone, around 30 meters thick, that is found along the coast between Sunderland and Hartlepool. The stone is predominantly grey to blue-grey in colour, with some units containing pink to yellow-brown bands. The Atlas notes that the Roker Formation has a moderate to high strength and is relatively durable, making it suitable for use in building and construction. The stone has been used extensively in the construction of buildings and structures in the region, including the Sunderland Empire Theatre and the Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge.
| Permian | Zechstein Group (Magnesian Limestone) | Seaham Formation |
| Roker Formation | ||
| Ford Formation | ||
| Raisby Formation |
Examples of the Use of Magnesian Limestone
Magnesian limestone has been used extensively in the North of England for the construction of villages, towns, and other buildings. The village of Tynemouth in Northumberland is a prime example, where many of the buildings were constructed using locally sourced magnesian limestone. The village’s castle, priory, and several churches, including St. Mary’s Church, were built using the stone. In Cumbria, the town of Penrith features many examples of magnesian limestone buildings, including the town hall and St. Andrew’s Church.
Permian (yorkshire)
The Magnesian Limestone of the Cadeby and Brotherton formations can be found in areas of Derbyshire and Yorkshire. The Cadeby Formation is a thick unit of limestone that is found in the north of East Yorkshire and parts of North Yorkshire. It is typically grey to blue-grey in colour and has a fine-grained texture, with some units containing chert nodules. The formation is made up of alternating layers of limestone and dolomite and has a thickness of up to 120 meters. The Cadeby Formation has been used in a number of notable buildings, including York Minster and Beverley Minster.
The Brotherton Formation is a thick unit of magnesian limestone that is found in parts of South and West Yorkshire. It is predominantly grey to blue-grey in colour, with some units containing pink to yellow-brown bands. The stone has a medium to fine-grained texture and is moderately to highly porous, making it susceptible to weathering and erosion over time. The formation has a thickness of up to 100 meters and contains occasional fossils of brachiopods and corals.
The magnesian limestone of the Cadeby and Brotherton formations is an important building stone in the north of England. These formations have been extensively quarried over the centuries for use in building and construction. The physical properties of the stone, including its strength, durability, and weathering characteristics, make it a popular choice for a wide range of construction projects.
| Permian (in part) | Zechstein Gp (in part) | Brotherton Fm | Upper Magnesian Limestone |
| Cadeby Fm | Lower Magnesian Limestone |
Examples of the Use of Magnesian Limestone
Here are some examples of buildings and structures that have used magnesian limestone from the Cadeby and Brotherton formations, along with their references:
- York Minster: The famous cathedral in York, England, features magnesian limestone from the Cadeby Formation. The stone was used for the cathedral’s central tower and spires, as well as for many of its internal columns and decorative features. (Historic England, 2021)
- Beverley Minster: Another notable cathedral in Yorkshire, Beverley Minster was built in the 13th and 14th centuries using magnesian limestone from the Cadeby Formation. The stone was used for the church’s columns, arches, and other decorative elements. (Historic England, 2021)
References:
Historic England. (2021). York Minster. National Heritage List for England, List Entry Number: 1257222. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1257222
Historic England. (2021). Beverley Minster. National Heritage List for England, List Entry Number: 1083482. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1083482
Permian (Derbyshire)
Bolsover stone is a type of magnesian limestone that is found in the Bolsover area of Derbyshire, in the East Midlands of England. It is part of the Bolsover Formation, which dates back to the Permian period and is characterized by a grey or blue-grey color. The stone is composed of calcite and dolomite, and is relatively hard and durable. It has been used in a variety of applications, including building construction, monument making, and decorative arts.
One notable example of the use of Bolsover stone is in the construction of Bolsover Castle, a landmark of Derbyshire. Bolsover Castle was built in the 17th century and is known for its impressive architecture, featuring a mixture of styles ranging from medieval to Baroque. The castle is constructed of Bolsover stone and is notable for its durability and resistance to weathering over time.
Bolsover stone has also been used in a variety of other buildings and structures in the region, including St. Mary’s Church in Bolsover and the Buttermarket in Chesterfield. The stone has contributed to the distinctive architectural character of these buildings, which are known for their historical and cultural significance.
Mansfield Red and Mansfield White are two types of magnesian limestone that are found in the East Midlands, specifically in the Mansfield area. The Mansfield Red is part of the Edlington Formation, which dates back to the Permian period and is characterized by a reddish-brown color. It is a coarse-grained limestone that contains calcite, dolomite, and quartz. The stone is known for its durability and was used for a variety of purposes, including building construction and road paving.
The Mansfield White, on the other hand, is part of the Sherwood Sandstone Group and is a white to cream-colored limestone that is slightly finer-grained than the Mansfield Red. It is composed of calcite and dolomite, and is relatively hard and durable. The stone has been used in a variety of applications, including building construction, monument making, and decorative arts. Mansfield white was used in construction of 27, 28 and 29 St. John Street Mansfield.
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References:
Derbyshire and Peak National Park Building Stone Atlas. British Geological Survey. https://www2.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/download/EHCountyAtlases/Derbyshire_And_Peak_National_Park_Building_Stone_Atlas.pdf
East Yorkshire, North and North-East Lincolnshire Building Stone Atlas. British Geological Survey. https://www2.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/download/EHCountyAtlases/East_Yorkshire_North_And_North_East_Lincolnshire.pdf
West and South Yorkshire Building Stone Atlas. British Geological Survey. https://www2.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/download/EHCountyAtlases/West_and_South_Yorkshire_Building_Stone_Atlas.pdf
Examples of the Use of Magnesian Limestone
Town wall remains at Hartlepool used Co Durham Roker Formation dolostones (Durham Cleveland Tyne and Wear Building Stone Atlas)
St Oswald, Hartlepool, Co Durham Roker Formation dolostones used (Durham Cleveland Tyne and Wear Building Stone Atlas)
Bolsover Castle – Bolsover stone was used in the construction of Bolsover Castle, which was built in the 17th century. The castle is located in the Bolsover area of Derbyshire and is a landmark of the region. (Derbyshire and Peak National Park Building Stone Atlas)
Mary’s Church, Bolsover – Bolsover stone was used in the construction of St. Mary’s Church in Bolsover. The church dates back to the 12th century and is known for its distinctive architecture. (Derbyshire and Peak National Park Building Stone Atlas)
| Stone Name | Locality for past extraction of this stone (from Building Stones of England English Heritage – excel file) |
| Cadeby Formation | Derbyshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-derbyshire/); Nottinghamshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-nottinghamshire/); South Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-south-yorkshire/); West Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-west-yorkshire/); |
| Ford Magnesian Limestone | Durham Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-durham/); Tyne And Wear Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-county-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); |
| Lower Magnesian Limestone | Derbyshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-derbyshire/); Durham Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-durham/); East Yorkshire, North and North East Lincolnshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-east-yorks-northern-lincolnshire/); North Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-north-yorkshire/); Nottinghamshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-nottinghamshire/); South Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-south-yorkshire/); Tyne And Wear Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-county-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); West Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-west-yorkshire/); |
| Magnesian Limestone | Cambridgeshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-cambridgeshire/); Cheshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-cheshire/); Cumbria Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-cumbria/); Durham Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-durham/); North Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-north-yorkshire/); Nottinghamshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-nottinghamshire/); South Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-south-yorkshire/); Tyne And Wear Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-county-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); West Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-west-yorkshire/); |
| Middle Magnesian Limestone | Durham Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-durham/); North Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-north-yorkshire/); Tyne And Wear Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-county-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); |
| Raisby Magesian Limestone | Tyne And Wear Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-county-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); |
| Raisby Magnesian Limestone | Durham Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-durham/); |
| Roker Magnesian Limestone | Durham Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-durham/); Tyne And Wear Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-county-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); |
| Seaham Magnesian Limestone | Durham Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-durham/); |
| Upper Magnesian Limestone | Cheshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-cheshire/); Cumbria Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-cumbria/); Durham Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-durham/); North Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-north-yorkshire/); Nottinghamshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-nottinghamshire/); South Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-south-yorkshire/); Tyne And Wear Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-county-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); West Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-west-yorkshire/); |
| Building using this stone (from Building Stones of England English Heritage – excel file) | |
| Cadeby Formation | Derbyshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-derbyshire/); Nottinghamshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-nottinghamshire/); South Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-south-yorkshire/); West Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-west-yorkshire/); |
| Ford Magnesian Limestone | Durham Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-durham/); Tyne And Wear Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-county-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); |
| Lower Magnesian Limestone | Derbyshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-derbyshire/); Durham Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-durham/); East Yorkshire, North and North East Lincolnshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-east-yorks-northern-lincolnshire/); North Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-north-yorkshire/); Nottinghamshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-nottinghamshire/); South Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-south-yorkshire/); Tyne And Wear Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-county-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); West Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-west-yorkshire/); |
| Magnesian Limestone | Cambridgeshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-cambridgeshire/); Cleveland Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-county-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); Cumbria Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-cumbria/); Durham Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-durham/); North Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-north-yorkshire/); Nottinghamshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-nottinghamshire/); South Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-south-yorkshire/); Tyne And Wear Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-county-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); West Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-west-yorkshire/); |
| Middle Magnesian Limestone | Durham Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-durham/); North Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-north-yorkshire/); Tyne And Wear Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-county-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); |
| Raisby Magesian Limestone | Tyne And Wear Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-county-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); |
| Raisby Magnesian Limestone | Durham Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-durham/); |
| Roker Magnesian Limestone | Durham Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-durham/); Tyne And Wear Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-county-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); |
| Seaham Magnesian Limestone | Durham Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-durham/); |
| Upper Magnesian Limestone | Cleveland Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-county-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); Cumbria Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-cumbria/); Durham Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-durham/); North Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-north-yorkshire/); Nottinghamshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-nottinghamshire/); South Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-south-yorkshire/); Tyne And Wear Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-county-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); West Yorkshire Buildings (https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/advice/building-stones-england/bse-excel-west-yorkshire/); |
| Stone Name | Building Stones of England (English Heritage Regional Stone Atlases) |
| Cadeby Formation | Derbyshire stones (https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/building-stones-england-derbyshire-peak-district/bse-derbyshire-peak-district/); Nottinghamshire stones (https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/building-stones-england-nottinghamshire/bse-nottinghamshire/); |
| Ford Magnesian Limestone | Durham stones (https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/building-stones-england-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/bse-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); |
| Lower Magnesian Limestone | Derbyshire stones (https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/building-stones-england-derbyshire-peak-district/bse-derbyshire-peak-district/); East Yorkshire, North and North East Lincolnshire stones (https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/building-stones-england-east-yorks-northern-lincolnshire/bse-east-yorks-northern-lincolnshire/); Nottinghamshire stones (https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/building-stones-england-nottinghamshire/bse-nottinghamshire/); South Yorkshire stones (https://www2.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/download/EHCountyAtlases/SouthYorkshireStones.xlsx); |
| Magnesian Limestone | Cambridgeshire stones (https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/building-stones-england-cambridgeshire/bse-cambridgeshire/); Durham stones (https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/building-stones-england-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/bse-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); Tyne and Wear stones (https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/building-stones-england-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/bse-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); |
| Middle Magnesian Limestone | Tyne and Wear stones (https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/building-stones-england-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/bse-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); |
| Raisby Magnesian Limestone | Durham stones (https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/building-stones-england-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/bse-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); Tyne and Wear stones (https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/building-stones-england-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/bse-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); |
| Roker Magnesian Limestone | Tyne and Wear stones (https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/building-stones-england-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/bse-durham-tyne-and-wear-tees-valley/); |
| Upper Magnesian Limestone | Cleveland stones |
Further reading
Lott, G. K., Cooper, A. H. (2008). ‘Field guide to the building limestones of the Upper Permian Cadeby Formation (Magnesian limestone) of Yorkshire’, in Doyle, P. (ed.) (2008). England’s Heritage in Stone : Proceedings of a Conference, Tempest Anderson Hall, York, 15-17 March, 2005. Folkestone: English Stone Forum, pp.80-89.
Harrison, S & Clark, J (2014) York’s City Walls and Bars. The Yorkshire Journal Issue 1 Spring 2014. pp 4-25 https://theyorkshirejournal.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/theyorkshirejournal-2014-01.pdf