Publications
Sussex stones : the story of Horsham stone and Sussex marble, by Roger Birch, published 1 October 2005 (64 pp., published by the author, ISBN-10: 0955125901 & ISBN-13: 9780955125904) accessible at: British Library & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
The Geology of Rudgwick Parish Church, by Roger Birch, published 2007 (Rudgewick Preservation Society)
Abstract:16 page booklet documents the many different types of stone used in the construction of the Holy Trinity Church (including the Sussex Marble font). The booklet reviews the building of the church and takes the reader on a tour of the geological features of each of the stones used and where they may have been quarried locally.
Building Stones of West Sussex, by Roger Birch and Roger Cordiner, published December 2014 (349 pp., privately published by the authors, ISBN-13: 9780955125911) accessible at: R.I.B.A. Library & West Sussex Libraries
Abstract:Stone building was introduced into West Sussex first by the Romans, and later on a grand scale by the Normans. From the 11th to the mid 19th century, before the advent of easy transport by railway some 30 different types of vernacular building stones were quarried, and over 20 different types were imported by sea. The authors are both experienced geologists who have spent many years studying the rich heritage of the stone buildings of the West Sussex. With the growing awareness of the need to conserve our stone buildings the authors present the first detailed, authoratitive and lavishly illustrated account of all the building stones used in ancient buildings of the county. Each of the main building stones is described in detail under the headings of; Geology, History, Quarrying and Places to see the building stone. Building Stones of West Sussex includes comprehensive glossaries and an extensive bibliography.
This is an indespensable guide for all those interested in our building stone heritage. It will particularly appeal to geologists, historians, archaeologists, geographers, building conservators and those who wish to learn more about the rich building stone heritage of West Sussex.
Review by David Bone in Sussex Past & Present no. 135, April 2015:This is an indespensable guide for all those interested in our building stone heritage. It will particularly appeal to geologists, historians, archaeologists, geographers, building conservators and those who wish to learn more about the rich building stone heritage of West Sussex.
The Building Stones of West Sussex by Roger Birch and Roger Cordiner is a book that has been long awaited, self-published by the authors. Superbly illustrated with examples of some 32 building stones, both as specimens and in use, this book will undoubtedly become the standard reference book for the county. The style of presentation is good and easy to follow. Each building stone is described with a section on its geology, building and history, quarrying, and places to see. Occasional snippets of text from historic sources add interesting diversions from the relatively staid academic content. My only real issue with the presentation is the random use of drop shadows around the illustrations, which distracts and is unnecessary in most cases.
Unfortunately, the book is flawed in a number of ways, full details of which cannot be presented in this short review. Of most concern are various unsupported and sometimes dubious historical or archaeological details that are presented as unqualified facts (references in the text are few). Some illustrations are incorrectly labelled and a number of churches as example locations either do not have the stone that is being discussed or the stone is so difficult to locate that they should not have been used. At least one of the minor building stone identifications appears to be incorrect.
Also, although written by geologists, some of the terminology ignores established geological usage and new terms have been introduced, such as Chichester Greensand (incorrectly implying greensand from Chichester) and Nettlestone. The latter, from the Isle of Wight, is akin to calling a Kent building stone simply Folkestone. It should be Nettlestone Rock. Unfortunately, the obvious errors cast doubt on the accuracy of the remaining content.
An excellently produced book, but does appear to suffer from inadequate peer review. Do buy it, as there won't be anything better, but treat with caution and don't quote from it without checking the facts first.
Unfortunately, the book is flawed in a number of ways, full details of which cannot be presented in this short review. Of most concern are various unsupported and sometimes dubious historical or archaeological details that are presented as unqualified facts (references in the text are few). Some illustrations are incorrectly labelled and a number of churches as example locations either do not have the stone that is being discussed or the stone is so difficult to locate that they should not have been used. At least one of the minor building stone identifications appears to be incorrect.
Also, although written by geologists, some of the terminology ignores established geological usage and new terms have been introduced, such as Chichester Greensand (incorrectly implying greensand from Chichester) and Nettlestone. The latter, from the Isle of Wight, is akin to calling a Kent building stone simply Folkestone. It should be Nettlestone Rock. Unfortunately, the obvious errors cast doubt on the accuracy of the remaining content.
An excellently produced book, but does appear to suffer from inadequate peer review. Do buy it, as there won't be anything better, but treat with caution and don't quote from it without checking the facts first.