Caen stone

The stone was first used for building in the Gallo-Roman period with production from open cast quarries restarting in the 11th century.

Shipped to England, Canterbury Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London were all partially built from Caen stone.

Excavation restarted in the 1980s with the stone being used for building the Caen Memorial.

A 2004 decree by Caen city council authorised the annual quarrying of 9000 tonnes of stone.

The high altar of St. Mary's Church in Dedham, Massachusetts is made of Caen stone.

Church of Saint-Pierre, Caen . The restoration of the chevet shows the original colour of the stone.