Carrstone

Carrstone (or carstone, also known as Silsoe, heathstone, ironstone or gingerbread) is a sedimentary sandstone conglomerate formed during the Cretaceous period.

[1][2] Carrstone can vary in quality depending on factors such as the degree of iron oxide present, and sufficient pressure to form the matrix.

[4] Cut carrstone sipps or shales are used extensively at Sandringham House on the main building and the stables block.

Due to easy access to river transport, Carrstone can occasionally be found outside this region in such places as Great Bentley Church, Colchester, Essex.

The Carrstone found in Norfolk at Ashwicken and West Runton was considered viable for iron smelting by the Romans.

[9][10] Snettisham Carrstone quarry in Norfolk is still active and produces high iron content building stone.