Hamstone

North quarry stone is primarily used by local stonemasons for the repair of external features in historic buildings, such as mullion windows and ashlars stonework as well as for new developments in conservation areas.

[8] The attractive colour also contributes to its being chosen by masons and architects for more than 1000 years for adorning the buildings in the countryside of surrounding Somerset.

Hamstone is featured in the medieval church towers throughout the county, and the town of South Petherton is built largely of the material.

Besides being used for building, hamstone was also burnt locally in small kilns for the manufacture of lime, predominantly for use as fertiliser.

Some was used for the manufacture of builders' mortar and limewash render, but the results were of poor quality due to the iron content of the stone.