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Exeter: the geology of a cathedral
Author(s) -
DOVE JANE
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
geology today
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.188
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1365-2451
pISSN - 0266-6979
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2451.1992.tb00400.x
Subject(s) - geology , carving , breccia , permian , archaeology , paleontology , dome (geology) , volcanic rock , volcano , geochemistry , mining engineering , history , structural basin
Cathedrals are geologically fascinating and that of Exeter is no exception. Outward appearances are deceptive; although the outer medieval walls are made of Greensand, the core is made of local Permian breccia and volcanics. Beer Stone is used less extensively than generally supposed, although it is important for carving. Nineteenth‐century improvements in transport encouraged greater use of Cotswold and East Midland oolites for the cathedral repairs. Over time, these and local stones have weathered differentially, which has encouraged masons to return to Greensand for very recent repairs.