‘I do not believe that any other roofing material can match the visual attraction of Collyweston slating’ Alan Wilson FRIBA.
Collyweston stone slate roofs are one of the most distinctive and attractive features of the historic towns and villages around the village of Collyweston in the north of the county, which gives its name to the stone from which they are made. They can be found further afield on the roofs of St John’s, Christ’s and King’s College in Cambridge, the Guildhall in London and even on the roof of a mansion known as Old Westbury Gardens in New York, USA.
These distinctive slates have been quarried in the village of Collyweston since Roman times and were used prolifically in the early modern period. It is still mined today using modern technology, previously it was mined by candlelight! Lumps of limestone (logs) are taken out of the ground, immersed in water, then frozen and split along the seam (cliving).
Number 52 of the objects selected for the A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects exhibition 2025.
2nd Image: photograph by Sandra Johnson, Collyweston Historical and Preservation Society
Collyweston
Contributed by Collyeston Historical and Preservation Society
Northamptonshire’s ironstone was formed from iron-rich sediments in the Jurassic period. Quarried since Roman times, ironstone has shaped our landscape, fuelled the county's industry and built our houses.
This flint dagger was found in a male burial in a barrow along with other grave goods. It had never been used so may have been an ornamental or ritual piece.
© NMAG
© Sandra Johnson
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NMAG
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NMAG
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NMAG
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NMAG