Ketton stone is a Jurassic oolitic limestone, cream to pale yellow or pink in colour, used as a building stone since the 16th century. It is named after the village of Ketton in Rutland, England.
Geology and Appearance
Ketton stone is an oolitic limestone from the Middle Jurassic period (approximately 180 million years old), belonging to the Inferior Oolite Group. It is a fine-grained stone with a creamy yellow to pale pink hue, and has a porosity of around 22%. Its even texture and workability make it suitable for use as a freestone, allowing for intricate carving while maintaining durability.
Quarrying and Use
The stone has been quarried near Ketton, Rutland, since Roman times. It was used extensively as a building material, particularly in Cambridge, where it appears in many of the university's college buildings. Today, the major quarry at Ketton primarily produces limestone for the adjoining Ketton Cement Works, but selected stone is still set aside for cut building blocks.
Notable Buildings
- Wren Library, Trinity College, Cambridge
- Pembroke College Chapel, Cambridge
- Emmanuel College Chapel, Cambridge
- Burghley House, Lincolnshire
- Haymarket Memorial Clock Tower, Leicester
