Commentingon Collywestonstoneslate Catherine Bates and David Watt describe the results of some research. Introduction Collyweston stone slate is a traditional roof covering used in the East Midlands region of England. The material originates from the small village of Collyweston, located approximately four miles south-west of Stamford in the county of Lincolnshire, and was traditionally mined from a number of sites in or near the village. Once brought to the surface, the Collyweston 'logs' were naturally frosted, split or 'dived' in regular thicknesses, dressed, and 'parted up' into individually-named sizes. The slates are traditionally hung on battens using either oak pegs or small animal bones, and bedded on a limebased mortar. Changes in farming practice during the late 1950s and early 1960s gave rise to a growing number of redundant traditionally-slated farm buildings. As farm machinery increased in size, many of these buildings were demolished, providing a plentiful supply of suitable reclaimed material. The mining of new slates thus became uneconomical and most of the mines were forced to close. This source of reclaimed Collyweston stone slates is now itself becoming exhausted and the use of cheaper substitutes (replica concrete or fibreglass slates) has become increasingly common. The Collyweston Stone Slaters' Trust (founded in 1974), English Heritage, local authorities and others are now investigating ways in which to support a revival in the supply and use of new stone slates. A short-term research project was initiated at the suggestion of the Collyweston Stone Slaters' Trust to study the current state of funding for Collyweston stone slating and for the buildings that have Collyweston stoneslated roofs. The project also examined the use of replica slates, the attitudes of local authorities towards existing and new Collyweston slated roofs, local policies relating to the use of these slates, and general knowledge Below: Bad Practice: The slates on this roof in Fotheringhay, Northamptonshire have been 'stretched' to reduce the number required. The end lap on the slates had been reduced (notice how part of the originally protected slate is now showing) and the width of the side joints has been increased (these have been finished with mortar). Right: Good practice: Collyweston slates being relaid by David Ellis, Collyweston Stone Slater, of Ryhall, Lincolnshire, on a house in Cotterstock, Northamptonshire. the slates are 'parted up' according to size on the scaffolding ready for use,and are being laid in traditional manner using small pieces of slate or 'shales' to improve resistance to rain penetration and ensure an even finish. 20 concerning the industry. The project was undertaken by Catherine Bates, a Building Surveying student at De Montfort University, Leicester, with funding from the Department of Building Surveying and the Centre for Conservation Studies. Copies of Collyweston Stone Slates by Catherine Bates are available on payment of £2.50 (inclusive of postage and packing), payable to De Montfort University, from Dr David Watt, Centre for Conservation Studies, De Montfort University, 12 Castle View, Leicester, LEI SWH. Sources of new, reclaimed and replica stone slates Questioned about the availability and use of new, reclaimed and. replica stone slates, the responses of a number of stone slaters and building contractors were as follows: ■ most of the individuals stocked and fixed concrete replica stone slates and/ or reclaimed stone slates; ■ they obtained their stock of concrete replica slates from main distributors such as Bradstone or Atlas Stone Products; ■ they obtained their stock of reclaimed stone slates from: old farms or outbuildings that have Context58 June1998
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