Description
Purbeck Marble, technically not a marble but a polishable limestone, is found in the Isle of Purbeck (Dorset). It was quarried extensively in the Middle Ages,
Many examples can be seen in the cathedral, including columns, tombs, and St Augustine’s chair. Colouring varies from dark brown to green or red.
Beware some dark columns are not what they seem – the last example below (St Stephen’s church Hackington) is not Purbeck marble but is artificially blackened.
Local examples (click to enlarge and see captions)
