Memorials & Inscriptions

Weathered "York Stone" and an oxidised brass plaque

In my study of St. Helen’s church, my aim has been to identify the stones used in its fabric – essentially Carboniferous Rotherham Red sandstone and Permian dolomitic limestone – and to investigate the styles of masonry, which help the archaeologist to unravel the construction history of an old stone building.

Rotherham Red Sandstone & Alabaster

Once accustomed to the levels of light available inside St.Helen's church, various monuments, memorials and inscriptions – found on both the walls and floors –  highlight Treeton’s history.

An inscription in York Stone

As would be expected, the interior is paved in “York stone” - a generic description of the very durable, fine grained Upper Carboniferous sandstones from the Pennine region of Yorkshire - once prized by both road builders and fine letter cutters.

Portland limestone, Italian white marble and Carboniferous sandstone

Deep in the shadows, there are also fine examples of alabaster, Ashford Black marble, white Italian marble and Portland limestone in various states of physical condition and cleanliness.

A detail of the dolomitic limestone base to the pulpit