Baycliff Lord is a bioclastic carboniferous limestone characterized by its oatmeal colour and occasional contrasting dark cream markings. Quarried on the outskirts of Ulverston in Cumbria, England, it is recognized for its extreme hardness and technical durability. A sedimentary rock formed over 300 million years ago during the Carboniferous period, composed largely of mineral calcite. Classified as a “hard limestone” with a porosity of less than 5%, making it exceptionally resistant to weathering and wear. It achieves the highest possible categorization for abrasion resistance, making it suitable for high-traffic commercial environments like airport terminals and shopping malls. Part of the architectural vernacular of south Cumbria, it provides a sense of permanence and “visual coherence” to local buildings.
Common Applications
Due to its robust nature, Baycliff Lord is used for both interior and exterior projects:
- Interior: Durable flooring, kitchen/bathroom countertops, and decorative interior fittings.
- Exterior: Paving, walling stone, lintels, sills, and building facades.
- Specialty: Monuments, sculptures, and waterjet patterns.
Available Finishes
The stone can be processed into various textures to suit different aesthetic or safety needs:
- Honed: Smooth with a slight sheen.
- Polished: High gloss finish (exclusive to limestone varieties).
- Gritblasted/Sanded: Coarse, non-slip surfaces ideal for external paving.
- Other Finishes: Flamed, water jet, spot textured, and line textured.