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It is interesting to note that despite the introduction of machine tools for the modern production of stone masonry, the hand tools used by the modern stone mason have changed little in design to those used centuries ago.
The stone mason was, prior to the Industrial Revolution era, an itinerant craftsman. He was usually employed at the site of the castle, or cathedral, or other notable building, and upon completion of the masonry at that particular site would move on to the next job prospect – usually on foot! Stone Quarrying on Portland was prevalent long before stone masonry was produced on the island. Stone sawn to size followed the export by sea of the quarried blocks of stone. One of the earliest centres for sawing stone was found at Easton Lane on the site now occupied by Chesil Beach Motors. It gave its name to the adjacent public house “The Sawmill Tavern” now long gone. The Bath and Portland Stone Firms had records of sending stone to Exeter for parts of Exeter Cathedral, which was transported by sea. The bill for this shipment was less than £6.00.
Stone Masonry began production in Portland with one yard in the middle of Chiswell, and another in Park Road, Easton in 1890. The Park Road yard, known as Bottomcombe, continues today, completely modernised and still employing a small number of stone masons.
The years following the 1914 – 1918 Great War saw the modernising of the masonry yards by the introduction of circular saws that were set with industrial diamonds. These diamonds were set at regular intervals around the rim of the saw. Planing machines, ex-engineering works, were also increased in numbers in the three yards at Bottomcombe, Wide Street and Victoria Square. A smaller works, specialising in monumental masonry was set up opposite Grove Corner and today is known as Easton Masonry. It now produces normal building stone masonry.
The stone for the fine Parliamentary Headquarters in Northern Ireland was produced at Messrs. F. J. Barnes works in Wide Street, on the site of the now disused former glass fibre fabrication factory. The Portland stone industry supplied finished stonework for many of London’s notable buildings, including Bush House, the L.C.C offices, Shell – Mex House, Selfridges, Somerset House, the two giant Shell office blocks on Thameside, and the BBC offices at Savoy Hill. The magnificent sweep of Regent Street owes much of its appeal to Portland stone and the skill of the men who worked it.
On a personal note, may I say that I am proud to have worked with the stonemasons in those earlier days, some of whom had tramped over a large part of the country in pursuit of employment.
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