Gallagher Aggregates Ltd

Member Information

Address	Leitrim House, Little Preston,
Email	Vince.tourle@gallagher-group.co.uk
Phone	01622 726262
Fax	01622 534009
Turnover	£500k > £999k
Contract up to	upto £500k
Workforce	12
Website	http://www.gallagher-group.co.uk

Gallagher is the last remaining company still quarrying Kentish Ragstone, the most widespread building stone used throughout the South East of England. This 'ragged', grey stone gives Kent Buildings their own unique character, and can be see across the county and London in castles, houses, churches and walls. To maintain the local character of Kent's architecture, Gallagher's Hermitage Quarry supplies building stone for restoration, conservation, new build and bespoke projects.

Kentish Ragstone is a distinctive hard sandy limestone from the Hythe Formation of the Weald. It is the only hard rock available at shallow depth in the South East. It has a fascinating history dating back to Roman Times when Kent quarries played a crucial part in the construction of Roman London. It has been used as an attractive and functional building stone across Greater London and the South East of England throughout the centuries, particularly in mediaeval times when it was used in prominent historic buildings such as the Tower of London, the Mediaeval Guildhall and Royal Fusiliers buildings, all in London. In Kent, Leeds Castle, the Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone, Westgate in Canterbury, the keep at Dover Castle, Knole House, Ightham Mote and Maidstone Prison were all built of Kentish Ragstone.

The stone is enjoying a revivial as planners and architects become increasingly aware of its versatility, charm and availability.

There are now only two Kentish Ragstone quarries operating in Kent today, both run by Gallagher Aggregates; Hermitage Quarry in Barming and Blaise Farm Quarry in West Malling.

At its Hermitage Quarry, Gallagher produces dimensional cut and dressed Kentish Ragstone. With its experienced, qualified staff and its modern bespoke machinery and facilities, Gallagher can supply Kentish Ragstone with a variety of finishes including an 'historic aged' appearance which is ideal for restoration and conservation works, thus ensuring that the repairs and replacement stone blend in with the original surroundings. Gallagher supplies Kentish Ragstone with a wide variety of surface finishes and sizes for new build and bespoke projects, including polished, honed, flamed, bush hammered and acid washed.