ROOF SLATE

Two relatively thick fragments of stone (slate) roof tiles formed on a mid-grey coloured micaceous silt stone with clear banding / bedding planes. The upper surface of each of the tiles has a neatly cut cross with wedge shaped terminals. Both the crosses have been cut by hand using a small cold chisel with the profile of the cut being distinctly wedge shaped. The presence of the crosses has been noted on other roof tiles and probably represents either a local 'roofers / masonary mark' or a local tradition of cutting crosses into roofs as a sign of protection / superstition (stopping the devil landing on the roof?). It is also possible that these may represent grave markers - pet cemetery - but there is no other evidence for this. The stones are in fair condition but have suffered surface lamination.

The stones were shown to a local geologist - Kate Andrew - and she has suggested that:

The slate is similar to that 'poor' quailty slate from the Fishguard / St David's area of Pembrokeshire (Wales). It dates to Mid Cambrian Phase (550-500 Million years ago) and has fragments of Graptolite fossils within the matrix. Due to the poor quality of the stone - it isn't commonly used for monuments and is only used for roofing slates for a short period in the early modern period. This form of slate is relatively uncommon in Herefordshire and the Welsh Marches area, It is most likely to date from the period post canal and railway transportation (post 1750) suggesting a date for this in the early industrial period. One of the stones has a mid grey green coloured infill - which maybe organic in nature - but equally could be a painted inlay.

The larger fragment measures:

141.4mm length, 87.4mm width, is 18.4mm thick and weighs 312.9 grams

The smaller fragmnent measures:

112.2mm length, 115.8mm width, is 14.1mm thick and weighs 263.8 grams