A HISTORIC transatlantic connection linking Virginia, USA to the Isle of Purbeck was revealed after Suttle Purbeck Stone, based at California Quarry, Swanage received a special order for stone flooring.
Philip Ford, who is originally from the UK and moved to Virginia with his wife over 20 years ago, contacted Suttles after seeking a renovation for his local church – the Glebe Episcopal, built in 1738. With a mandate to update the place of worship while being sensitive to its history, Philip said he and his church committee agreed stone from Purbeck was the natural choice.
Many churches along the East Coast had Purbeck stone aisles, thought to be a result of tobacco and cotton ships travelling between the area and the UK in the late 1600s. After another notable historic building in Virginia, the mansion at the Corotoman plantation, burned down in a fire, research on exposed fossils in the flooring found it was built using Purbeck stone. Mr Ford said Suttles were the only UK company he contacted who were interested in the job and willing to assist with his enquiry.
After numerous emails and calls about the stone itself and the job of transporting it to the US, Philip flew over to the UK with his wife for a tour of the quarry and to get an insight in the production of the stone on site. The church arranged the shipping and collection of the stone, which was carried out with plastic pallets (instead of the usual wooden ones – which would have been more time consuming and costly) and the stone arrived at its transatlantic destination with without a scratch.
Quarry manager, Nick Crocker, said: “I am delighted that Philip Ford and his team contacted Suttles when they were looking to refurbish the church and install a new floor in the nave and transept. “Given the location’s historical significance, I was captivated from the very first contact. Purbeck stone was shipped across the Atlantic to Norfolk, Virginia by the founding fathers in the 17th century. I am honoured that we have been able to do so again in the 21st century.”
The Suttle family has been quarrying in the Purbeck region since the 1930s. Our stunning Purbeck stone is prized by construction, engineering and private customers because it offers great value combined with expert knowledge and guidance. Find out more at: www.suttles.co.uk/suttle-purbeck-stone