White Lias
White Lias is a stone which only occurs locally in Warwickshire and part of Somerset. The name 'lias' is derived from quarrymen's dialect for "layers" as 'white lias' and the more common 'blue lias' can be seen as being in natural layers when quarried. White lias is relatively durable and easy to carve. Pale beige and white in colour with a fine texture, it is well suited for interior decorative work.
There is only one quarry in the country quarrying White Lias at present. Ham & Doulting Stone have owned it for four years and it is situated at Bowden Quarry near Langport, Somerset.
White lias is mainly used in flooring, walling and paving slabs - both coursed and layered.
You can also find evidence of White lias buildings in the nearby towns of Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Wincanton, Sparkford and Langport.