The Kentish Ragstone is a source of very considerable trade to Maidstone, and gives employment to many workmen. Several barges are constantly engaged in conveying to the coasts of Kent and Sussex, in the marshes of which it is very extensively employed for the banks or sea-walls. In Romney Marsh and on the eastern side of the Isle of Sheppey a large expenditure is yearly incurred in thus protecting large and valuable tracts of land from the ravages of the sea. The ragstone is also extensively used as a road-stone and for buildings, large quantities of the stone being sent to London and other places especially for the former purpose. A small quantity is burnt into lime of a very superior quality; but the abundance of chalk in this neighbourhood, and the greater cheapness of that rock, prevents the general use of the stronger but more costly stone-lime.Many handsome buildings in Maidstone and other places in the county are built of it. Of these in Maidstone may be mentioned the new gaol, the lunatic asylum, and the new church. Of ancient buildings constructed of it are the old parish church of All Saints, the Episcopal Palace and College. Many of the London churches, and nearly all of those on the banks of the Thames and Medway, have a great proportion of this stone in their walls; and proofs of its durability and early application to building purposes may be seen in the present condition of Allington and Rochester castles, and most of the bridges from Aylesford to Tunbridge.
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Oct 25, 1862
W H Bensted 