An analysis of ecclesiastical stone cut backs

A recent analysis of the geological orientation of stones used in the construction of the quoins, pilasters and arch jambs of British ecclesiastical buildings (Potter 2005), clearly indicated the very distinctive techniques of stone use employed by Anglo-Saxon craftsmen. The work demonstrated that Anglo-Saxon builders possessed a significant understanding of the quality of the stones which they incorporated into their churches. Their appreciation of the physical properties of the rocks enabled them to use certain stones for building purposes in selected ways. These techniques were not copied by others that followed. In the analysis, reference was made to the stones of quoins, pilasters, and in one instance, jambs, occasionally being cut back. This paper examines the phenomenon of cut back in more detail.