Research

To set up a database for examples of Hildenley Limestone found during other survey work.
High Status (Late Jurassic) limestone used/reused from pre-Roman(?) to late C19.
Odd blocks are being recorded in buildings many kilometres away from quarries.
Depositional origins still not understood but top may be equivalent to Coral Rag.
Research work on 'chalk-like' figurines at Hull Museum underway to identify rock type.
Recorded from High Status buildings by its absence, ie plundered and moved on.

LICHEN STUDY
For some time now, it has been apparent that there appears to be a correlation between church building stones and lichen cover. Notes from a preliminary meeting are available here.

To relate lichen cover to specific rock groups.
To relate lichen species to rock groups.
To produce a rock identification chart for potential non-geologists using lichen cover (not species identification).

To survey churches within defined geographical areas as:
- Central Yorkshire Wolds
- Holderness
- Howardian Hills
- Northern scarp from Malton to Flamborough Head
- Western scarp of the Yorkshire Wolds from Malton to the River Humber
To record building stone(s) used in the construction of named churches.
To build a resource base for named churches, stored electronically and as printed/photograph records, including information available from written records or on web sites.
To relate the age of the named church to the building stone(s) used.
To relate the use and reuse of stone to local and distant quarries.
To record churches associated with large estates and the 'import' of building stones from other areas of Britain and Europe.
To relate (where possible) the reuse of stone from archaeological sites.
To advice on suitable replacement stone(s) for repairs.
To promote the educational value of churches.

Archaeological, Geological and Historical research into the Castle and Source Quarries
Working with BGS on 'Lake Mowthorpe' and historical records as to transport of stone
Recent field work on bloomery sites (Medieval?) that used local Mid Jurassic coals and ironstones from Cleveland Ironstone/Staithes Sandstone Members (Middle Lias)
Field Walking has recovered Mesolithic flints and unidentified pottery shards
DMV at Birkdale Farm may be artisan working site (?)
Building Stone from quarries looks like Dogger but fauna is more like Whitwell Oolite!
Possible channel deposits cutting through Dogger during deposition of Whitwell Oolite?
Similar channels recently seen cutting into Dogger in Bilsdale

Surveys of quarries, walls and roofing 'slates'.
Both High and Low Status used/reused throughout history from medieval times to C19
Unique facies of the Scarborough Formation (Mid Jurassic)
Recorded by its absence from High Status Sites
Very few buildings are roofed in 'slates' often being replaced by tiles or West Riding(?) flags
Few examples found away from main quarry sites (now overgrown)

To visit local museums to find historically recorded collections referenced to local geology, history and building stones.

To select individual buildings or whole villages and circulate members to assist with survey using maps and historical data.