YORK CITY WALLS

Project Overview

The York City Walls project formed part of the broader York Station Gateway and York Central Redevelopment initiatives — two landmark schemes transforming access, infrastructure, and public spaces around York’s historic railway station.

The Station Gateway project focuses on creating safer and more welcoming connections for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users, including the removal of the Queen Street Bridge and the enhancement of surrounding public areas. The York Central redevelopment complements this by regenerating a large brownfield site adjacent to the station into a vibrant mixed-use community, anchored by the National Railway Museum.

As part of these works, our team was commissioned to manufacture and supply a complete new wall section running from Queen Street Bridge to Micklegate Bar, designed to sympathetically mirror the character and craftsmanship of York’s original medieval city walls.

Stone Type

• Material: Magnesium Limestone
• Purpose: Selected to ensure visual and material consistency with the original City Wall fabric, maintaining York’s historic aesthetic while meeting modern durability requirements.

Scope of Work

Our scope involved the full manufacture and supply of all stonework for the new section of wall, including:

• Wash-finished ashlar walling — straight, curved, and splayed
• Movement joints — integrated and wash-finished for seamless continuity
• Wash-finished splayed quoins
• Chamfered splayed copings, also wash-finished

Quantities:

• 50 linear metres of coping
• 140m² of wash-finished ashlar
• 16m² of radius ashlar
• 22m² of splayed ashlar

Each element was produced to the highest standards of accuracy and finish, replicating the distinctive texture and tone of the city’s heritage stonework.

Challenges

A key challenge of this project was achieving colour consistency across all stone finishes. Given the natural variations inherent in Magnesium Limestone, great care was taken in stone selection, batching, and finishing to ensure uniformity.
Through rigorous quality control and collaboration with the client and design team, we successfully delivered a product that integrates seamlessly with York’s historic landscape while meeting the exacting aesthetic and technical standards required.

Outcome

The completed wall not only restores a key section of York’s historic boundary but also forms a visually cohesive link between the new urban infrastructure and the city’s architectural heritage. Our contribution helps preserve the character of York while supporting the city’s ongoing regeneration and transport improvements.

Planning Your Own Project?

If you’re considering a house build or renovation, our team would be delighted to help you source the perfect natural stone products. With a wide range of reclaimed and bespoke options available, we can help you create a home that is as timeless as it is unique.

If you would like further information on this or any of our current or past projects, please call our office on 01924 416666.

TIMELESS CHARM – A HOME RENOVATION ROOTED IN RECLAIMED STONE

Project Overview

Traditional Stone was delighted to play a key role in the transformation of a unique bespoke home renovation project, masterfully executed by Darren Smith Homes. The vision for the property was to preserve its authentic charm while enhancing it with high-quality natural stonework that would stand the test of time.

The Challenge

The renovation called for a sensitive approach: blending the existing character of the original build with carefully sourced stone to ensure continuity and authenticity. The homeowners wanted a finish that felt timeless, elegant, and deeply connected to the home’s heritage.

Our Contribution

To achieve this, we supplied a wide range of natural stone materials tailored to the project’s needs:

• Reclaimed Walling Stone: Original stone salvaged from the property was combined with our reclaimed Delph walling, creating a seamless and character-rich façade.
• Dry Stone Walling: Used to define boundaries and add rustic charm while maintaining structural integrity.
• Bespoke Masonry: Crafted with precision, including heads, cills, jambs, gate posts, copings, paving, and step treads—all designed to complement the home’s unique architectural style.

Every element was chosen and produced to blend harmoniously, ensuring the new additions felt as though they had always been part of the property.

The Result

The finished renovation exudes warmth, character, and elegance. The careful integration of reclaimed and bespoke stone has not only preserved the property’s heritage but also elevated it with a timeless appeal. The home now stands as a showcase of craftsmanship, tradition, and thoughtful design.

Why Traditional Stone?

This project highlights the value of working with a knowledgeable team who understands the nuances of natural stone. At Traditional Stone, we pride ourselves on providing materials that balance beauty, durability, and authenticity.

Planning Your Own Project?

If you’re considering a house build or renovation, our team would be delighted to help you source the perfect natural stone products. With a wide range of reclaimed and bespoke options available, we can help you create a home that is as timeless as it is unique.

If you would like further information on this or any of our current or past projects, please call our office on 01924 416666.

HARROGATE INN HOTEL, HARROGATE,
NORTH YORKSHIRE

Project Overview

The Harrogate Inn Hotel, a cherished landmark in North Yorkshire, recently underwent an extensive refurbishment. A major part of this upgrade included the construction of a new external entrance staircase, requiring a stone supply that not only matched the existing heritage building but also met modern safety and aesthetic standards.

Stone Types: Fletcher Bank and Scoutmoor

Scope of Work

We were brought in to supply high-quality stonework elements, including:

• Ashlar Walling
• Copings & Pier Caps
• Tumbled Setts
• Heads, Cills
• Hi-Vis Step Treads
• Hazard Warning Paving
• Detailed Door Jamb Sections

Using Fletcher Bank and Scoutmoor stone, our team ensured each item was crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

Challenges

The primary challenge lay in matching the new stone to the original façade, ensuring that the hotel’s heritage look was preserved while delivering new functionality. This required careful selection and finishing of the materials to blend seamlessly with the existing structure.

Solution

By using Fletcher Bank and Scoutmoor – both well-known for their compatibility with traditional Yorkshire architecture – and applying precise tooling and finishing techniques, we successfully achieved a uniform aesthetic that complemented the original building.

Results

The refurbished Harrogate Inn Hotel now boasts a newly constructed external staircase and upgraded stonework that reinforces both its historic presence and practical function. The outcome is a striking and cohesive improvement to this iconic hotel in the heart of Harrogate.

If you would like further information on this or any of our current or past projects, please call our office on 01924 416666.

LANDSCAPE GARDEN PROJECT – HORBURY

Project Overview

We were delighted to be involved in a bespoke landscape garden project at a private residential property in Horbury. The client approached us with a clear vision for a high-quality, durable, and visually striking outdoor space that would combine both functionality and aesthetic harmony.

Client Requirements

The client had two main requests for the stonework:

1. Multicoloured Yorkstone for the paving and hard landscaping – a stone with natural variation and depth of colour, providing character and richness throughout the garden.
2. A more monotone, uniform stone for the drystone walls – to contrast subtly with the paving and allow for a balanced, cohesive visual finish.

Additionally, the stone had to be hard-wearing, suitable for both foot traffic and structural use, as it would be utilised across several elements of the garden including paving, walling, steps, and copings.

Our Solution

To meet the brief, we supplied Haworth Moor Yorkstone, a multi-tonal, high-quality sandstone known for its durability and natural colour range. This material was used for:

• Paving – providing a varied yet harmonious surface for walkways and open areas.
• Walling Stone – carefully matched to maintain a consistent look with the paving.
• Steps & Copings – custom-cut in-house to exact specifications, ensuring precision and consistency across the garden.

For the drystone walling, we sourced a more monotone, uniform stone specifically selected to tie in with the client’s design goals — offering a subtle contrast to the vibrancy of the paving while complementing the overall landscape.

Results

The finished garden is a testament to the power of thoughtful material selection and expert craftsmanship. The combination of the vibrant Haworth Moor paving and the more neutral drystone walls created an elegant and timeless space that not only reflects the client’s vision but also enhances the natural beauty of the surroundings.

We are proud to have contributed to a project where quality, aesthetics, and performance all came together seamlessly.

SUPPORTING YORKSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE WITH BESPOKE YORKSTONE SETTS

In early 2024, we were approached with a request: to source ‘Yorkshire-born setts’ for a garden celebrating Yorkshire’s heritage. The commission came from Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA), an organisation we have proudly supported through our charity efforts for many years. The garden, designed for the prestigious Harrogate Flower Show in April 2024, would later be relocated to Roundhay Park, offering a permanent space for reflection and remembrance.

Project Overview
The project, titled the ‘Reflection and Remembrance Garden,’ was designed by the talented Kate Smithson. It aimed to create a place of tranquillity where individuals affected by the work of YAA could find solace, remember their experiences, and honour their loved ones. This garden was not just a temporary exhibit but intended as a lasting memorial, ensuring its legacy would endure within the community for years to come.

Our Role and Contribution
Traditional Stone was entrusted with supplying bespoke sandblasted Yorkstone setts, a crucial element for this garden. Our task was to provide high-quality, locally-sourced stone that would blend seamlessly with the garden’s aesthetic and contribute to its overall theme of reflection and remembrance.

To meet the project’s requirements, we carefully selected and prepared Yorkshire-born setts, ensuring they met the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. Each stone was sandblasted and cut to a specific size to achieve the desired finish, adding a touch of elegance and durability to the garden pathways.

Achievements and Accolades
The garden was unveiled at the Harrogate Flower Show in April 2024, where it received widespread acclaim. It won several prestigious awards, including:

Premier Gold Award
Best in Show
Planting Excellence

These accolades highlighted the garden’s exceptional design and execution, as well as its profound impact on visitors.

Long-term Impact
After the Harrogate Flower Show, the garden will be relocated to its permanent home in Roundhay Park. Here, it will continue to serve as a space for remembrance and reflection, providing a peaceful environment for the community to enjoy. The garden will feature lasting dedications, allowing individuals to honour their loved ones in a serene setting.

Conclusion
We are honoured to have contributed to such a meaningful project alongside Yorkshire Air Ambulance and designer Kate Smithson. The ‘Reflection and Remembrance Garden’ stands as a testament to the power of community, memory, and the enduring beauty of Yorkshire’s natural stone. We look forward to seeing this garden become a cherished legacy in Roundhay Park, offering comfort and reflection to many for years to come.

This project reflects our commitment to supporting charitable initiatives and delivering high-quality craftsmanship, ensuring that our contributions leave a lasting positive impact on the community.

BESPOKE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT – WOODLANDS, CLECKHEATON

Project – Bespoke Housing Development
Stone Type – Horbury Punched Face walling, Sandstone Masonry, Natural sandstone roofing and blue slate, sandstone plank paving and dry-stone walling.
Products – Walling Stone, Masonry Components, Roofing and paving.

The Challenges – The developer wanted the finished project to complement the local surroundings and to fit in ‘as if it had always been there’.  He also wanted to achieve a unique finish to each property with slightly different finishes to the architectural masonry.

The Solutions – Our team of specialists worked with the developer to meet planning requirements and his vision, producing sample panels for approval.  Ashlar walling was suggested to break up the texture of the Horbury Punched Walling used.

All masonry items were made using a sandstone that complimented the walling stone.  Some of the items were finished with rounded edges and others were chamfered.  New ashlar, bullnosed quoins were used on one property and reclaimed quoins were used on the others.

Weathered natural sandstone roofing was used on one of the properties and blue slate was used on the other four properties.

In total Traditional Stone supplied approximately 1260sqm of new walling stone, 220sqm of natural sandstone roofing, 180sqm of blue slate roofing and 110sqm of paving and multiple masonry items for five residential dwellings as well as 60 tonnes of dry-stone walling for the boundary walls.

If you would like further information on this or any of our current or past projects, please call our office on 01924 416666.