Can you help with research into ‘galleting’?

Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, is conducting research into galletting - the practice of inserting small pieces of stone or oyster shells into mortar joints. This has been a traditional form of construction for many centuries, especially in the south east of England. The practice is quite common in Kent, so the KAS Historic Buildings Committee has offered to assist by recording Kentish examples.

• Have you seen a building with pieces of stone, brick, oyster shell or similar incorporated into the masonry joints?

• Could you supply general and close-up photographs of galletted buildings with details of age (date or century) and original purpose when built?

• Could you offer location details for galletted buildings, stating the material and its construction?

If you are willing to help with this recording, please contact Colin Arnott (colin.arnott@student.anglia.ac.uk) requesting the ‘galletting questionnaire’.