The Purbeck quarries of D&P Lovell at Langton Matravers near Swanage, Dorset, have been taken over by Lovell Purbeck, a new company established by the Forest Pennant Hart family based in Somerset.

The purchase comes with Lovells having recently obtained planning permission to quarry significant reserves of Viviparus (Purbeck Marble) and Burr limestone.

Polished Purbeck Marble is seen in several significant historic buildings, including the cathedrals of Salisbury and Ely. It was widely used in medieval times for decorative works. Burr limestone was used to build Corfe Castle, one of Britain’s most majestic ruins, a 1,000 year-old castle, rising above the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. Both materials have been difficult to obtain in recent years.

All 23 D & P Lovell personnel employed in quarrying are being transferred to Lovell Purbeck.

As well as Purbeck Marble and Burr, the Lovell quarries on the Isle of Purbeck produce a range of limestones including blue, white and buff colours.

The stone has been used throughout Southern England since Roman times for building, walling, roof tiling, paving and hard-landscaping. Recent projects have included Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey and some of the buildings of Poundbury, the new extension of Dorchester on Duchee of Cornwall land. More prosaically, it was used for a Co-op Supermarket in Swanage and is currently being supplied as paving to Southampton for use in conservation areas.

Lovell Purbeck Ltd are owned by the Hart family, who set up a business selling Forest of Dean Pennant as paving and, following the sale of their concrete paving business, Formpave, to Hanson in 2006, bought into the Forest of Dean Stone Firms who were supplying them with their Pennant paving.

Simon Hart, Director at Lovell Purbeck, told NSS: “Lovells weren’t really up for sale but we were looking around for other heritage stones and when the opportunity came along we grabbed it.” He said if other opportunities arose they would consider them.

“We’re delighted to have acquired long term reserves of high quality Purbeck stone. This stone is special. We’re putting significant investment into the company and will be launching a number of new, exciting and unique stone products.”