The Vanishing Heritage: Why Genuine Westmorland Slate Tiles Are Becoming Increasingly Rare
- woodlandsreclamation
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
These distinctive green-grey slates, with their subtle variations and incomparable durability, represent a significant piece of our architectural heritage—one that's becoming increasingly difficult to preserve.
The Distinctive Character of Westmorland Slate
Quarried from the heart of the Lake District for centuries, Westmorland slate (also known as Lakeland Green) possesses a character that simply cannot be replicated by modern alternatives. These slates feature:
A distinctive sage to blue-grey colouration that weathers beautifully
Natural variations that create visual interest across a roof
Exceptional durability, with many examples lasting over 200 years
Traditional graduated sizing, with larger slates at the eaves tapering to smaller ones at the ridge
The traditional practice of "graduating" the slates—placing larger, thicker pieces at the eaves and progressively smaller ones toward the ridge—created roofscapes with remarkable visual depth and practical weather protection. This graduation wasn't merely aesthetic; it distributed weight efficiently while providing maximum protection against Britain's challenging weather.
Why True Westmorland Slates Are Disappearing
Several factors have contributed to the increasing rarity of these magnificent roofing materials:
Limited Original Supply
The primary Westmorland slate quarries in the Lake District were most productive during the 18th and 19th centuries. Production declined significantly throughout the 20th century, with many historic quarries now closed or operating at minimal capacity due to modern environmental regulations and the protected status of the Lake District National Park.
Historical Loss Through Redevelopment
Many buildings that originally featured Westmorland slate have been demolished during urban redevelopment projects, particularly during the post-war reconstruction period and subsequent modernisation efforts of the 1960s and 70s. When these buildings came down, their slates were often damaged during removal or simply discarded rather than carefully salvaged.
Inadequate Salvage Practices
When older buildings are renovated or demolished today, proper salvage techniques for slate are not always employed. The brittleness of slate means that careless removal can result in high breakage rates, rendering previously perfect slates unusable. We've seen entire loads of potentially salvageable slate ruined through improper handling.
Rising Demand for Authentic Materials
As appreciation for traditional building materials has grown among conservation architects and discerning homeowners, competition for the remaining supply of authentic reclaimed Westmorland slate has intensified. This has been particularly noticeable since the 1990s, when heritage conservation became more mainstream.
The Importance of Proper Salvage
At Woodlands Farm Reclamation, we take exceptional care when sourcing Westmorland slate. Our approach includes:
Building relationships with contractors who understand the value of careful removal techniques
On-site supervision during significant removals to ensure slates are handled properly
Careful cleaning and sorting of recovered slates by size, thickness, and condition
Proper storage in dry conditions to prevent further deterioration
Creating matched sets that work together visually and practically
This meticulous process allows us to offer genuine graduated Westmorland slate sets that will perform beautifully for another century or more—but it also means these materials command a premium that reflects their rarity.
Applications Beyond Roofing
While roofing remains the primary use for these slates, their scarcity has led to creative repurposing for smaller projects:
Garden path stepping stones with centuries of character
Unique table tops for outdoor dining areas
Elegant hearths and fireplace surrounds
Distinctive wall cladding for feature areas
Garden edging and landscape features
Hand-crafted house signs with unmatched durability
These alternative uses allow more people to incorporate this historic material into their properties, even if a full roof replacement isn't feasible or necessary.
The Alternatives Question
Modern slate alternatives, including newly quarried Welsh slate and various imported options, offer certain aesthetic similarities but lack the unique character, proven longevity, and historical authenticity of reclaimed Westmorland slate.
For listed buildings and conservation areas particularly, finding genuine reclaimed materials remains the gold standard, both for authenticity and planning approval. The embodied carbon benefits of reclaimed materials also make them increasingly attractive for environmentally conscious construction projects.
Our Current Selection
Despite these challenges, Woodlands Farm Reclamation maintains one of Surrey's best selections of reclaimed Westmorland slate. Our current inventory includes several matched graduated sets suitable for smaller roof projects, as well as individual pieces perfect for repairs and creative applications.
However, we must be transparent: we cannot guarantee consistent availability of these materials going forward. Each batch we acquire is unique, and once sold, may not be replaceable with comparable material.
Looking Forward: A Precious Resource
As these slates become increasingly scarce, their value—both financial and cultural—will only increase. For owners of historic properties featuring original Westmorland slate, we offer this advice:
Maintain your roof diligently to extend its lifespan
Consider repairs rather than full replacement whenever possible
If replacement is necessary, salvage every usable slate for repairs elsewhere
Document your roof through photographs and measurements as a record of this vanishing craft
For those considering incorporating this heritage material into new projects, we recommend acting sooner rather than later. The supply of high-quality reclaimed Westmorland slate continues to diminish, and future availability cannot be guaranteed.
Visit our yard in Surrey to view our current selection of these remarkable pieces of British architectural history. Our knowledgeable team can advise on the suitability of our stock for your specific project and help you make informed decisions about incorporating these increasingly rare materials into your property.