On Friday, 14th November, Brian Palmer will give an illustrated talk about the growth and decline of Barnack’s famous ragstone quarries, now known as the Hills and Holes. Demand for high quality building stone from Roman times to the Middle Ages led to excavation of this Jurassic limestone, which was transported by river to ecclesiastical sites throughout Fenland. Alongside this large-scale industry, local masons carved memorial slabs for wealthy clients, using patterns known as the Barnack School of double-omega designs, and these can be found in many churches and graveyards in our region.

Brian Palmer will describe the remarkable history of Barnack’s quarry at 7.30 pm in the main hall of the Community Centre, Market Deeping. Admission £3. Everyone is welcome.