Cornwall
Products Used
St Paul’s Church featuring SSQ’s Riverside Riverstone Phyllite slate
St Paul’s Church, a striking Victorian cruciform building located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Charlestown in Cornwall, was described by Sir John Betjeman as ‘lofty and mysterious.’
Though not formally listed, its historic value meant an ambitious and carefully planned restoration had to meet exceptionally high standards, set not only by the Church of England’s planning framework, but also by conservation teams at Cornwall Council.
And thanks to SSQ’s premium Riverstone Phyllite slate, the stunning project not only resulted in a beautiful restoration, but it also won national recognition.
St Paul’s Church featuring Riverstone Phyllite
The project, undertaken by Horizon Roofing Ltd, received the prestigious ‘Best Use of Slate for a Commercial Project’ award at the 2024 Pitched Roofing Awards. And the standout achievement was made possible by SSQ’s Riverstone Ultra slate, a material that has become a trusted choice for heritage roofing across the UK.
Its original roofing material, Delabole slate, had deteriorated significantly on the church’s main roofs. Riverstone Phyllite was selected to complement and enhance the remaining original slate.
Quarried exclusively for SSQ in Argentina from its own site, Riverstone slate’s rare phyllite geology closely resembles the original Cornish slate, ensuring compatibility with the historic character of the church. Its ability to replicate the qualities of the original slate, while providing long-term durability and performance to protect the church’s structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, was crucial to the project’s success.
St Paul’s Church featuring SSQ’s Riverstone Phyllite
Riverstone slates (600 x 300mm) were installed across the main roof areas, while reclaimed Delabole was repurposed for the lower sections. All slates were hand-sorted and graded on-site, following BS 5534:2014 and BS 8000:13-Part 6 standards. Lead detailing, valleys, soakers and flashings were completed with precision, and the existing ridge tiles were retained to preserve the building’s authentic profile.
This meticulous approach ensured that the roof met both aesthetic and functional standards, preserving the historic character of the structure while adhering to modern installation requirements.
The use of Riverstone Phyllite was approved by conservation stakeholders, supported by SSQ’s Technical Specification team, who provided detailed documentation and guidance throughout the planning process.
This project is a prime example of how SSQ’s technical expertise and premium slate products contribute to the successful preservation of important historic buildings, blending tradition, performance and beauty in one award-winning roof.
