Oolitic Limestone slabs used in West Kennet Long Barrow

 

Here is some info:

https://reports.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk/content/uploads/2018/01/Binder1.pdf

I have in the past cast serious doubt on some of the more excitable claims made for the transport of raw materials used in the construction of Newgrange -- and I have noted that the somewhat imaginative reconstruction of said monument caused a considerable stir at the time.

There is a similar issue at West Kennet -- and of particular interest is the discovery of about a tonne of small Oolitic Limestone slabs, assumed to have come either from near Calne or near Frome.  Apparently the slabs were very rotten when they were exposed during the digs by Piggott and others, and were replaced with a tonne of nice shiny new slabs in the 1950's by those who wanted to preserve the site for posterity. The work included the installation of a nice skylight.

Apparently the barrow was rebuilt significantly above its original level using new (imported) and relocated stones. Concerns at the time included a lack of clear guidance from the original excavators, the omission of the original stone numbering system, and questions about whether the stones were returned to their true original positions, raising doubts about the accuracy and integrity of the restored structure.

Now here is a question.  How long does it take for a slab of Oolitic Limestone to rot away and lose its coherence?

Here is the CoralJackz video about the site, making some very interesting points:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFCQ4ctN8hU&t=173s