DY25002 Lamp Posts of Stratford Website V01 240825

The Historic Lamp Posts of Stratford upon Avon. 

 http://sonaheritagelamps.org.uk/index.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR4D739lrBS_E036tFPiTUSQSXVbHeq7i_6CZcsPU-kEW2pvpMusugz8rBSx6w_aem_id3Y5dP7Zay1C3XTf6Q7Cw

DY25001 Eleanor Coade (1733-1821) V01 210825

Eleanor Coade (1733–1821) was a brilliant Georgian entrepreneur who ran the Coade manufactory in Lambeth and made Coade stone (also called Lithodipyra, “twice‑fired stone”) a go‑to material for architects and sculptors because it kept its crisp detail and shrugged off London weather. 

She lived in Lyme Regis leaving a lasting mark in the form of its finest Georgian house called Belmont House, Pound Street. One of the gate piers that flanked the entrance to Belmont House is in the Lyme Regis Museum. 

The “recipe” for Coade stone

Modern analyses of authenticated pieces converge on a clay‑based ceramic with specific additives. A commonly cited formulation is:

• 60–70% ball clay (Dorset/Devon)

• ~10% grog (pre‑fired, ground ceramic)

• 5–10% crushed flint

• 5–10% fine quartz

• ~10% crushed soda‑lime glass

The mix was kneaded and fired around 1,100 °C for several days (about four) to vitrify it—key to its durability. Percentages vary a little between studies and over time, but the components are consistent. 

Where to see her finished works today

Here are well‑known, visitable examples:

• South Bank Lion (1837) – at the south end of Westminster Bridge, London. Cast in Coade stone by W. F. Woodington; a textbook display of how well the material survives outdoors. 

• Covent Garden Market Building (East Pediment, “Flora”), London – R. W. Sievier’s pediment group is Coade stone; recently conserved. 

• Bedford Square, Bloomsbury, London – door surrounds and keystone heads across the square are Coade stone, showing its use on Georgian townhouses. 

• Ham House (River God statue), Surrey – an imposing outdoor figure in Coade stone in the garden. 

• Stowe, Buckinghamshire – multiple garden features; notably lions on the Cobham Monument. 

• Croome, Worcestershire – the two sphinxes flanking the south front portico and other elements.