The Platinum Jubilee Breadstone in Great Wishford

Hi everyone, greetings from Tam, Henry and Ellen, who has done the heaving lifting on this blog.

Our recent commission was to carve a new “breadstone” for Great Wishford’s parish churchyard, which we found particularly interesting.  Commissioned to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in the Salisbury village of Great Wishford, this stone carries with it a reminder of a moment in time, as well as a deep connection to the centuries-old traditions of stone carving. Here’s a closer look at the very human ritual of breadstones, and how we approached this project.

Bread stones are a long-standing tradition in some communities, markers that recorded the price of a gallon of bread on significant years, during times of economic or societal change, eg. after wars or during poor harvests, where prices of flour fluctuated.  It was a safeguard against profiteering.

Great Wishford “breadstones” are something of a rarity. This public-facing monument stands out, not just for its historical significance but also for the whole community to see and appreciate.

The newest “breadstone” joins nine stones already built into the churchyard wall, each one a chapter in the story of the village community.

Design with Legacy in Mind

For this project, we had to ensure the design honoured not only the Queen’s reign but also the traditions of the community. To develop a design that would fit and endure, we carefully selected a piece of stone and letter form that matched the stones already present. Whatever work we do, whether a commemorative plaque or a large public piece, each project starts as a sketch that meets the client’s brief.

For the unveiling ceremony, the theme of bread was so much more than just breakfast for a lot of the congregation, it symbolised sustenance, community, and resilience, themes echoed in the church service that accompanied the unveiling. Bread, after all, sustains us physically and spiritually, much like the traditions that binds communities.

Our Stone Carving Process

Once the design was approved, we moved to the stone selection. For this particular commission, the material needed to be local, durable, and complementary to the existing stones. We sourced a fine-quality slab of Chicksgrove limestone that would stand up to the elements and age gracefully.  This is the same material that is being used to repair Salisbury Cathedral.

We used traditional hand tools, like chisels and dummies. The process of shaping the stone—bringing the design to life—is meditative. It takes patience, skill, and an intimate understanding of the material’s unique qualities.

In our fast-paced world, stone carving remains a skilled discipline in which the stone dictates that you take time, respect the material, the tools, and the process.  Stone carving hasn’t changed for millenium, and enables the making of something that will last. What happens to every project we undertake, partly due to the nature of the material and what it signifies, becomes a part of the community’s fabric—a permanent link to the past and the future.

The Grand Unveiling

The unveiling of the “breadstone” on Sunday, September 8th, 2024, was a moment of pride for us at Grays Stone Carving Studio. The ceremony, complete with a church service, dignitaries, and even the Lord Lieutenant, highlighted the importance of these communal touchstones. They are not just markers of events but a testament to the shared identity of a place and its people.

Every time someone passes by and glances at this stone, they will be reminded of both the Queen’s legacy and the history of Great Wishford. This piece will stand as a bridge between generations, offering a tactile reminder of where we’ve been and where we’re going.

Whether it’s a milestone, a house sign, a memorial, or even a unique commemoration like the breadstone, we’re grateful to be able to keep this craft alive. Stones may not speak, but they will tell their stories for generations to come.