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Rooftops to Riches: The Epic Tale of Burlington Slate (#BurlingtonSlate #CumbrianSlate) Imagine this: a quaint Cumbrian village nestled amongst rolling hills, the air filled with the bleating of sheep and the scent of damp earth. Fluffy sheep graze under a perpetually cloudy sky (it is England, after all!). Now, sprinkle in a dash of history – over 400 years' worth! This, my friends, is the setting for Burlington Slate, a company that's been transforming ordinary stone into architectural magic since practically forever. Forget about fancy robots and laser cutters. Back in the day, Burlington Slate was a grassroots affair. Think sturdy Cumbrian farmers, their boots sinking into the muddy ground, hacking away at the earth with pickaxes, the rhythmic clang echoing through the valley. They unearthed a treasure trove of dark, handsome slate – a rock with a hidden sparkle thanks to some ancient, sparkly minerals that glimmered like distant stars when the sun finally broke through the clouds. Fast forward a few centuries, and enter William Cavendish, a rather posh chap known as Lord Burlington (and later the 7th Duke of Devonshire, no big deal). He saw the potential in this slate, running his gloved hand over its cool, smooth surface, and in 1843, did what any self-respecting Duke would do: he brought order to the pickaxe chaos! Thus, Burlington Slate Ltd. was born, transforming the industry from a collection of sweaty farmers to a well-oiled (or perhaps slate-oiled?) machine. But what makes Burlington Slate so darn special? Unlike its cousin, Westmorland Slate (they get along just fine!), Burlington boasts a deeper, richer hue – a sophisticated bluish-grey or a dramatic black. Imagine the satisfying weight of a Burlington slate tile in your hand, its texture both rough and smooth at once. It's the kind of slate that wouldn't look out of place gracing the roof of a grand castle or, for the more modern amongst us, adding a touch of elegance to a sleek interior floor, its subtle sheen reflecting the warm glow of firelight. And Burlington Slate isn't just about keeping the rain out (although it's brilliant at that too, each drop drumming a gentle rhythm on its surface). These skilled craftspeople have a knack for transforming this natural wonder into all sorts of architectural delights – beautiful flooring, cool beneath bare feet on a summer's day, stunning landscaping accents, anything your design heart desires! Here's the coolest part: Burlington Slate is still a family business, with the Cavendish family keeping the legacy alive. They haven't forgotten the old-fashioned techniques that made them famous, the satisfying click of chisel against stone, but they've also embraced modern technology and sustainable practices. So, when you choose Burlington Slate, you're getting a piece of history with a future-proof twist! There you have it, the epic tale of Burlington Slate. From humble beginnings to adorning prestigious buildings, this company is a testament to the enduring beauty and versatility of natural stone. #BurlingtonSlate #CumbrianSlate #NaturalStone #ArchitecturalDesign #History #FamilyBusiness #SustainableBuilding #EnglishHeritage #MadeinBritain #Kirby-in-Furness A huge thank you to Cumbria Archives for providing the captivating photos used in this blog post and for their dedication to preserving Cumbria's heritage. With their kind permission, these images help bring the story of Burlington Slate to life. Image courtesy of Cumbria Archives #CumbriaArchivesPhotos #cumbriahistory