Foundation stone of empire: The role of Portland stone in ‘heritage’, commemoration, and identity

In 2013, Portland Stone, a creamy white limestone from the Isle of in Dorset, was named world’s first “Global Heritage Stone Resource” (GSHR) by Task Group, sub-commission International Union Geological Sciences. The criteria for GSHR designation are ambiguous, with Group championing Stone’s “cultural value” and “heritage,” neither which critically interrogated. this paper we undertake detailed critical discourse analysis Hansard entries mentioning between 1803 2020. We reveal that use is intertwined colonial oppression, class subjugation, empire politics, structural racism, mythologised, England-centric vision British national identity. celebrating as part Britain’s “heritage”, condoning narrative Britishness exclusionary whitewashed, supports an elite rewriting international history. Drawing on heritage literature, argue must urgently reconsider their uncritical appraisal “heritage” “culture” consult social science colleagues to ensure all voices heard. Our study shows through history nature usage, rocks beneath our feet, natural foundation, can become imbued notions regional identity, belonging exclusion, memory loss – they powerful manifestation symbolic unequal power structures. While society’s attention turned imprint colonialism, empire, race geographies, urge further consideration built environment: very stones construct towns cities, plinths statues erected, tell stories oppression domination important history, culture, heritage.