CUMBRIA, ENGLAND -- Burlington Slate Ltd. supplied approximately 7.5 tons of its Westmorland Green roofing slate for the newly refurbished and extended Southwark Cathedral, which was officially opened in April 2001 by Nelson Mandela.

Burlington¿s natural roofing slate can be found on the new refectory and library building, giving the cathedral an additional purpose as a meeting place in addition to a house of worship. The project, part funded by the Millennium Commission, includes a number of new aspects such as the theological library, a public restaurant, shop and permanently sited exhibition and conference rooms.

The use of traditional roofing slate serves to create a relationship and harmony between the existing building and the new development. Ptolemy Dean, project architect said, "We chose Burlington roofing slate as a way to introduce color into the design. We also felt that it was important to use the traditional method of laying the slate

in diminishing courses to achieve the desired effect." The refectory and library building features high barrel-vaulted ceilings and specially commissioned stained glass windows.

Malcolm Hatch, joint managing director of Burlington, commented: "We are always thrilled to be involved in such exciting projects as Southwark Cathedral. The architects have managed to create a modern building which appears totally at ease with the existing cathedral, and we hope that our natural stone roofing slates have helped in this process."