the distinctive quality of the somerset towers derives in large part from fine decorative details – pinnacles, lacy tracery windows and bell openings, gargoyles, and beautifully adorned doors, arches, parapets, buttresses, merlons, and tall external stair turrets, for example. this icing of sculpted decoration, often made of beautifully colored stone, was hewn from soft sedimentary limestone quarried around somerset, including bath stone, doulting stone (quarried near shepton mallet), dundry stone, and hamstone (from ham hill since roman times). this freestone can be cut in any direction, making possible fancy curves and fine details. unfortunately, the softness of the stone also makes it subject to weathering.