Cobble
Cobblestones were frequently used in early pavement construction. They are small stones or pebbles that were traditionally gathered from stream beds and hence had been rounded and smoothed by water. They are usually set in sand or bound together with mortar.
The second edition of The Dictionary of Urbanism by Rob Cowan, published in 2020, defines cobble (or cobblestone) as: ‘A naturally rounded stone (usually from rivers, fields or the sea) used for paving and walls. Setts are often popularily called cobbles.’
It suggests that cobbled can mean:
- Paved with cobbles.
- Paved with setts. When people refer to ‘cobbled streets’ they are often referring to streets paved with setts.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New, more proportionate and targeted approach for higher-risk building assessments.
Government brings British Steel into public ownership.
UKCW Birmingham returns with bold new theme and focus.
New guidance published on competence requirements for self-certification schemes.
Construction Management, 8 July
NEETs crisis drives interest in trades, but apprenticeships barriers remain.
Passive fire protection webinar
MEP services penetration seals.
Where its at podcast (and video) - The role of the Architectural Technologist as an Expert Witness.
More than 200 remarkable buildings added to SAVE’s Buildings at Risk register.
Government scraps pre-application consultation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
Historic England and infrastructure
New projects offer opportunities for the historic environment and local communities.
Construction Management, 2 July
Construction deaths halve in two years.
Green Book changes to drive investment in all parts of UK.


















