Cobblestones. They’re beautiful, and they instantly bring to mind winding lanes through misty villages. They’re also tricky to walk on, and the cause of many a twisted ankle.
They're also a lot more than merely pretty. In fact, they’re considered one of the most durable and hardwearing paving methods in the world.
That is probably why they’ve been around nearly as long as there have been paved roads.
Constructing cobblestone roads hasn’t changed much in all that time. Water-worn stones are collected and sized. Then they are either set on a sand bedding or in mortar. This creates an easy-to-clean, crack-resistant road surface that’s perfect for areas where freezing and flooding are likely.
Historically, these features were a massive improvement over muddy, dirty tracks, and it’s not hard to see why this type of paving gained popularity.
Let’s take a closer look at three periods during which cobbles were at their peak importance: the 1300’s and earlier, the 1400’s to the late 18th century, and the golden era of the 19th century.
The 1300's and Earlier
The phrase “All roads lead to Rome” has been around a long time (and is now the title of a movie!), but it’s also based on historical fact.
As early as 238 B.C.E., the Romans used tons and tons of cobblestones to create 50,000 miles of roads linking every part of the Roman Empire together—and they all led to Rome!
Not only was this extensive network of paved roads one of the keys to Roman domination of Europe, but they were so well built (using cobblestones, sand, and lime) that large parts of the network still exist today!
1400's to Late 18th Century
During the earlier part of the medieval era, the approach to road building in Europe was much the same as that to health and hygiene. In other words, it wasn’t a big priority. In fact, during this period, most roads that weren’t left over from the Roman era were nothing more than dirt and mud that had been packed down by the movement of horses and carts.
That meant that most towns and villages featured muddy tracks, rutted by cartwheels.
Only a few roads, like the major road between Westminster and Temple Bar in London, were paved with cobblestones.
It may have been the difficulty in constructing paved roads, or a shortage of materials or skilled labor, that prevented the paving of cobblestone roads. Eventually, however, the benefits of cobblestone roads once again got the priority it deserved, and laws were passed making road maintenance (and cobblestone road construction) mandatory. And the use of cobblestones wasn't limited to roads, as cobblestones embedded in mortar were used to construct the walls of colonial-style homes.
The Golden 19th Century
During the 19th century, cobblestone roads were the norm, and the use of cobblestones had even made it across the oceans to European colonies and former colonies, which is why you can still find cobbled streets in places like Cape Town (South Africa), Puducherry (India), and Boston.
In fact, you will find cobblestones all over the world, in the most unlikely places, as well as throughout much of the US and Canada.
Historic Cobblestones versus Modern Alternatives
Throughout their long use in Europe and other parts of the world, cobblestones evolved to suit horses’ hooves. That’s why most of the classic cobbled streets in the world feature stones that are about 4” in diameter. Those were the standard type of stone used, because they were the easiest on horses’ feet.
They’re not ideal for human feet, though, as anyone who has tried to walk down a cobbled street can confirm.
That is why the modern alternative to cobblestones, as they exist in Roman and other historic roads, is actually flatter, square stones (usually granite or Belgian rock). These materials are easier to walk on and are much more common these days.
Whether it is traditional or more modern, however, cobblestone paving certainly lends instant Old World charm to any home exterior.
Stamped Concrete as a Modern Alternative
If your heart is set on the elegance of cobblestone but you want a more cost-effective option, then meet stamped concrete. Stamped concrete is made from concrete that has been textured and patterned while wet to give it a brick or cobblestone appearance. But unlike cobblestone, stamped concrete is much easier to maintain and move across. And as you can see from the pictures above, you're still going to look pretty fancy while moving your car (or horse) over it.
For more modern alternatives to classic materials, check out this blog on alternative materials for your kitchen countertops.
