THE CONSERVATION GLOSSARY

Cob

- a mixture of straw, gravel, unburned clay and water which is mixed to a just workable consistency, and used for walling. Cob walls are raised layer by layer without formwork. Shrinkage is considerable, and the material is usually trimmed down to size as it begins to harden. If they are to survive, cob walls must be protected and they are usually rendered or limewashed and built on stone or brick plinths, and are well protected at the wallhead, usually by oversailing eaves. A cob wall is commonly said to require a "good hat and a stout pair of shoes".