Pointing of granite in St James St. 'Little and Large'!

You mention 'little and large'. The small stones are used to allow the larger stones to be properly coursed and bedded. The small stones are called gallets (galets). It is important to use the right type of stone to ensure they stay in place. It is vital to point correctly. This wall is not. Pointing should be made IN the wall joints, NOT ON them. There has been too much of vogue to remove rendering and to point exposed stonework. Rendering was done to close in generally poor stonework, as it was quickly built when constructed, because it was cheaper to build. Coursing and stone selection was a luxury. Ashlar work was even more of a luxury. Too many masons consider an Ashlar pattern to be applied. It may look neat, but it is not recommended. This is roughly coursed granite walling, which should have been rendered or properly pointed.