Gravel around house walls

[Speedy471]

Around the brick wall of my 30 year old house is about 20cm width of soil that always seems to be quite damp this time of year. I also notice that the brick pointing is a bit softer below the damp course. I see that on a lot of new houses that this bed seems to be laid with gravel. If this gravel for any particular reason, or purely cosmetic? If I should have a gravel bed is there any particular gravel that should be used and what depth? The eaves and guttering are all ok.

Thanks

 

[gregers]

its too allow the water/moisture to soak furthur down and not sit against the brickwork.