Monument Type(s):

• LIME KILN (Early 18th century to Late 19th century - 1700 AD to 1899 AD)

Summary

Limekilns were in existence here by at least 1753.The main period of working followed the opening of the Ellesmere Canal in 1796, and the 1835 connection with the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Canal increased the market.

Related records

Associated Finds: None recorded

Associated Events

• ESA5650 - 2004 assessment in connection with the Llanymynech Heritage Area Development Project by CPAT

Description

FOR FULL AND UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON SITES IN WALES MENTIONED IN THIS RECORD CONSULT POWYS SMR

The expansion of quarrying at Llanymynech was in large part due to the importance of lime, particularly for agriculture, as a fertiliser, but also in building mortars. It is not known when lime burning commenced, but limekilns were in existence here by at least 1753, although the main period of working followed the opening of the Ellesmere Canal in 1796, and the 1935 connection with the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Canal increased the market. It is likely, however, that the transport of quicklime by water was avoided, because of its volatile nature, and it may have continued to be transported by horse and cart, with the canal being mainly used for quarried limestone. The development of lime burning at Llanymynech was materially assisted by the proximity of the Oswestry, Ruabon and Chirk coalfield. ->

-> The earliest limekilns were in the Welsh (western) part of the quarry. Three banks of triple lime kilns are shown on a map of 1753 (Chirk Castle Estate) at approximately SJ 2640 2168 (in Wales). Limekilns are also shown in approximately the same position on a map of 1807. There is now no visible trace, although they could be buried beneath 19th century spoil tips. A further bank of four limekilns is depicted at c SJ 2634 2170 (also in Wales) on an 1807 map of Chirk Castle Estate (NLW 6046). There is no surviving trace, although it may possibly be buried beneath later spoil, as may a small, roughly square structure marked c20m to its west on the same map. ->

-> The surviving kilns at Llanymynech fall into two groups, one close to the quarry and the other near the canal and railway. The former group includes three banks of continuous draw kilns and associated structures [PRNs 19374-6]. These were in existence by 1874 but had gone out of use by 1900. The group near the canal and railway includes two later draw kilns [PRN 19380] and the 1899 Hoffman Kiln [PRN 04600]. A structure on the canal wharf which was later used as a tally hut may also have originally been a limekiln [PRN 08424]. <1>

Sources

Search results generated by the HBSMR Gateway from exeGesIS SDM Ltd.