A limekiln on northern side of rocky knoll known as Ynys Cyngar. The structure which is approx. 2m square and 2m high is built against a low cliff and fronts directly onto a beach. Only one of the two access-vents survives and part of the crucible has collapsed. Sloping slabs form the roof of the access-vent with a crude arch at the base and a wooden lintel at the top. Within the crucible the surviving stones have been stained red by burning.
The age of this structure is unknown. It is not shown on the 1st edition of the 25 inch OS map (1887) but is marked on the 1971 six inch map implying a turn of the century date. Lime was burnt on the Madocks estate in the first decade of the C19th. I. P. Kennet who described the estate in 1809 noted that 'the lime is brought by the slate vessels and is landed within a few yards of the kiln which is well placed near the navigation, and it is favourably situated supplying the farms without much expense of land carriage' (Kennet, 1809, 4.). This description fits the kiln at Morfa Bychan but the absence of this structure and the survival of one wooden lintel suggests that Kennet was describing another kiln.
John Latham RCAHMW 18 December 2018
Source: National Trust Report: Emma Plunkett-Dillon. 1990. Morfa Bychan & Ynys Tywyn - The National Trust Archaeological Survey.