The 1st edition 25-inch Ordnance Survey map published in 1889 labels ‘old limekiln’ at a rock outcrop on the line of the sea defences (Fairbourne Embankment) at the mouth of the Afon Mawddach. A path is depicted running from the sea defence across the rock outcrop down to the estuary some 95 metres to the southwest of the kiln, where an outlet channel and sluice gate are now located and is likely to have been the point where cargo (limestone and coal/culm) for the kiln was landed.

Despite the kiln not being depicted on the 1839 tithe map of the parish of Llangelynin nor on an 1804 Bryngwyn Estate map of Ynysgyfflog, it is likely to be late 18th or early 19th century in date (Evans 2017, 22).

A level 2 building record of the lime kiln was undertaken by Gwynedd Archaeological Trust in 2017 (Evans).

A field visit, photography and photogrammetric survey was undertaken by RCAHMW on 31 October 2024. The resulting 3D Sketchfab model can be viewed here https://skfb.ly/p9XrM 

This confirmed the lime kiln survives in a fair condition. It was built on reclaimed land (salt marsh) against a prominent rock outcrop, with access to the top of the kiln via a grass ramp on the west side of the structure. It is roughly square in shape, measuring 5.4 metres across its front (east) face and 5.1 metres along its side (south) face. It is constructed from large rectangular coursed shale blocks with smaller shale stone infill and lime mortar and stands to a maximum 2.3 metres high.

There are two kiln eyes, one in the north face and the other in the south face. The north face kiln eye is the better preserved and more complete, with an entrance 1.55 metres wide by 1.8 metres high, topped with a large lintel stone. The chamber is 2.3 metres deep with side, roof and rear walls tapering inwards and downwards to a draw hole, 0.8 metres wide defined by header stones and now largely infilled.  The roof and rear wall of the chamber is defined by large stone slabs and there is evidence of a slab stone floor.

The kiln eye in the south face is of similar construction though only partially surviving as the kiln on this side stands 1.4 metres high and therefore part of the roof and upper section of the entrance to the chamber is missing.

At the top of the kiln, the crucible remains open to a depth of 1.1 metres with debris and rubble at its base.  It is edged by boulder stones and is stone lined with clear evidence of burning.  The top of the crucible measures 2 metres in diameter and narrows towards its base

Contextual Information  

Lime kilns are a characteristic feature along the coastlines of Wales. They are predominantly of 19th century date, although some were built prior to that, and some continued in use into the 20th century. They were used for burning limestone to make lime for use in agriculture and building. The former through spreading on the fields as a fertiliser and to counteract soil acidity, and the latter to make lime mortar. Their coastal position related to the need in many places to import the limestone for burning, and the culm (coal) that was used for fuel. Proximity to the shoreline reduced the need to move the limestone and coal very far after unloading. 

Coastal lime kilns are generally round or square in shape and normally slightly wider than they are tall. They have a conical opening in their top, called a crucible, into which the limestone and culm was layered. Openings on either side, called the kiln eyes, connected to the base of the crucible and served for lighting the kiln and to allow air to be drawn into the crucible. After burning, the lime could be raked out via the kiln eyes. The kiln eyes come in many different shapes and sizes, from arched, to flat-topped, to tall and narrow. 

Lime kilns were often constructed in pairs, with a small rectangular cottage for the kiln keepers in between them. At smaller landing places only a single kiln might have been built. In nearly all cases some sort of ramp was needed to carry the limestone and coal to a point where it could be added into the crucible from above. Many lime kilns are found built against the valley sides within coves or harbours, allowing the access ramp to be cut from the adjacent bank side, rather than needing to be built. 

Louise Barker, RCAHMW, 26 November 2024.

Sources

Evans R. 2017 Fairbourne Flood Defences Renewal, Fairbourne, Gwynedd. Archaeological Building Recording and Watching Brief (Gwynedd Archaeological Trust Report No. 1209). https://www.walesher1974.org/her/groups/GAT/media/GAT_Reports/GATreport_1209_compressed.pdf

National Library Wales: 1839 Tithe map and apportionment for the parish of Llangelynin in Merionethshire https://places.library.wales/home

OS 1st Edition 25-inch map (published 1889): Merionethshire XXXVI sheet 11.