The 1st edition 25-inch Ordnance Survey map published in 1888 shows and annotates a small square/rectangular lime kiln, set in a field adjacent to the coast, 240 metres to the southwest of Tonfanau farm. A track running from the beach up to the farm is shown passing just north of the kiln. At this date the lime kiln was out of use and labelled as ‘old’. It is not depicted on the 1841 tithe (sketch map) of the parish oy Llangelynin.
A visit by RCAHMW on 21 November 2024 confirmed the lime kiln does not survive. The area became part of the Tonfanau Anti-Aircraft Training Camp (NPRN 402992) from 1937/38, and the kiln may well have been removed during this period. It was still standing on the 2nd edition Ordnance Survey map, published 1901. The field in which the kiln was situated has a clear scarp slope defining the edge of a river valley and adjacent wetland and it seems likely, as suggested by the Ordnance Survey mapping, that the kiln was built against this slope, thus making access to the top of the kiln for loading much easier.
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
National Library Wales: 1841 Tithe map and apportionment for the parish of Llangelynin in Merionethshire https://places.library.wales/home
OS 1st Edition 25-inch map (published 1888): Merionethshire XLV sheet 8.
OS 2nd Edition 25-inch map (published 1901): Merionethshire XLV sheet 8.