1. Royal Commission field visit, 17 September 2024.
A square lime kiln is depicted and in use on the 1st Edition 25-inch Ordnance Survey map (published 1889), in the middle of a coastal limestone quarry overlooking Cemaes Bay (NPRN 525340 / 422190). The kiln is not depicted on the later 2nd (published 1900) or 3rd (published 1924) edition maps. It is not depicted on the 1845 tithe map for the parish of Llanbadrig in the County of Anglesey but the quarry is noted in the apportionment.
The kiln survives in a ruinous condition, predominantly a grass covered mound, built against a quarry face. The ordnance survey mapping suggests a ramp led to the top of the kiln and crucible on its eastern side. The only structural remains visible are a section of the kiln’s crucible, the northern half, which suggests an original crucible diameter of 2.8 metres. Here, a 1.3 metre high section of the crucible lining survives which is constructed of stone with clear evidence of burning and vitrification.
This is one of two limekilns associated with the quarry. The other (NPRN 525337) is better preserved and located at the edge of the quarry, 150 metres to the northwest.
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/or 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, 17 October 2024.
Sources
National Library Wales: 1845 Tithe map and apportionment for the parish of Llanbadrig in the County of Anglesey https://places.library.wales/
OS 1st Edition 25-inch map (published 1889): Anglesey II sheet 7.
OS 2nd Edition 25-inch map (published 1900): Anglesey II sheet 7.
OS 3rd Edition 25-inch map (published 1924): Anglesey II sheet 7.