The 1st edition 25-inch Ordnance Survey map published in 1889 depicts and annotates as ‘old’ a single lime kiln situated in woodland on the north bank of the Gwynant river. The kiln is situated just downstream of a footbridge (no longer present) that marked the highest point to which ordinary tides flow from the Afon Mawddach. Crossing the river near its mouth was the Barmouth to Ruabon railway which opened in 1869, and this may have restricted access and supply to the kiln and potentially led to it becoming disused around this date. It is not depicted or noted on the 1842 ‘Tithe map and apportionment for the parish of Dolgelly’.
A field visit by RCAHMW in October 2024 confirmed the lime kiln has been conserved and remains standing in good condition. It is square in shape and constructed of rubble stone with lime mortar. The kiln is cut into and built against the riverbank, with access to the top of the kiln via a ramp on the east side, as depicted on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map. The edge of the river is now 2 metres from the front (south) face of the kiln.
The kilns east face measures 4.5 metres in length, its south face is 5.1 metres and west face 4.3 metres. It stands to a maximum 3.3 metres high on its south face. There are two kiln eyes, one in the east face and the other in the south face, both are set near the back of the kiln. The east kiln eye is 1.8 metres wide and 1.8 metres high topped with a long flat lintel stone. It is 2 metres deep with side and rear walls tapering inwards and downwards to the draw hole, 0.65 metres wide and supported by header stones. The kiln eye in the west face is of similar construction and dimensions.
There is surviving evidence, which is backed up by the historic mapping, that the kiln eyes were enclosed within structures adjoining the kiln. Sections of wall revetting the riverbank on the north side and opposite each kiln eye, suggest a simple lean-to roofed structure. 1.7 metres wide that was open to the south.
At the top of the kiln, evidence suggests there was originally a parapet wall around the east, south and west sides. The crucible of the kiln remains partially open and is edged by boulder stones. It is 2.2 metres in diameter and open to 0.9 metres deep and is stone lined with evidence of vitrification.
A photogrammetric survey was undertaken by RCAHMW on 27 February 2025. The resulting Sketchfab model is viewable here: https://skfb.ly/pu8QJ
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, November 2024.
Sources
National Library Wales: 1842 Tithe map and apportionment for the parish of Dolgelly in the County of Merioneth https://places.library.wales/home
OS 1st Edition 25-inch map (published 1889): Merionethshire XXXVI sheet 4.