Shire Album: 236. Limekilns and Limeburning

Disused limekilns in various degrees of dilapidation can be seen all over Britain. The best known are probably those near harbours or coves but there are many on farmland, in disused quarries or beside inland waterways. Limeburning appears to have been practised in prehistoric times in the Middle East but the more extensive use of lime for mortar and agricultural manure may be attributed to the Romans. In this book the author describes the development of limeburning, the different types of limekiln and siting considerations.