Site Report

WoSASPIN 22264

I) NS 4274 4533 Lime kiln
II) NS 4268 4526 Lime kiln
III) NS 4270 4524 to NS 4283 4534 Limestone quarry
This complex is shown on the OS 1st edition map, with the kilns shown as disused by that time. The kilns are stone-built vertical draw kilns, each with a single kiln bowl, and each set into earth mounds. The kilns and quarry, with adjoining trackways, are well-preserved in the field. The northerly kiln (i) appears from its construction to be later, and is better preserved. The kilns date to the 18th or early 19th century.
Visited WoSAS (CF) 17/1/99
Entered WoSAS (CF) 25/01/99

The remains of Kiln A (NS 4268 4526) vary in height, although on its western extreme it stands to a height in excess of 4.0m. The kiln appears predominantly as a grassy knoll, with the frontage exposed to show the intact draw arch and sone surrounding stonework. The draw arch faces towards the road (roughly to the south). To the west of the draw arch, further in situ stonework has been exposed where the turfed-over remains of the kiln structure have been exposed through erosion. The cause of this erosion is unclear, although it is likely to have been caused by cattle trample. Several trees and scrub-like bushes are growing out of the structure, both around the furnace pot depression and the draw arch. The roots of this vegetation must be causing a degree of damage to the underlying archaeology, although the turf coverage makes assessment of this impossible. The kiln draw arch is partially in-filled by a build up of soil and stone. Above the kiln draw arch, a circular shaped depression is evident. This feature measures in excess of 5.0m by 5.0m and represents the remains of the "charging hole" or "furance pot" of the kiln. It is expected that the furnace pot in Kiln A is well preserved on the whole.
Information from GUARD (Lorna Johnstone), visited 11/04/02.

Kiln B (NS 4274 4533) appears to be in good overall condition, with the draw arch facing roughly south like that of Kiln A. Considerably more of the stonework of the frontage of the structure remains upstanding when compared with Kiln A. A depressed trackway can be seen leading up to the front of Kiln B, where the draw arch appears intact and in good condition. The structure is approximately 4.0m in height and measures in excess of 10.0m west to east. The surviving walling is well preserved and a small inscribed but weathered stone can be noted above the draw arch. Unfortunately, the insciption is too weathered to read with any degree of confidence but it is possible that it dates the structure. The figures are not easily read but could represent 1788 or perhaps 1808. The archway is again filled with soil and, in this case, some dumped modern material and stone. The charging hole or furnace is visible as a turf covered depression above and behind the draw arch.
Information from GUARD (Lorna Johnstone), visited 11/04/02.

The quarry (NS 4270 4524 to NS 4283 4534) exists today as a water-filled linear feature running roughly south-west to north-east.. From the map it appears to be approximately 150m in length.
Information from GUARD (Lorna Johnstone), visited 11/04/02
Entered WoSAS (CS) 21/08/02