Report - Lime kilns..Norfolk, October 2020

[Mikeymutt]

Norfolk is known for its lime and was extensively quarried in the 1800's. Little kilns sprouted up everywhere in the county. Used for burning the lime at high temperatures. This would create quicklime and used in construction. The kilns here are mainly set low in the ground. A small chamber with arched chutes to remove the smoke and fumes. I have visited a few of these now and these are two of my favourites. The first one is in the village of Guist and is a good example of one. The entrance is quite grand for a small kiln inside.

The second one is near the village of Tasburgh, a similar design to the first one. This one is more sunken into the ground though.

 

[Calamity Jane]

Interesting places. Just a quick question, both seem to be in woodlands, how did they transport the lime to and the quicklime from these kilns? Were there remains of any type of tracks, etc ?

 

[Mikeymutt]

Interesting places. Just a quick question, both seem to be in woodlands, how did they transport the lime to and the quicklime from these kilns? Were there remains of any type of tracks, etc ?

I think various modes wee used. Some were by rivers so barge for them. I visited one next to a train embankment, so trains for that. I think Ines near the roads prob used carts and horses maybe as I think a lot was for local use. The kiln would be in a quarry so the raw materials would be excavated on site.