Limekilns in The Northumberland Coast Ar

LIMEKILNS IN THE NORTHUMBERLAND COAST
AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY
AN APPRAISAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUE
MAY 2010
STUDY CARRIED OUT FOR NCAONB

BY THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL PRACTICE LTD.
ORACLE HERITAGE SERVICES AND
ALAN WILLIAMS ARCHAEOLOGY
THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL PRACTICE LTD.

Http://www.archaeologicalpractice.co.uk
Registered Office: 34G Clayton Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5DZ
Telephone: 0191 2730777; FAX: 0191 2731777; E-mail: archprac@tiscali.co.uk; r.j.carlton@ncl.ac.uk
NORTHUMBERLAND COAST
AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY
SURVEY OF LIMEKILNS
SPRING 2010
Prepared for:
Tom Cadwallender, Natural & Cultural Heritage Officer, Northumberland Coast AONB
By: The Archaeological Practice Ltd
In association with ORACLE Heritage Services and Alan Williams Archaeology
Limekilns in the Northumberland Coast AONB The Archaeological Practice Ltd. 2010 1
CONTENTS
SUMMARY
1. THE PROJECT
2. THE SETTING
3. GEOLOGY
4. DEVELOPMENT OF THE LIME INDUSTRY
5. BURNING AND USING LIME
6. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS OF SURVEY
7. PRIORITISATION EXERCISE
8. CONCLUSIONS
9. BIBLIOGRAPHY
ILLUSTRATIONS
Cover: Main picture – View northwards through the upper part of the pot of Cock Laws
limekiln, Scremerston, towards Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Lower left –Collapsing arch at Easington Demesne limekiln.
Lower central – Lindisfarne Castle Point limekilns.
Lower right – Brick-lined arch and eye at Budle Bay limekiln.
Frontispiece: Distant view of Beadnell Harbour limekilns from the south.
Illus. 01: The north east of England showing the Northumberland Coast Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty (NC-AONB) in red shading.
Illus. 02: Plan of the Northumberland Coast AONB boundary (dotted red line) and
additional area also included in the present survey (dashed green line)
Illus. 03: Part of Bailey and Culley’s 1797 map of Northumberland showing available
deposits of coal, marl, and limestone.
Illus. 04: Traditional European flare kilns, Central Bosnia, 2009.
Illus. 05: Plan highlighting the location of known limekiln sites in the north part of the
AONB (AONB boundary shown as a red line) - numbers in yellow circles keyed to
Gazeteer.
Illus. 06: Plan highlighting the location of known limekiln sites in the centre-north part of
the AONB (AONB boundary shown as a red line) - numbers in yellow circles keyed to
Gazeteer; numbered quarry sites in green keyed to Appendix 1.
Illus. 07: Plan highlighting the location of known limekiln sites in the centre-south part of
the AONB (AONB boundary shown as a red line) - numbers in yellow circles keyed to
Illus. 08: Plan highlighting the location of known limekiln sites in the south part of the
AONB (AONB boundary shown as a red line) - numbers in yellow circles keyed to
Illus. 09: Cargie’s Kiln, Scremerston, shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the
Ordnance Survey Map Series.
Illus. 10-15: Photographs of Cargie’s Kiln, Scremerston - March 2010.
Illus. 16: Modern aerial photograph of Cargie’s Kiln, Scremerston.
Illus. 17: Scremerston Saltpan kiln site shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the
Ordnance Survey Map Series
Illus. 18-19: Photographs of Scremerston Saltpan kiln site – April 2010.
Illus. 20: Modern aerial photograph of Scremerston Saltpan kiln site.
Illus. 21: Scremerston limekiln site shown on

successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the Ordnance
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 22-25: Photographs of Scremerston limekiln site – April 2010.
Illus. 26: Modern aerial photograph of Scremerston limekiln site.
Illus. 27: Cocklaw Dunes limekiln site shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the
Illus. 28-34: Photographs of Cocklaw Dunes limekiln, Scremerston – April 2010.
Illus. 35: Modern aerial photograph of Cocklaw Dunes limekiln site, Scremerston.
Illus. 36: Kennedy Limeworks site shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the
Illus. 37-42: Photographs of the Kennedy Limeworks site, Lindisfarne – April 2010.
Illus. 43: Modern aerial photograph of the Kennedy Limeworks site, Lindisfarne.
Illus. 44: Lindisfarne Castle lilmekilns (bank of 6 Kilns) shown on successive (1st - 3rd)
editions of the Ordnance Survey Map Series.
Illus. 45-52: Photographs of the Lindisfarne Castle Limeworks – April 2010.
Illus. 53: Modern aerial photograph of the Lindisfarne Castle Limeworks.
Illus. 54: Easington Grange Mill limekiln site shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of
the Ordnance Survey Map Series.
Illus. 55: Photograph of the Easington Grange Mill limekiln site – March 2010.
Illus. 56: Modern aerial photograph of the Easington Grange Mill limekiln site.
Illus. 57: Easington Demesne limekilns site (kiln ‘A’ highlighted) shown on successive (1st
- 3rd) editions of the Ordnance Survey Map Series.
Illus. 58-62: Photographs of the Easington Demesne ‘A’ lmekiln – March 2010.
Illus. 63: Modern aerial photograph of the Easington Demesne ‘A’ limekiln.
Illus. 64: Easington Demesne limekilns site (kiln ‘B’ highlighted) shown on successive (1st
- 3rd) editions of the Ordnance Survey Map Series.
Illus. 65-70: Photographs of the Easington Demesne ‘B’ limekiln – March 2010.
Illus. 71: Modern aerial photograph of the Easington Demesne ‘B’ limekiln site.
Illus. 72: Budle Bay limekiln shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the Ordnance
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 73-78: Photographs of Budle Bay limekiln – March 2010.
Illus. 79: Modern aerial photograph of the Budle Bay limekiln site.
Illus. 80: Spindlestone limekiln shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the Ordnance
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 81-89: Photographs of Spindlestone limekiln – March 2010.
Illus. 90: Modern aerial photograph of Spindlestone limekiln site.
Illus. 91: The likely site of a limekiln at St. Aiden’s Dunes, Seahouses, shown on
successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the Ordnance Survey Map Series.
Illus. 92-94: Photographs of the likely site of a limekiln at St. Aiden’s Dunes, Seahouses –
March 2010.
Illus. 95: Modern aerial photograph of the likely site of a limekiln at St. Aiden’s Dunes,
Seahouses.
Illus. 96: Seahouses Harbour limekilns shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the
Illus. 97-102: Photographs of the Seahouses Harbour limekilns – March 2010.
Illus. 103: Modern aerial photograph of the Seahouses Harbour limekilns site.
Illus. 104: Swinhoe quarry limekiln site shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the
Illus. 105-108: Photographs of the Swinhoe quarry limekiln site – April 2010.
Illus. 109: Modern aerial photograph of the Swinhoe quarry limekiln site.
Illus. 110: Windmill Hillstead limekiln site shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the
Illus. 111-116: Photographs of the Windmill Hillstead limekiln site – March 2010.
Illus. 117: Modern aerial photograph of the Windmill Hillstead limekiln site.
Illus. 118: Beadnell Harbour limekilns shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the
Illus. 119-129: Photographs of the Beadnell Harbour limekilns site – March 2010.
Illus. 130: Modern aerial photograph of the Beadnell Harbour limekilns site.
Illus. 131: The site of Beadnell Point late-medieval limekiln shown on successive (1st -
3rd) editions of the Ordnance Survey Map Series.
Illus. 132-133: Photographs of the Beadnell Point limekiln site – March 2010.
Illus. 134: Modern aerial photograph of the Beadnell Point limekiln site.
Illus. 135: Newtonbarns limekiln shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the Ordnance
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 136-138: Photographs of the Newtonbarns limekiln site – March 2010.
Illus. 139: Modern aerial photograph of the Newtonbarns limekiln site.
Illus. 140: Embleton North limekiln site shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the
Illus. 141-143: Photographs of the Embleton North limekiln site – March 2010.
Illus. 144: Modern aerial photograph of Embleton North limekiln site.
Illus. 145: Dunstan Hill Farm limekiln shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the
Illus. 146-152: Photographs of the Dunstan Hill Farm limekiln site – March 2010.
Illus. 153: Modern aerial photograph of Dunstan Hill Farm limekiln site.
Illus. 154: Dunstan Square limekiln shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the
Illus. 155-163: Photographs of the Dunstan Square limekiln site – March 2010.
Illus. 164: Modern aerial photograph of Dunstan Square limekiln site.
Illus. 165: Embleton Mill South limekiln site shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of
the Ordnance Survey Map Series.
Illus. 166-167: Photographs of the Embleton Mill South limekiln site – March 2010.
Illus. 168: Modern aerial photograph of Embleton Mill South limekiln site.
Illus. 169: Little Mills limekilns site shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the
Illus. 170-173: Photographs of Little Mills limekiln ‘A’ – April 2010.
Illus. 174-178: Photographs of the Little Mills limekiln ‘B’ loading ramp, including the
remains of a probable tramway bridge structure and waggonway sleepers & rails – April
2010.
Illus. 179-186: Photographs of Little Mills limekiln ‘B’ – April 2010.
Illus. 187-189: Photographs of Little Mills coal drops and quarries – April 2010.
Illus. 190: Modern aerial photograph of Little Mills limeworks site.
Illus. 191: Longbank Quarry shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the Ordnance
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 192: Modern aerial photograph of Longbank Quarry limekiln site.
Illus. 193: Plan showing the Ten High-Priority Sites in relation to the AONB boundary
(numbers keyed to Gazeteer entries).
Illus. 194-199: Additional Quarry Sites 1-7 (Keyed to Appendix 1).
SUMMARY
Limekilns and their associated remains are prominent landscape features of the
Northumberland Coast AONB. A number are very well known; the kilns on Beadnell
Harbour and on Castle Point at Lindisfarne, for instance, appear within many iconic
images of the coast. Others, though less well known, may have equally scenic
backdrops and are just as impressive structurally. All of the kilns have now been long
abandoned, but still have the potential tell a story of the human development of the coast
and of the utilisation of its resources.
The present survey, commissioned by Tom Cadwallender, Natural and Cultural Heritage
Officer for the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and carried out
by Richard Carlton of The Archaeological Practice Ltd., in association with Paul
Frodsham of Oracle Heritage Services and Alan Williams Archaeology, is concerned
mainly with the surviving limekilns in the AONB, but attempts also to place them in their
historic context by describing the principle uses of lime and the ways in which the location
and scale of its manufacture reflected changing patterns of demand and advances in
technology.
The report describes the nature of the lime industry along the Northumberland coast and
each of the known kiln sites, surviving kilns and adjacent remains as inspected, also
drawing on information held within the Northumberland County Council Heritage Event
Record, previous surveys and other published material. It also includes a prioritisation
exercise designed to produce a league table of the kiln sites ranked according to their
structural survival, perceived threats to their continued survival and public accessibility.
This process has resulted in the identification of ten sites perceived as ‘high-priority’ sites
which, whilst requiring consolidation works, are structurally substantial and accessible to
the public.
Finally, suggestions are provided for the interpretation of the kilns in order to enhance
public appreciation of them as structures of interest and beauty in the coastal landscape.
It is suggested that interpretation should take account not only of the kilns themselves,
but of associated features such as quarries and transport links, and should also take into
account the wider setting of the sites and their ecological importance.
1. THE PROJECT
To better understand the surviving limekilns within the Northumberland Coast Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and facilitate the proper targeting of any future
conservation and refurbishment works, Tom Cadwallender, the Natural and Cultural
Heritage Officer for the AONB requested the preparation of a survey detailing these
structures and their contexts. This was carried out by Richard Carlton of The
Archaeological Practice Ltd. in association with Paul Frodsham of Oracle Heritage
Services and Alan Williams Archaeology during Spring, 2010. Initial work involved the
identification of surviving limekilns within the AONB as listed within the Northumberland
Heritage Event Record (HER) and by review of historic Ordnance Survey maps and
current aerial photographic sources. Each identified site was visited and a basic
condition survey prepared, set out in a gazetteer within the report.
Following from the preparation of the gazetteer, a prioritisation exercise was carried out
using the collated information which awarded each kiln a score out of a possible 10
based on its current status, perceived threats to this status and its potential for public
access and interpretation. The resulting ‘league table’ highlights those sites which
survive in a reasonable state of preservation but which require conservation works, and
tends to favour those sites which are accessible to the public. Ten sites considered as
‘high priority’ have been identified during the exercise.
2. THE SETTING
The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was designated in 1958.
It runs for 39 miles from Scremerston, a little to the south of the mouth of the River
Tweed, to the estuary of the River Coquet at Amble and contains some of the most
dramatic and memorable coastal scenery in the British Isles including soft eroding
limestone cliffs around Scremerston; broad sandy beaches, such as those at
Cocklawburn, Cheswick, Embleton and further south along Alnmouth and Druridge Bays
where they are backed by extensive sand dunes. There are also prominent dolerite or
whinstone outcrops most spectacularly, perhaps, on the mainland at Bamburgh forming
the long ridge occupied by the castle and offshore forming the Farne Islands archipelago,
each island with abrupt sea cliffs. Beyond the coastal fringe, the land is tamer, low lying,
occasionally rolling, and intensively farmed; indeed, it forms some of the best agricultural
land in the county and much of it is under an arable regime. Settlements within the area
are small, with the larger villages such as Bamburgh, Seahouses, Alnmouth and Amble
Berwick upon
Tweed
Holy Island
Farne Islands
Coldstream
Belford Seahouses
Yetholm
Wooler
Craster
Alnwick Alnmouth
Rothbury
Newcastle
Hexham upon Tyne
Sunderland
Illus. 01: The north east of England showing the Northumberland Coast Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty (NC-AONB) in red shading.
A61
05
Berwick upon AONB boundary
Tweed 1km surrounding
8
A6
9 Scremerston AONB
A1
Goswick Holy Island
Fenwick
Farne Islands
Coldstream
Bamburgh
Belford 42
B13 Seahouses
1
Town Yetholm B134
Wooler
A1
Embleton
A6
97
Craster
0
34
B1
Alnwick
Alnmouth
Alwinton
0 30km Rothbury Amble
A106
8
Illus. 02: Plan of the Northumberland Coast AONB boundary (dotted red line) and additional area also included in the
present survey (dashed green line).
along or adjacent to the coast, where they developed as fishing and trading centres, and
many scattered farmsteads inland. Berwick, at the northern limit of the AONB, is the
largest settlement on the English coast north of the conurbations of Tyneside and
Wearside.
3. GEOLOGY
The Northumberland coast is a limestone coast. The whole length of the AONB is
underlain with rocks of the Carboniferous age, forming repetitive and deep successions of
the lower, middle and upper limestone groups. Although these successions are by no
means all composed of limestone - there are intervening shales, sandstones and some
thin bands of coal - limestone is easily accessible along much of the coast. Some is
exposed by the sea in stratified beds, some strewn along the shoreline as boulders as
can be found just to the south of Dunstanburgh Castle and some revealed by shallow
quarrying.
4. DEVELOPMENT OF THE LIME INDUSTRY
4.1 Early Evidence
All but one of the lime kilns surviving within the Northumberland Coast AONB belong to
the late 18th or 19th centuries, but there is considerable evidence for lime production in
earlier times. The burning of limestone to produce lime was probably first undertaken on
the Northumberland coast in the medieval period, although the technology was known to
and practiced by the Romans, who used copious amounts of lime, principally in mortar
and as lime wash, notably in the construction and maintenance of Hadrian’s Wall and the
outpost forts in the region. .
A late 15th or early 16th century lime kiln, revealed by winter storms and excavated in
1995 (Williams and Williams 1996, 109-117), lies on Beadnell Point, to the east of the
harbour and its much later and better known kilns. The excavated kiln was a small
structure, and may have been used to provide lime for the refurbishment of the probably
thirteenth-century Ebba’s Chapel and associated buildings which also lie in ruins on the
point. Other evidence for the early exploitation of limestone along the Northumberland
coast for limeburning comes from Newcastle upon Tyne. An extensive battery of 14th
century limekilns, possibly providing lime for the completion of the medieval town walls,
was excavated during redevelopments on the eastern edge of the town in 1991 (Ellison et
al 1993, 151-234). Limestone and chalk for the kilns was probably bought in to the River
Tyne as ballast in merchant ships. Petrological analysis of the sources of this material
found scattered around the kilns strongly suggested that some had been taken from the
north Northumberland coast where it can, in places, be found as boulders on the
seashore (ibid, 228, 230). Accounts from Lindisfarne Priory over the medieval period
indicate that the monks there burnt their own lime. Priory kilns, as well as the early
Beadnell kiln and the batteries of kilns at Newcastle were using the lime produced as a
constituent of mortar for construction work. The product of the other limekilns surviving on
the AONB coast was used for a wide range of applications which will certainly have
included mortar, but the predominant use was for soil improvement; one aspect of the
systematic development of farming techniques over the 18th and the 19th centuries.
4.2 Agricultural Lime
How lime alters the formation of soil is complex and has only been fully understood fairly
recently. Although calcium is an essential element of plant growth, the main importance
of lime as a soil improver lies in its ability to reduce acidity levels and act as a catalyst for
fertilisers, fixing ammonia in the soil and limiting the negative effects of nitrates. When
powdered lime is added to soil, the calcium and magnesium contained within it can be
physically adsorbed onto the surfaces of the soil’s microscopic colloidal complexes,
displacing and ultimately reducing the number of hydrogen ions in the soil, increasing its
pH and ability to take up nutrients. The associated increase in soil crumb formation helps
to aerate the soil and makes conditions favourable for a range of micro-organisms, which
in turn speed up the breakdown of organic matter and recycling of nutrients. The benefits
of lime on soil conditions can be further enhanced by planting legume crops, whose
growth is enhanced by lime and which help to break up the soil structure, as well as
increasing the introduction of nitrogen to the soil because of their association with
nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
So, if the full explanation for the benefits of liming agricultural land may not have been
available to the improving farmer of the 18th or 19th century, the increased yields from
arable lands and fatter livestock from the richer pastures were. Its use as an agricultural
dressing was already known across parts of England by the early 17th century. Norden’s
Surveyors Dialogue of 1607, for instance, says:
...the poor husbandmen and farmers buy, dig and fetch limestones two, three,
four miles off and in their fields build lime-kilns, burn it and cast it on their
fields to their great advantage
The use of lime increased during the 17th century as land began to be enclosed for
intensive agricultural usage in order to serve the growing urban populations following the
Union of the Crowns and incipient dawn of the Industrial Revolution. Certainly by the
middle of the 18th century, lime was in widespread use for reclaiming waste and for
improving existing land, as well as for mortar and lime wash. In addition it had uses in a
host of small-scale industrial processes, such as tanning, textiles, soap and paper
making.
The north Northumberland coast was an early recipient of lime. In 1794 John Bailey, a
well-known land steward in the area, remarked that lime ’has long been used in the
Bamburgh ward.’ This early uptake was possible, of course, because of the physical
presence of limestone across the area, but was also a consequence of the potential of the
area as farmland. It is low lying, less prone to extremes of climate and disruption of the
growing season when compared to upland areas to the west and also frequently has
reasonable natural soils overlying the base rich geology (see Illus. 03 – Bailey & Culley
1797).
Tenures in the area were often secure and farms sizeable and affluent at quite an early
date, an undoubted advantage for experimentation with the techniques of improvement:
In Glendale and Bambrough Wards the farms are large, from £500 to £1500
[rental value] a year; very few under £100. Some tenants in the northern part
of the county farm from £2000 to £4000 a year...The capitals necessary for
such farms entitle them to a good education and give them a spirit of
independence and enterprise that is rarely found amongst the occupiers of
small farms and short leases. Their minds being open to conviction, they are
ready to try new experiments and adopt every beneficial improvement that
can be learnt in other districts
(Bailey and Culley 1797).
Illus. 03: Part of Bailey and Culley’s 1797 map of Northumberland showing available
deposits of coal (black dots), marl (open squares) and limestone (triangles, enhanced in
blue here). The prevalence of deposits of limestone along the coast is very marked.
In fact, the above tract goes on to point out that the use of lime in Bamburgh Ward had
been taken up so early and so effectively on ‘old tillage lands’ that ‘many intelligent farmers
begin to doubt of its efficacy’.
Despite any doubts about its use, most of the kilns surviving off the coastal strand or away
from rail lines in the AONB must have provided lime for relatively local use. Each estate
would have had its own kiln supplying its tenant farmers. Some individual farms would also
have had their own kilns, especially where limestone was accessible within the tenancy
and the farm profitable enough for the outlay of the initial construction and quarrying costs.
As the 19th century progressed demand for lime outgrew the capacity of field kilns, and
industrial-scale kilns were built, associated with large quarries or supply mechanisms.
Inland transport of lime, prior to the introduction of railways, will have been limited, perhaps
to one or two days travel with a farm cart. Transport of lime by sea, however, was another
matter, since shipment by boat was highly suited to the transport of commodities in bulk,
and was readily engaged in when market conditions allowed. Extensive areas of the
adjacent Scottish lowlands, for instance, were undergoing improvement in the later 18th
and 19th centuries but had no native limestone to burn for spreading on newly enclosed
fields, considered a vital adjunct of this improvement. At an early date, Sunderland kilns
further down the North-East coast were utilising the Magnesian Limestone of that area to
provide lime for large tracts of the east coast of Scotland ‘Great quantities of lime in shells
[unslaked] are annually transported by sea into Aberdeenshire from Sunderland’
(Anderson 1794, 105). The Beadnell kilns built in 1798 by Richard Pringle for John Wood
of Beadnell Hall and the limekilns at Seahouses developed by the Lord Crewe Estate
served the same Scottish market, as did the Kennedy limekilns on Holy Island and the later
and better known battery at Castle Point. Improvements in the security of sea travel along
the coast and the construction of new harbours and jetties greatly facilitated trade along the
Northumberland coast. But the movement of lime by sea was never without risks.
Sometimes, the cargo itself played a prejudicial role as with fate of the Curlew, a trading
sloop owned by Ralph Wilson of Holy Island. She had taken on a load of burnt lime and
was bound for Dundee on 31st July 1868 when water came into contact with the volatile
cargo. The heat generated set fire to the lime and she was burnt out, the two man crew
escaping in the ship’s boat (Jermy 1992, 43).
With the advent of the railways, transport of lime to less well-resourced and quite remote
inland areas also became feasible. Again, the coast of Northumberland was fortunate.
Its gentle topography meant that in the mid 19th century it became the line of the major
rail route accessing Scotland and the south (the battery of kilns at Littlemill lying along the
main line exploited this to the full) and from which branch lines ran inland. Both sea and
rail transport allowed the development of an economy of scale in the lime industry along
the coast.
5. BURNING AND USING LIME
Descriptions of limekilns and the methods of their operation in Northumberland are

contained in several contemporary accounts.
In 1788, William Marshall described Northumberland limekilns as follows:
‘the materials are either limestone entirely of limestone lined with bricks, and
no other airholes are made than the ‘eyes’ at which they are kindled. The form
of the cavity is an irregular cone inverted. At the bottom are generally two
eyes opposite to each other, the cavity being here contracted to a narrow
trough, the width of the eyes. The proportion between the depths and the
diameters of these kilns is that of the depth being generally about one and a
half diameter of the top. The size varies from six to 40 chaldrons’ (quoted in
Atkinson 1974, 103). [N.B. 1 chaldron = 50 cwt].
Something of their mode of operation is contained in the slightly later account of the great
agricultural reformers, Bailey and Culley:
The mode of burning lime in this county, is mostly in draw-kilns, of the form of
an inverted cone, with two or three eyes or mouths for drawing out the lime,
and admitting air: These kilns are kept burning and drawing perpetually.
Some of the large sale kilns will afford 40 or 50 cart loads a day: A cart load
of coal is reckoned to burn two cart loads of lime
(Bailey and Culley 1797).
The descriptions above outline the basic technology used in all the lime kilns surviving
along the Northumberland Coast, the operation of which was determined by the same
basic chemistry and by similar economic principles involving the costs of raw materials,
transport and labour.
The prime requirement for the location of any kiln was a good supply of limestone.
Therefore, kilns are often found close to small quarries (initially they might also have used
clearance from newly enclosed fields) or with access to sea and rail transport. In this last
respect the coastal kilns differ from most of the inland, upland kilns, which do not have
access to cheap methods of transport and are therefore more restricted in terms of output.
Kilns are often built into a hillside, sometimes into a ‘bench’ of the quarry supplying the kiln
so that stone could be loaded directly into the top of the kiln without the need to build a
ramp.
Just as essential to the working of a kiln was a fuel supply, which could have been charcoal
from nearby woodlands, but the later, commercial kilns used coal, mined on site or brought
in by road, rail or sea. For larger kilns, the greater quantities of fuel needed would make
this a major consideration in the choice of site. The transport mechanisms and routes by
which the coal arrived were also used to transport the unprocessed quicklime (or, much
more rarely, processed hydrated lime) away from the site.
The labour force used in the limeburning and processing industry tended also to be local
when the smaller kilns operated as constituent elements of the farms they served. Surplus
lime might be sold off to the other farmers or builders, but the usual purpose of the smaller,
farm or estate kilns was to produce lime for immediate use on the farm or estate which
operated them. Larger kilns with access to sea and rail transport sometimes developed
from smaller farm kilns, as at Littlemills, or were initiated as industrial concerns largely
separate from the local agricultural economy. In such cases additional labour may have
been sought, although limeburning was practiced at times of year when farm work was
relatively slack, allowing farmworkers to be occupied after planting and lambing, but in
advance of the harvest period. Kilns operating on the coast, however, where the population
was small and largely concerned with fishing, which, unlike agriculture, did not experience
a relative slack time during Summer, probably depended much more heavily on imported,
migrant or itinerant labour. Records indicate that the large kilns operating on an industrial
scale on Lindisfarne, notably the Kennedy limeworks, operated largely with a Scottish
workforce, but it seems likely also that workers for the limekilns would have been found
amongst the seasonal influx into mainland Britain of Irish workers, as well as itinerants from
industrial Tyneside and the coalfields.
The design and character of kilns used in the coastal zone is rather varied, but all the
remaining upstanding kilns are draw kilns, some of which are amalgamated into
rectangular blocks or batteries, as at Littlemills, Lindisfarne and Seahouses, wherein each
kiln pot was associated with three or four draw arches, but the principles of both
construction and operation remained the same. Such kilns are stone-built structures, often
square or oblong in plan, but sometimes rather amorphous where they have been
extended or adapted, often widening towards the bottom but usually partially submerged in
a sea of accumulated kiln waste, or built into a hillside. The smaller farm or estate kilns
have a single pot, circular or oval in plan and tapering, funnel-like in cross-section, towards
the bottom. Pots are lined with stone or brick – often refractory firebricks made from clay
found in coal measures – in order to protect their surfaces from the erosive impact of both
heat and thermal shock. Such linings often themselves become lined with an accretion of
slag or glaze produced as a consequence of chemical reactions between stone/brick, fuel
and heat. Two, three or four draw arches – always round on the Northumberland coast, but
more often pointed in the interior uplands – usually stone-built but sometimes brick-lined,
define recesses or porches around the openings, or ‘eyes’. The eyes supplied and, with the
draw arches, regulated the necessary draught, as well as yielding the burnt lime, which
descended to the bottom of the kiln continuously once the kiln was in full operation. Above
the eye there may be a poking hole, through which an iron poker was pushed to riddle or
stir the burning lime. Many kilns, particularly those free-standing (such as Littlemills) rather
than built into hillsides or submerged in kiln waste, are buttressed. The other essential
component of all kilns is the ramp up which the raw materials, invariably coal and
limestone, ascended to the opening of the pot. Such ramps sometimes used the natural
topography - as at the Lindisfarne Castle kilns, where the kilns are built at beach level and
the kiln pots reached from the cliff top – particularly where kilns were built into quarries, but
in other cases were deliberately constructed, reinforced and widened over time with the
aggregation of quarry- and kiln waste materials. In some cases the kiln ramps were
supplied with waggonways – the remains of which survive at Littlemills – but in most cases
horse and man-power were used to transport raw and processed materials up to and out of
the pot.
The above description covers the essential components of all kilns surviving in
Northumberland; any other features once present or still visible within or in the vicinity of
kilns are subsidiary to their main purpose, but may form a closely-related part of the wider
industrial concern. For example, most, but not all kilns are associated with quarries, some
of which are, in turn associated with pumps and sluices to remove excess water (many
were susceptible to flooding and a high proportion of those remaining are now water-filled).
Others, particularly the large industrial kilns such as Little Mills and the Lindisfarne
Kennedy Limeworks, are associated with storage features for both raw materials and
products, slaking pits, smithies and transport facilities.
Draw or perpetual kilns, as described above, superseded temporary ‘clamp’ or ‘sow’ kilns,
which are known previously to have existed in the county, and flare kilns, wherein a load of
lime was stacked in the kiln chamber and heated over a fire set beneath. Once burned, the
load from a flare kiln was removed allowing the process to be repeated as required. Load
and fuel did not come into contact and the lime was pure and untainted, thereby suited to a
range of purposes – including whitewash and mortar – than the produce of draw kilns,
where the lime is mixed with the charcoal and cinder remains of burnt fuel.
Illus. 04: Traditional European flare kilns.

Although superseded in Northern & Western
Europe, traditional flare kilns of the form
once used in Northumberland are still used
by small-scale producers in Southern and
Eastern Europe, where they are used to
produce pure forms of lime, often from
superior forms of limestone, untainted by the
by-products of burnt fuel. The pure lime
products are often sold in small quantities
directly to consumers, or in larger quantities
to middlemen or professional builders, the
majority of whom use it as lime wash. The
upper photograph shows two kilns built into a
road embankment with a supply of limestone
dumped by the roadside. The kilns, of 1-2
tonnes capacity, are being fired with
beachwood stoked through an opening into
the firing chamber, over which the limestone
blocks are stacked to form a temporary
vaulted floor. The top of the kiln is loosely
covered with tiles and metal sheeting during
firing, which takes approximately a day and
night of continuous stoking, towards the end
of which flames shoot out of the top of the
kiln. The lower photograph shows an empty
kiln with brick lining and ledge from which the
temporary limestone vault is sprung.
The design and technology of kilns used up to at least the middle of the 18th century in
Northumberland were little different from medieval or Roman kilns (see Illus. 4, above). The
remains of early ‘sow’ (and/or ‘flare’) kilns are sometimes recognisable in the landscape as
low circular earthworks, usually with a diameter of about 2 metres, surrounded by a low
bank, often with a narrow neck leading into the central bowl. Most are built into slopes
below small quarries. Few have ever been excavated, however, so their modus operandi
are poorly understood. It is assumed that they were worked in much the same way as
traditional charcoal clamps, with alternate layers of fuel and small stones stacked under
turves, and allowed to slowly burn through, but it is possible that the operation of some was
more akin to that of flare kilns, or someway between enclosed clamp and flare kilns,
perhaps with the possiblity of adding more fuel to the firing chamber or controlling the rate
of burn using flues.
In draw kilns, coal (the only fuel used in commercial limeburning in Northumberland;
available intermittently along the coast or by ship and, later, rail from the rich adjacent
coalfields) and limestone were packed into the kiln combustion chamber (generally known
as the pot) in successive bands- often at a ratio of 1:2 respectively - and a fire kindled with
wood stacked at the base. This ignited the bottom layer of coal which burnt through,
heating the layer of limestone above with the draught drawing the fire through and
eventually igniting the superseding layer of coal. In continuously-burning kilns, the rate of
burn was regulated to allow actual burning in the central section of the bowl; hot air from
here dried out and heated up fresh stone in the upper third; while that in the lower third
slowly cooled down ready to be drawn through the draw hole, or eye, at the base, along
with the ash residue of the coal. The overlying load would slump into the cavity of the pot
allowing more layers of coal and limestone to be added at the top. This process could
continue ad infinitum until seasonal conditions became too damp, or the kiln became
unserviceable or uneconomic; some kilns, however, were worked on an intermittent basis,
being filled up, fired and drawn in one discrete operation.
The process of limeburning in all kilns is determined by the chemical process wherein the
chemical constituents of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), usually limestone, chalk, marble or
shell, must dissociate to form carbon dioxide gas (CO2) and calcium oxide (CaO), a
process known as calcining. Once separated, these components must be kept apart. To
do this, the kiln provides heat (a range between 900oC and 1100oC) for a long enough time
(this varies between different purities of the loaded stone) to split the constituents of the
limestone as described; it also provides a draught, which removes the carbon dioxide from
the kiln. The product is volatile quicklime. Although seemingly a simple process, there
were obviously many things to think about when burning the lime and no doubt many skills
and tricks of the trade in getting it right. The speed of the burn and its ferocity were
regulated by the opening or closing of the draw holes or eyes at the base of the kiln which
were frequently fitted with iron doors.
Once removed from the kiln as lime ‘shells’, quicklime could be changed by the addition of
sufficient water, a process often accompanied by hissing and bubbling, to form ‘slaked’
lime (calcium hydroxide - Ca(OH)2). If sufficient water were added, this formed a paste, the
normal preparatory state for its use in mortar. If the addition of water were controlled
carefully enough, the quicklime would fall to a powder (a dry hydrate), a form ideal for
direct application on agricultural land. Generally, however, lime was taken by the farmer
and deposited in shell form. Bailey described the process in 1805.
There were various ways of applying the lime. For land already under cultivation:
The general practice is to lay it up in heaps of three or four cart-loads each;
and as soon as the clods are fallen, slacked or reduced to the state of
quicklime, it is spread evenly upon the land, and harrowed and ploughed in as
soon as possible after.
Alternatively, farmers
...lay about one hundred pound in weight in a heap on every square perch, so
that the heaps lie at a perch distance from one another; then they raise the
earth all round the heaps in the form of so many basins; the earth that forms
the sides of these basins should be a foot thick; and lastly, they cover the
heaps half a foot thick, with earth, in form of a dome
If rain or excessive moisture got into the heaps, the lime inside could form a paste,
impossible to spread on to the fields, so ‘The farmers therefore are very careful to examine
the heaps from time to time and stop the cracks.’ When the lime had thoroughly slaked
into a dry powder, the heaps were cut open and lime and soil mixed both manually and
with the plough and harrow.
Land which was being newly brought under cultivation, generally marginal waste or old
pasture, underwent a more protracted treatment involving paring and burning. This
involved the de-turfing of the area (the paring) and its shallow ploughing. Lime was piled
over the ploughed earth as described above and left to slake. The cut turf was heaped and
burnt, the resultant ashes mixed with lime and both harrowed and ploughed in.
Over the later 19th century and into the 20th century other fertilizers (guano, residues from
sugar beet production or precipitates from chemical processes) were used increasingly and
lime used more sparingly. It was also the case that so much lime had been used on
agricultural land that reserves built up which lasted for many years. By the 1930s however,
the imminence of war and the likelihood of having to rely on home-produced food led to the
introduction of a government subsidy scheme providing the farmer with the cost of half the
lime he used and half of its transport costs. This lime, of course, was home produced also.
There is no certain evidence that any of the lime kilns in the area were brought back into
use over this period. The lime subsidy continued after the Second World War ended,
eventually changing in the 1960s to a flat rate contribution. Prior to 1937, farmers
nationally had spread about 400,000 tons of lime annually. By 1969, five million tons were
used. Today the quantity of lime used is much smaller, generally on light sandy soils
where most leaching occurs.
6. THE CURRENT SURVEY
6.1 Methodology
The initial task involved in the present descriptive and analytical survey was to prepare a
list of surviving limekilns within and in the immediate vicinity of the Northumberland Coast
AONB. The area of the survey includes the AONB and a buffer zone of approximately one
kilometre on its landward side which is included to account for kiln sites which may straddle
the border of the AONB, as well as those which are outside but clearly visible from, or in
economic or other close association with, adjacent parts of the AONB. The definition of a
kiln site was a little more difficult to determine than the area to be included in the survey,
since some kiln sites contain more than one kiln, while others are related by common
quarries or transport systems. It was decided to group by number those kilns clearly
forming part of the same industrial complex, but to consider as different sites kilns that
could be interpreted as being components of independent industrial complexes, or ‘kiln
sites’. Thus, the Easington Demesne kilns clearly used the same quarries and transport
system (albeit perhaps not contemporaneously) are as kilns ‘A’ and ‘B’ within kiln site 10,
and the two Littlemill kilns are likewise listed as kilns ‘A’ and ‘B’ within Kiln Site 25 in the
Gazeteer. Scremerston Limeworks Kiln and Cocklaw Dunes Limekiln sites are, however,
considered to be separate sites, although apparently connected by routeways and probably
sharing quarries, partly due to the physical distance separating them but also because the
associations linking them are less incontrovertible than the examples above. Numbering in
this way has the advantage that any actual kiln remains found at the Scremerston
Limeworks site can be listed separately as kilns ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, etc., as could also be the case
at the Kennedy Limeworks site (Gazeteer no. 5) on Lindisfarne, where at least one group
of three separate kilns is presently identified, but where others are suspected.
The basis for the list of sites presented in the gazetteer (below) was the Northumberland
County Council Heritage Environment record (HER), which was accessed to determine the
number and location of known kilns in the designated area. Modern aerial photographs
(Google Earth) of each site and its environs were then checked against the noted kiln
locations in order, wherever possible, to verify their presence along with any adjacent
earthworks or structures. In addition to use of the HER, historic Ordnance Survey mapping
for the entire area contained within the AONB was examined closely for any additional sites
included on the fist edition map (surveyed c1855-60) but not noted on the HER. Part of that
exercise included searching the same maps for active and abandoned quarry sites which
could have been related to the limeburning industry as sources of limestone (or, potentially,
as sources of brick clay, sandstone or whin for construction of kiln superstructure, arches
or pots, and which could once themselves have been directly associated with kilns.
Although the entire area of the AONB was searched in this way, the results of this detailed
examination have been recorded only for a sample area between the large villages of
Amble and Sunderland Seahouses (see Appendix 1). A map base marking all the limekiln
sites identified with certainty from all of the above sources was then prepared (Illus. 05-08).
Following the desk-based component of the study, all the sites for which a location could
be identified from the HER record, aerial views of historic maps were then visited, even
those described as surviving only as minor earthworks or not at all. Access to the kilns,
where not publicly accessible, was obtained in advance and, whilst making enquiries
regarding access, or during site visits, the whereabouts of any further limekilns was
requested of the landowner or tenant. All kiln sites in the list proved accessible.
When preparing field notes and, subsequently, written descriptions of the kilns included in
the survey, account was taken of previous description, notably the recording of a number of
the limekilns within and adjacent to the AONB carried out by Dr. Stafford Linsley in the
1970s, who was then working within the sphere of the then Department of Adult Education
at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Data records on a number of the kilns were
filled out by Dr. Linsley in 1976/7, and drawn surveys of a number was also carried out in
1976/7. These episodes are noted within titles for each of the kiln sites. Those described
by Linsley in 1976/7 have the code SLD76/7 and those which were surveyed in 1976/7
have the title SLS76/7. References to these events are included on HER entries.
Additionally, in 1992/3, Glasgow University Archaeology Department (GUARD) prepared a

survey of the Northumberland coast. Although limekilns were not surveyed in the same
detail as the work undertaken by Stafford Linsley, where a limekiln was described by Guard
it appears as G93 in the title. References to these events are included on HER entries.
Two of the kiln blocks in the AONB, Lindisfarne Castle Point [6] and Beadnell Harbour
Kilns [17], are owned and maintained by the National Trust and are entered on the
National Trust’s archaeological database, actively maintained by the Archaeological Officer
for the region, Harry Beamish. This information has been incorporated into the brief
Gazeteer descriptions, where appropriate, and forms the basis for the present (and any
future) interpretations of the sites on display boards.
6.2 Site Gazetteer
The following gazetteer describes each of the lime kiln sites identified and visited within or
immediately adjacent to the Northumberland Coast AONB. The descriptions are brief,
especially as regards the structural status of the kilns, since anything more substantial
would require specialist engineering input. Most of the kilns sit alongside associated
features, ranging from relatively minor evidence for quarrying to extensive limeworking
complexes such as can be found at Littlemills [24] and at the Kennedy limeworks on Holy
Island [5], including structures and tramways. Again, the descriptions of these remains are
brief and provide only contextual evidence for the setting of the kilns. A glossary is
provided at the end of the gazetteer which explains a number of the terms used.
6.2.1 Scremerston (Cargie’s Kiln) Limekiln, Ancroft; NU 02095 49655, HER 3982,
SSSI, AONB, SLD76/7, SLS76/7, G93.
Cargie’s Kiln is situated above the shoreline at the edge of the steep and eroding coastal
slope and is accessed by an incised trackway running across this slope. It is
considerably decayed and has been affected both by slumping of the soft geology of the
slope it is built into and by erosion from the sea which has undercut it. A multangular
structure with three access arches and a single but now obscured circular pot. Wing walls
to north and south. General face work is of red sandstone rubble with squared sandstone
voussoirs around arches and forming diminishing vault within. Corbelled end-wall within
arch above one narrow draw hole per arch. No evidence of doors etc. Arch facing the
sea (east) is completely exposed. The arch to the south is mostly exposed but the draw
hole within is largely obscured by soil infill and the north arch has lost much facework
around it and is almost completely submerged under slumped material from the slope.
Historic Mapping
The kiln, named as Cargie’s kiln, was in use at the time of the 1st ed. (1866). The present
trackway was in use at this time, also, with a continuation to the south looping back to the
shoreline which is now lost. A trackway is also shown running from the front of the kiln to
the sea. Presumably, lime could be moved both back up the slope for local use and by
water to more remote locations. The kiln was disused by time of 2nd ed. (1893).
1
2a 2b
Illus. 05: Plan highlighting the location of known limekiln sites in the north part of the AONB
(AONB boundary shown as a red line) - numbers in yellow circles keyed to Gazeteer.
3 4
7 8
6
9
10a
10b
11
12
Q30
Q29
13
14
Q26
Q27
Q28
Illus. 06: Plan highlighting the location of known limekiln sites in the centre-north part of the AONB
(AONB boundary shown as a red line) - numbers in yellow circles keyed to Gazeteer; numbered Q25
quarry sites in green keyed to Appendix 1.

Q24
Q23 15
16
18
17
Q22a
Q22b
19
20
Q21
Q20
Q19
Q16
Q17
Q18
Q16b
Q16a
Q15
22
21 Q14
23
Q13
Q12
Q11 Q10
Q9
Illus. 07: Plan highlighting the location of known limekiln sites in the centre-south part of the AONB
(AONB boundary shown as a red line) - numbers in yellow circles keyed to Gazeteer; numbered
quarry sites in green keyed to Appendix 1.
6.2.2a Scremerston Saltpan How Limekiln, Ancroft; NU 025 489, HER 3985
SSSI, RAMSAR Site, AONB (Special Protection Area), SLD76/7, G93.
Lost. Kiln fabric was visible but fragmentary in 1976 when recorded by Stafford Linsley;
‘whole external structure appears to have been removed. One round pot on draw arch’.
Not located in 1993 during Northumberland Coastal Survey by Glasgow University and
presumably lost over the intervening period.
Historic Mapping
The 1st ed. (1866) marks the area as ‘limeworks’. A working kiln is set a little way to the
west of an extensive quarry with a substantial loading ramp running to it from the north.
A defile sloping up from the quarry edge holds a tramway running beyond the kiln and
then recurving sharply and splitting to form two tracks and accessing the loading platform.
2nd ed. (1898) shows site disused.
2b. Scremerston Saltpan How ‘Old Limekiln’, Ancroft
An ‘old limekiln’ is shown on the 1st ed (1866) to the east of the Saltpan How quarry
described in entry 2, above. No physical evidence for the structure remains
6.2.3 Scremerston Limeworks Kiln, Ancroft: NU 032 481, HER 3983, AONB,
SLD76/7, SLS76/7.
Kiln lost, but very substantial loading ramp survives topped with WWII gun emplacement
in former location of loading platform. Kiln was ‘in good condition plus two other kilns’
when recorded by Stafford Linsley in 1976. Further recording carried out in 1977 by
Linsley with students from Continuing Education Dept. of Newcastle University. Variation
between numbers of pots in descriptions.
Historic Mapping
Kiln (quite possibly multi-phase) shown on 1st ed. (1866) with three pots and loading ramp
running to south-east topped with tramway powered by an engine on the loading
platform. A tramway is also shown running on a trestle from the north-west side of the
platform again accessing quarries. Complex still in use by time of 2nd ed. (1893) when
tramway from kiln had altered course to the west to access main rail line. The works was
owned by Scremerston Colliery. Limeworks disused by 3rd ed.
6.2.4 Cocklaw Dunes Limekiln, Ancroft; NU 03420 48105, HER 3984, SLD76/7, G93
The limekiln is set into the eroding Boulder Clay coastal slope between flat grassland
above and bedded limestones exposed along the shoreline. It is a poorly preserved but
impressive multangular structure with facework of uncoursed rubble. A large circular pot
was accessed by a loading ramp, this feature now much reduced. The pot is largely
filled, but neatly squared stone-lining is exposed in stretches, all of it is vitrified. Four
access arches are visible, one opening on to the shore, three to the west. The
arrangement of access arches to the east is uncertain due to slumping across this side of
the kiln. Where surviving, voussoirs forming the arches are red or grey sandstone. The
access arch opening on to the shore is almost completely exposed apart from soil build-
up obscuring the single draw-hole within set below a segmental arch. The three arches
to the west are all partially obscured, the facework around two lost.
Historic Mapping
Marked as ‘old’ on the 1st ed.
6.2.5 Kennedy Limeworks, Holy Island; NU 1220 4310, HER 5353 SSSI, Ramsar Site,
NNR, AONB, SLD76/7, G93.
General
A clause within the 1793 Enclosure Act for Holy Island allowed for the construction of a
lime kiln (see catalogue No. 7) but there is no physical or documentary evidence to show
that any kilns were constructed until 1846 by David Gibson of Belford and John Lumsden
of Mousen (Jermy 1992, 21). The works exploited limestone on the northern edge of the
island at Buck Skerrs, Snipe Point and Nessend. Eventually, three blocks of limekilns (A
to C) sat in an area known as The Links a little way to the south of the quarries. Once
burnt, the lime was shipped off the island from a timber jetty at The Basin, a little way to
the west of Holy Island village. All the components of the works - quarries, kilns and jetty
– were linked by tramways which can still be followed as modern tracks.
In addition to surveys by Stafford Linsley in the 1970s and Guard in 1993, O’Sullivan and
Young surveyed the site for their 1995 publication on the archaeology of the island
(O’Sullivan and Young 1995).
Block A: Northern Kilns

These limekilns were built by David Gibson of Belford and John Lumsden of Mousen and
were in use by 1846 as the St Cuthbert’s Limeworks. The Berwick Advertiser for 25th July
1846 describes the enterprise:
Messrs. Gibson and Lumsden of Belford... have during the past year, built two
capacious limekilns, made a tram or railway, upwards of a mile in length, from
their works to the shore, and erected a jetty for the purposes of shipping; and
have already sent several cargoes of lime...to Dundee, Perth and other points
in the north of Scotland. They have also landed several cargoes at different
places on the coast of Northumberland and Berwickshire for the use of those
farmers whose distance from the limekilns prevents them getting that useful
article by any other means.
(quoted in Jermy 1992, 21)
Two fragmentary pots with a gap between emerge from a ‘dune’ composed of tumble
from the kiln structures overlaid with wind blown sand and marram grass and fescue.
Both pots are circular in plan, belly out from the top, and are lined with vitrified sandstone
and some firebrick. The kilns were linked by a frontage wall which has gone. Both will
have been accessed from arches to the front (south) which are hidden beneath the fallen
rubble and windblown sand. The upper part of a stone arch can be seen between the
two pots. This will have accessed a central lobby or cross passage between the kilns.
The loading platform and loading ramp, obscured by windblown sand, extend to the north
of the kilns.
Historic Mapping
In use on the 1st ed. (1860) where there is a complex of tramway lines to the south. Gone
by the time of the 2nd ed. (1898).
Block B: Southern Kilns

These lie along the east side of the tramway a little way to the south of Block A and were
in use for a fairly short time in the late 1850s. They were built by William Nicholl, lime
merchant and ship owner of Dundee, who obtained a 21 year lease for the works from
John Selby, Lord of the Manor. Unfortunately, he set them up beyond the area of the
lease and they were quickly abandoned in favour of the well-known kilns at Castle Point,
also constructed by Nicholl. They are not easy to interpret being fragmentary and
covered in sand but would appear to have consisted of three pots set within a rectangular
structure. As with Block A, the front wall is missing. There is no obvious evidence for
access arrangements to the pots or for the plan or the sectional form of these.
Historic Mapping
In use on the 1st ed (1860) and gone by the 2nd ed. (1898).
Block C: Lime Storage Bays?

A linear structure with nine projecting bays, now partially submerged by windblown sand
and set on the west side of the tramway between kiln blocks A and B has been variously
interpreted as limekilns, kelp burning pits and stables. They are probably lime storage
bays to hold burnt lime shells before transporting to the jetty and on to vessels. Their
location suggests they were a part of the 1846 St Cuthbert’s Limeworks.
Historic Mapping
Shown on the 1st ed. (1860) but gone on the 2nd ed. (1898). A smithy is shown across the
tramway on the 1st ed. and its outline remains on the 2nd ed.
6.2.6 Castle Point Limekilns, Holy Island NU 137 417, SAM 555, HER 5351
National Trust owned, Special Protection Area, RAMSAR site, SSSI, NNR
A large, monumental limekiln comprising six pots set into a large (nearly) rectangular
structure built against sloping ground on the north-western edge of Castle Point. It was
constructed by William Nicholl of Dundee (see above catalogue No. 5, Block B) of
dressed but randomly coursed sandstone masonry. Round-headed draw holes at the
base of each pot were accessed variously from six external round-headed access arches
and a pointed Gothic arch (on the south face), some directly accessing the pots, some
leading to vaulted passages and further access arches within. Tramlines ran along the
passages and facilitated removal of the burnt lime into small trucks. The short loading
ramp to the north provides access to the top of the kiln. The six pots are all circular in
plan, lined with firebricks, and taper to the base. Limestone came in from Nessend
Quarry on the northern edge of the island by tramway, some of it on embankment and
including a wooden bridge. Burnt lime was taken from the kiln to a jetty on the point. The
kiln was in use from 1860 and had fallen out of use by the end of the century.
Historic Mapping
Not present on the 1st ed. (1860). 2nd ed. (1898) shows it as ‘Old’.
6.2.2 Limekiln, Holy Island Not located; HER 5399
The 1793 enclosure award mentions a limekiln was to be erected for the general benefit.
Its location (as well as its existence) remains uncertain.
6.2.8 Medieval Limekilns, Holy Island Not located; HER 5398
Priory account rolls and inventories from the 14th to 16th centuries indicate the monks
burnt their own lime in a limekiln or kilns on the island. In 1367 an iron rake for a limekiln
is mentioned in an inventory.
6.2.9 Easington Grange Mill Limekiln, Belford with Middleton NU 11928 36452,
HER 19616
A lime kiln is shown on the 1st ed. (1860) on the eastern edge of the road running north
from Easington Grange Mill. There is no evidence for the kiln today within an arable field.
Historic Mapping
On the 1st ed. the kiln is marked as ‘old limekiln’ within a rectangular compound along the
east edge of the road. On the 3rd edition, the site is marked as ‘sand pit’.
6.2.10a Easington Demesne Limekiln ‘A’, Easington NU 11966 35463; HER

19619
Along with 10b, this kiln is set within an extensive quarry shown as fully extended on the
1st ed. OS (1860). This kiln was built into the north-east corner of the quarry. It is now
very fragmentary and obscured by rubble and soil build-up around it. One pot, circular in
plan and with a firebrick lining, partially infilled with rubbish and soil but appearing to taper
to base. Three, possibly four access arches, no visible draw holes.
Historic Mapping
Shown as in operation on 1st ed. (1860) but within’old quarry’. Semicircular in plan with
what would appear to be two buttresses to the south. Marked as ‘Old’ by 1898 but
possibly with additional structure added subsequent to 1st ed. and prior to its closure.
6.2.10b Easington Demesne Limekiln ‘B’, Easington; NU 12014 35331, HER

19882, SLD76/7
Sits at the south-western edge of the quarry noted in catalogue 10a. Substantially intact
kiln with multangular frontage wall of blocky but uncoursed sandstone facing north
pierced by three access arches and with two buttresses attached and projecting wing
walls. The access arches are round headed with stone voussoirs and fairly shallow but
diminishing vaults within. There is a further, lower, segmental arch over the draw holes.
None of the draw holes are visible. Ponded area against the north-east frontage of the
kiln. The kiln has one pot, circular in plan, and lined with stone which has vitrified. An
earth loading-ramp curves up from the south of the kiln.
Historic Mapping
Working at time of 1st ed. (1860) but within ‘old quarry’. Fallen out of use by time of 2nd
ed. (1898).
6.2.11 Budle (Kiln Point) Limekiln, Bamburgh; NU 1537 3534; HER 5093
SSSI, NNR, AONB, SLD76/7, G93.
Positioned to the east of a lane running down to the shoreline at Kiln Point on Budle Bay.
Although substantial remains survive, the kiln is in a fairly poor condition and one of the
three access arches has collapsed. Multangular frontage wall facing south with
(originally) three access arches and a wing wall to the east. Construction is largely of
random whin rubble with occasional other stone types. Access arches are round-headed
with brick voussoirs, diminishing to a second segmental arch above draw holes, none of
which are visible. There is one central pot, circular in plan, but infilled and of uncertain
profile. Its lining is also uncertain. A tightly curving earth loading ramp runs from
adjacent to trackway and up to loading platform.
Historic Mapping
1st ed. (1860) shows the kiln in use. A track runs from the lane in front (south) of the kiln
and on to the shoreline. By the time of the 2nd ed. (1898) the kiln is disused. Structures
are shown appended to the east face of the kiln and to the south. Not obvious today.
6.2.12 Spindlestone Limekiln, Easington, NU 1521 3362, HER 5288, AONB, SLD76/7
A large and very impressive kiln set at the end of a farm track running from the road to
the south of Waren Mill and built into a gentle slope climbing to the south. Rectilinear
structure of coursed sandstone rubble with neatly cut angle quoins at the north end and
with massive clasping buttresses added below. There is a further buttress along the east
face. The three round-headed arches, all at the northern end of the kiln in the north, west
and east faces, have neatly cut sandstone voussoirs and access one central pot. They
are high (c.4.5m) and wide (c.3m). They are also deep (c.4.5m) and diminishing,
stepping down twice within (the steps supported by first round and then segmental
arches). The draw holes are narrow and round-headed with small, square poking holes
above. The pot is circular in plan but largely filled and of an uncertain profile. It is lined
with firebricks. As the kiln is set into a slope, the earth ramp at the south end is fairly
short but extends the width of the structure.
Historic Mapping
1st ed. (1860) shows the kiln in use with an ‘old quarry’ to the north. The kiln is also out of
use by the time of the 2nd edition (1898). The buttresses are present on the 1st ed.
6.2.13 St Aidan’s Dunes Limekiln, North Sunderland and Seahouses NU 21372

32468; HER 23595
At the southern end of St. Aidan’s Dunes, exposed in the eroding edge of the coastal
slope and north of the sea wall, is a spread of lime burning debris. Noted by Harry
Beamish in November 2008 and still present in April 2010.
Historic Mapping
A chart of Sunderland Point, made in the 1770s and held at Bamburgh Castle, shows a
limekiln at this point. No structure is shown in the area on the 1st ed. (1860).
6.2.14 Seahouses Harbour Limekilns, North Sunderland and Seahouses

NU 2198 3214, Listed G II, HER 5907 Conservation Area, AONB, G93.
These kilns were developed by the Lord Crewe Estate as a commercial concern at the
very end of the 18th century, the products of these kilns being shipped from Seahouses
harbour to Scottish ports for agricultural use. The kilns survive in their abandoned state
as a very substantial rectilinear block, its short axis fronting onto the harbour, its long axis
set into the slope climbing up from the sea. The block comprised four circular pots (now
capped; much of the kiln platform today serving as a grassed-over beer garden)
accessed by ten round-headed arches, seven along the north (harbour) face, two on the
west return (one greatly reduced) and a tenth on the east return. The kilns block is
formed of coursed red and cream sandstone masonry with neatly cut sandstone
voussoirs forming the access arches, all of which now serve as fishermen’s stores and
are closed with double timber doors on the wall lines. Internally, they are diminishing with
corbelled cross-walls and narrow round-headed draw holes. Access to the top of the kiln
was from the south-west via a loading ramp skew to the block, but this has been
encroached by later buildings and there is no evidence for it today, although the
alignment of The Viking public house must reflect its former presence.
Historic Mapping
The kilns had already fallen out of use by the time of the 1st ed. (1860). The access ramp
is shown as is a structure set along the north face of the kiln block, perhaps to shelter the
arches. It had gone by the time of the 2nd ed.
6.2.15 Swinhoe Quarry Limekiln, Beadnell; NU 212 291, HER 5796, AONB, SLD76/7
Very fragmentary remains of masonry and a loading ramp. The area of the kiln is today a
waste and dumping area on the edge of a field.
Historic Mapping
The 1st ed. (1860) shows the kiln in use. It has a broad loading ramp to the south, a
central circular pot and a square plan-form with two buttresses to the north, presumably
flanking an access arch. There is also what would appear to be a wing wall to the west
continuing on from the frontage. Possibly, there were further access-arches to east and
west. At least a part of the adjacent quarry is shown as ‘old’. A straight road or lane runs
to the south of the kiln and a more irregular trackway to the north. The kiln was out of
use by the time of the 2nd ed. (1898).
6.2.16 Windmill Hillstead Quarry Limekiln, Beadnell; NU 233 290, HER 5797, AONB,
SLD76/7
A very decayed limekiln minus its frontage wall (presumably robbed for use elsewhere)
lies to the south-west of modern residential development at Beadnell. Descriptions of the
structure within the HER in 1980 and 1999 show that much of the decay has been recent.
It is constructed of red sandstone and has three access arches, exteriors lost and their
interiors corbelled. All have single draw holes. A substantial earth loading-ramp survives
running from the west with, in places, stone revetment walls. The single pot is of circular
plan, stone lined and tapers to the base.
Historic Mapping
1st ed. shows the limekiln as out of use with a number of surrounding quarries and a coal
pit, all also shown as old.
6.2.17 Beadnell Harbour Limekilns, Beadnell NU 23742 28579; Listed GII HER 5790,
National Trust owned, SSSI, AONB, G93.
A set of three limekilns with curving frontage wall on the eastern edge of Beadnell
Harbour. The original, central kiln, was built in 1798 and extended by Richard Pringle for
John Wood of Beadnell Hall in the early 19th century. Most of the lime burnt was shipped
to Scotland for agricultural use. By 1822 trade at the kiln had declined and the kiln eyes
were used for curing herring. Along with the Castle Point kilns on Holy Island, they are
iconic coastal structures, owned and restored by The National Trust and are currently
used to store lobster pots and other fishery equipment. Although phased, the kilns are of
similar form and construction in randomly coursed masonry of a rich golden colour
interspersed with grey and red sandstone. They stand to just over 9m high, each with a
single circular pot. Two of the kilns have three round-headed access arches whilst the
northwest kiln has an additional arch. The arches are framed with quoin stones and have
voussoirs cut from the red or grey sandstone. Internally, they diminish and step down.
There is one round-headed draw hole per eye with an inspection hole above. A
substantial loading ramp extends eastwards from the kilns. The south sides of the two
southern kilns have been eroded and broken away by the sea, requiring much repair
work by The National Trust.
Historic Mapping
By the time of the 1st ed. the kilns were disused
6.2.18 Beadnell Point Limekiln, Beadnell NU2401 2874, SAM 25055, HER 5813,
SSSI, AONB
A limekiln was partially exposed on Beadnell Point by storms in the 1980s, the structure
was excavated in 1994. Two flues were found, the northern one was a substantial arched
flue which had collapsed inwards, and the eastern one was blocked with two stone slabs.
Analysis produced a date of AD1480-1510 for the last firing although the kiln may be
contemporary with St Ebba’s Church. Survives as a stone structure.
6.2.19 Newtonbarns Limekiln; NU 22445 24437; HER 5856, SLD76/7
Site of a limekiln. All that remains is an isolated but prominent earth mound with no
masonry visible. Was in a similar condition when visited by Linsley in 1976; ‘all that
remains is a mound with a clump of thistles on top.’
Historic Mapping
A rectilinear limekiln shown on 1st ed with one circular pot. Sits adjacent to a quarry.
Both marked as ‘old’. A track runs from the north face of the kiln block.
6.2.20 Limekiln, Newton-by-the-Sea NU 22419 24004, HER 20357
Lime kiln on the 1st edition OS. Marked as ‘old’ next to quarry. No physical evidence for
limekilns, today, although quarry survives as a pond.
6.2.21 Dunstan Hill Farm Quarry Limekiln, Craster; NU 234 210, HER 5854, SLD76/7
The limekiln lies on a ridge to the west of Dunstanburgh Castle, on the south-western
edge of a rectangular quarry which extends as a second discrete area to the east of a
field boundary. Linsley mentioned some masonry of the limekiln as visible in 1976, but
this has now gone. The loading ramp to the south of the kiln is still prominent. The red
sandstone base of a small windmill - used as a pump to de-water the eastern block of the
quarry (this is now an extensive pond) minus any cap or sails, lies on the north-west edge
of the quarry.
Historic Mapping
The 1st ed. (1860) shows the limekiln with a curving frontage wall (facing east) and one
circular pot. The windmill is also present. The 2nd ed. provides a better indication of the
tracks used to move the lime from the kiln. The modern OS marks the windmill as a kiln.
6.2.22 Dunstan Square Limekiln, Craster; NU 24754 21294, HER 5853, AONB,
SLD76/7
Limekiln in an impressive location to the west of and in view of Dunstanburgh Castle and
overlooking Embleton Bay to the north. It is not particularly well-preserved but is still an
attractive structure enhanced by setting. A rectilinear structure of uncoursed sandstone
rubble set into a purpose-built bank to the east (a part of the loading ramp) with a wing
wall extending to the north and three visible (originally four according to Linsley) access
arches along the west frontage wall. The arch to the north is complete with a segmental-
headed arch formed of two rows of red bricks. It diminishes internally with a brick vault
and stone-corbelled rear. The draw eye has been blocked with brickwork. The
northernmost of the arches on the west face has been blocked with masonry along the
line of the frontage wall; the arch to the south of this is badly tumbled. The kiln has one
pot, circular in plan and lined with firebrick. Its profile is uncertain but probably tapers to
the base. A long loading ramp extends from the south side of the platform. Quarry
earthworks lie to the north, south and east of the kiln.
Historic Mapping
1st ed. (1860) shows an extensive series of tracks to the south of the kiln in the quarried
area. The kiln is shown as still active. Still in use at time of 2nd ed. (1898) but had fallen
into disuse by time of 3rd ed. (1912).
6.2.23 Limekiln, Rennington NU 22837 20667, HER 20358
Limekiln shown on the 1st edition OS within an area of quarrying. No current physical
evidence. 1st ed. (1860) shows a kiln with curving frontage wall and one circular pot. It
was in use at this time but had fallen out of use by the time of the 2nd ed. (1898).
6.2.24 Littlemill West Quarry Limekilns (two kilns), Longhoughton; NU 228 173,
Listed Grade II and II*, HER 5640, Local Nature Reserve, SLS76/7.
A very significant site containing many surviving components of a limeworks and

extending over a hectare. There are two kilns, the largest, a big rectangular block sits
along the western side of the East coast Main Line. It is a Grade II* listed building and
dates from the middle of the 19th century. A smaller kiln sits a little way to the south-west.
It was probably constructed at the start of the 19th century. Quarries and other features,
including a row of what are interpreted as coal stops, extend to the south and west of
both of the kilns.
Kiln ‘A’: The Early Kiln

This has a curving (nearly semi-circular) frontage wall of irregular rubble work facing
north with three access arches and two substantial buttresses between. The arches, with
substantial buff sandstone voussoirs, diminish within and there are single rectangular
draw holes in each arch. It has one pot, circular in plan and lined with firebricks. An
earth loading-ramp runs up to the kiln from the south.
Kiln ‘B’: The Later Kiln

This is one of the largest banks of commercial kilns in the country with eight pots and
direct rail access to the East Coast Main Line. It is rectangular in plan and faced in
irregularly coursed slabby grey sandstone with all walls battered and angles neatly
quoined in buff sandstone. Its long axis runs north-south with the adjacent rail line.
There are eight pots, six of circular plan, two elongated, with four draw eyes per pot
opening internally at waist height from shallow, segmentally headed arches into a central
vaulted passageway for loading directly on rail trucks which entered at the north end
under an impressive pointed ‘Gothic’ arch. There are also three cross-passages running
width way through the kiln, entered through round-headed arches with brick heads. A
loading ramp runs from the kiln to the south. It is of the same width as the kiln at the level
of the loading platform and is retained at the south end of the block by wing walls. There
are remnants of structures and sleepers on the loading platform of the kiln. A brick and
stone structure on the south-eastern edge of the kiln held a tramway skewing in from the
south-east.
Historic Mapping
The 1st ed. (1860) shows both kilns present and in operation alongside the main rail line
which was opened in 1848. Both kilns are linked to the main line by rail. The later block
is shown with six (not eight) pots, either covered with shelters or extending beyond the
outer walls of the block. Loading ramps run from the south of both kilns; that to the later
kiln is flanked on the eastern edge by a pond with an adjacent structure, probably a
steam engine or boiler. The 2nd ed. (1898) shows the early kiln disused with its loading
ramp cut across by an embankment skewing to the later kiln block. The later kiln now
has eight pots and is of the same footprint as the present structure. The 3rd ed. (1912)
shows a tramway added to on top of the embankment skewing in from the south-east
across the ramp of the early kiln as shown on the 2nd ed. and up the loading ramp of the
later kiln. All maps show extensive quarries to the south of the kilns.
6.2.25 Longbank Quarry limekiln, Longhoughton NU 23902 13843, HER 5717
Site of a limekiln, all that remains are a few holes in the ground and some stones. The 1st
ed. (1860) shows a functioning limekiln projecting into the edge of a quarried area, the 2nd
ed. (1898) shows it abandoned.
Illus. 09: Scremerston, Cargie’s Kiln shown on
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 10: SCREMERSTON (CARGIE’S KILN)/Photo 01


Illus. 16: Modern aerial photograph of Cargie’s Kiln, Scremerston.
Illus. 17: Scremerston Saltpan kiln site
shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions
of the Ordnance Survey Map Series.
Illus. 18: SCREMERSTON SALTPAN/Photo 01
Illus. 19: SCREMERSTON SALTPAN/Photo 02
Illus. 20: Modern aerial photograph of Scremerston Saltpan.

Illus. 21: Scremerston limekiln site shown on
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 22: SCREMERSTON/Photo 01 Illus. 23: SCREMERSTON/Photo 02
Illus. 24: SCREMERSTON/Photo 03 Illus. 25: SCREMERSTON/Photo 04

Illus. 26: Modern aerial photograph of Scremerston limekiln.
Illus. 27: Cocklaw Dunes limekiln site shown on
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 28: COCKLAW DUNES/Photo 01 Illus. 29: COCKLAW DUNES/Photo 02
Illus. 30: COCKLAW DUNES/Photo 03 Illus. 31: COCKLAW DUNES/Photo 04

Illus. 32: COCKLAW DUNES/Photo 05

Illus. 35: Modern aerial photograph of the Cocklaw Dunes limekiln.
Illus. 36: Kennedy Limeworks site shown on
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 37: KENNEDY LIMEWORKS/Photo 01


Illus. 43: Modern aerial photograph of the Kennedy limeworks.
Illus. 44: Lindisfarne Castle lilmekilns (bank
6 Kilns) shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions
of the Ordnance Survey Map Series.
Illus. 45: HOLY ISLAND CASTLE/Photo 01 Illus. 46: HOLY ISLAND CASTLE//Photo 02
Illus. 48: HOLY ISLAND CASTLE//Photo 04
Illus. 47: HOLY ISLAND CASTLE/Photo 03

Illus. 49: HOLY ISLAND CASTLE/Photo 05 Illus. 50: HOLY ISLAND CASTLE/Photo 06

Illus. 53: Modern aerial photograph of Holy Island Castle limeworks.
Illus. 54: Easington Grange Mill limekiln site
shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the
Illus. 55: EASINGTON GRANGE MILL/Photo 01
Illus. 56: Modern aerial photograph of Easington Grange Mill limekiln.

Illus. 57: Easington Grange limekilns site shown
on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the Ordnance
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 58: EASINGTON GRANGE/Photo 01


Illus. 63: Modern aerial photograph of the Easington Grange limekiln.
Illus. 64: South of Easington Grange (HER 19882)
Illus. 65: SOUTH OF EASINGTON GRANGE/Photo 01


Illus. 71: Modern aerial photograph of limeworks south of Easington Grange.
Illus. 72: Budle Bay limekiln shown on successive
(1st - 3rd) editions of the Ordnance Survey Map
Series.
Illus. 73: BUDLE/Photo 01
Illus. 75: BUDLE/Photo 03:


Illus. 79: Modern aerial photograph of Budle limekiln.
Illus. 80: Spindlestone limekiln shown on
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 81: SPINDLESTONE/Photo 01



Illus. 90: Modern aerial photograph of the Spindlestone limekiln.
Illus. 91: The likely site of a limekiln at St. Aiden’s
Dunes, Seahouses, shown on successive (1st - 3rd)
Note the ‘Old Tramway’ which may have served the
limekiln, shown on the 1st edition map
Illus. 92: ST AIDEN’S DUNES/Photo 01

Illus. 95: Modern aerial photograph of St. Aiden’s Dunes.
Illus. 96: Seahouses Harbour limekilns shown
on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the
Illus. 97: SEAHOUSES HARBOUR/Photo 01

Illus. 101: SEAHOUSES HARBOUR/Photo 05 Illus. 102: SEAHOUSES HARBOUR/Photo 06

Illus. 103: Modern aerial photograph of Seahouses Harbour limekiln.
Illus. 104: Swinhoe quarry limekiln site shown
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 105: SWINHOE QUARRY/Photo 01 Illus. 106: SWINHOE QUARRY/Photo 02
Illus. 108: SWINHOE QUARRY/Photo 04
Illus. 107: SWINHOE QUARRY/Photo 03

Illus. 109: Modern aerial photograph of the Swinhoe Quarry limekiln.
Illus. 110: Windmill Hillstead limekiln site shown
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 111: WINDMILL HILL QUARRY/Photo 01


Illus. 117: Modern aerial photograph of Windmill Hillstead Quarry limekiln.
Illus. 118: Beadnell Harbour limekilns shown on
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 119: BEADNELL HARBOUR/Photo 01 Illus. 120: BEADNELL HARBOUR/Photo 02

Illus. 125: BEADNELL HARBOUR/Photo 07


Illus. 130: Modern aerial photograph of the Beadnell Harbour limekiln.
Illus. 131: The site of Beadnell Point late-
medieval limekiln shown on successive (1st - 3rd)
Illus. 132: BEADNELL POINT/Photo 01
Illus. 133: BEADNELL POINT/Photo 02
Illus. 134: Modern aerial photograph of Beadnell Point limekiln.

Illus. 135: Newtonbarns limekiln shown on
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 136: NEWTONBARNS/Photo 01

Illus. 139: Modern aerial photograph of Newtonbarns limekiln.
Illus. 140: Embleton North limekiln site shown on
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 141: EMBLETON NORTH/Photo 01

Illus. 144: Modern aerial photograph of Embleton North limekiln.
Illus. 145: Dunstan Hill Farm limekiln shown on
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 146: DUNSTAN HILL FARM/Photo 01

Illus. 151: DUNSTAN HILL FARM/Photo 06 Illus. 152: DUNSTAN HILL FARM/Photo 07
Illus. 153: Modern aerial photograph of Dunstan Hill Farm Quarry limekiln.
Illus. 154: Dunstan Square limekiln shown on
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 155: DUNSTAN SQUARE/Photo 01



Illus. 164: Modern aerial photograph of Dunstan Square limekiln.
Illus. 165: Embleton Mill South limekiln site
shown on successive (1st - 3rd) editions of the
Illus. 166: EMBLETON MILL SOUTH/Photo 01
Illus. 167: EMBLETON MILL SOUTH/Photo 02
Illus. 168: Modern aerial photograph of Embleton Mill South limekiln.

Illus. 169: Little Mills limekilns site shown on
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 170: LITTLE MILL WEST QUARRY/Photo 01 Illus. 171: LITTLE MILL WEST QUARRY/Photo 02
Illus. 178: LITTLE MILL WEST QUARRY/Photo 09


‘B’
‘A’
Illus. 190: Modern aerial photograph of Little Mill West Quarry limeworks (N.B. coal
drops and quarries to the south not shown, but note the mainline railway bordering
the east side of the site.
Illus. 191: Longbank Quarry shown on
Survey Map Series.
Illus. 192: Modern aerial photograph of Longbank Quarry limekiln.
GLOSSARY
Access Arch A broad entrance providing access to the drawing eye/eyes of the kiln. Other
than pointed ‘Gothic’ arches providing tram or rail access to the kiln batteries at Littlemills
and Castle Point, Lindisfarne, all of the coastal kilns have round-headed arches. They
reflect the vaulted interior of the access space leading to the draw holes, built to support the
massive overlying wall around the kiln pot. Frequently, the exterior voussoir stones or bricks
forming the arch and the internal vaulting are of a different character to the general fabric of
the kiln.
Draw Hole/ Eye A relatively small opening at the base of the kiln pot and at the internal end
of the access arch through which a draught was introduced to the kiln and from which lime
and coal ash were removed. There were many variations of form, some with hinged iron
doors to close off the draught. The draw holes have often been broken out or are today
covered by build up of waste and soil inside the arch. Sometimes, a poke hole was placed
above the draw hole which allowed the load to be inspected and for it to be stoked and
broken up if blocked. There is generally one draw hole per access arch but sometimes two,
especially with elongated pots. The Littlemill pots are exceptional in having four.
Pot The combustion chamber of a limekiln. These were at least 6m high and at least 2.5m
in diameter at the top, usually circular in plan but sometimes elongated. The vertical profiles
of pots varied but were frequently of a reverse cone shape or bellied-out towards the centre.
Within the AONB, all the surviving draw kilns had pots which were lined, usually with
firebrick, in a number of examples stone. Inspection of the kiln linings shows that they were
commonly vitrified, especially towards the middle of the kiln in what is termed the burning
zone where the heat was most intense. Fire bars and grates at the bottom of the pot,
accessed from the draw holes, have generally disintegrated or been removed. There may
have been two or three arches accessing the base of any one pot.
Loading Ramp Working on a gravity feed system, the limestone and fuel for a draw kiln
were loaded in alternate layers from the top of the pot and then worked their way through
during a firing to the bottom of the kiln. As the burnt load sank, the raw materials were
replenished from above. The upstanding kilns on the coast are between 6m and 12m up to
the loading platform, so limestone and coal were lifted to this level. On the kilns in the
AONB, this was usually achieved by the provision of an earth loading ramp. Many have
survived and form prominent associated features alongside the kilns. A number are straight,
others curve - sometimes quite sharply. Some have vestigial remains of tramways to the top
of the kiln. Alternatively, some lime kilns were set into a cliff or quarry edge to reduce the
loading platform to the same level as the prevailing ground surface beyond the quarry or cliff
7. PRIORITISATION EXERCISE
7.1 Introduction
Limekilns are important elements of the Northumberland Coast AONB’s historic

environment. Several survive as impressive field monuments, and collectively they tell an
important story about the development of the present day landscape. They should not
really be studied or managed in isolation, but as part of the historic environment including
contemporary features such as field walls, quarries, mines, transport infrastructure, farms
and villages. In many cases the value of a particular kiln can be enhanced by the survival
of other remains in its immediate vicinity, and although the remit of this report has been
primarily the kilns themselves thought should always be given to the surrounding
landscapes when planning work at the kilns.
Today, while some kilns are used for storage the vast majority have no practical function
and are therefore subject to decay and neglect; indeed their greatest value can be as
sources of worked stone for use on modern construction projects. While a few kilns are
protected as scheduled monuments or listed buildings, most have no such protection. A
handful are managed as historic sites by the National Trust, but most remain in private
ownership and are of no practical value to their owners.
At a time when resources are increasingly scarce, any funds available for the study,
conservation and interpretation of limekilns must be carefully allocated. For this reason,
this report includes a brief analysis of what we consider to be the top sites for future
projects. The top priorities have been identified by a limited, but in our view effective
prioritisation exercise.
This report has not undertaken any detailed analysis of the kilns, and the prioritisation
exercise does not take into account variation in the form of the kilns, or the potential
architectural sophistication or importance of individual kilns. It may therefore be that
expert advice would result in certain sites low down the list being higher if they display
any unique or rare characteristics, or if they form components of significant wider
complexes. It is also possible that public access could be negotiated where it currently
does not exist. However, while bearing such issues in mind, we consider the overall
results of the prioritisation exercise to be generally sound.
The exercise awards each kiln a score out of 10, based on its state of survival, current
threats, and potential for public access and interpretation. The resulting league table
therefore highlights those sites in a reasonably good state of survival at which
conservation work is needed and which are accessible to the public and thus of potential
community value. (In an exercise like this, a higher total might normally be awarded for
public access, but in this case almost all the sites are on the coast and thus readily
accessible to the public; for this reason only 2 points are available for public access, with
4 for each of the other categories). Points are awarded as follows:
State of survival (max score = 4).

0. Nothing visible above ground.
1. Slight earthworks visible above ground
2. Survival as substantial earthwork, perhaps with a little visible masonry.
3. Substantial in-situ masonry.
4. Virtually complete with masonry largely intact.
Current threats (max score = 4)

0. No obvious threat.
1. Minor threat, perhaps from tree roots, windblow, weather, or animal burrowing..
2. More serious threat with damage actively underway.
3. Serious loss of structure underway or probable in near future.
4. Imminent danger of major structural loss.
Interpretive potential (max score = 2).

0. No public access and site not clearly visible from public right of way.
1. No public access but site clearly visible from adjacent public right of way.
2. Public access to site.
TABLE 1: Points Allocated to Each Kiln Site

No. and Name Survival (4) Threat (4) Access (2) Total (10)
1. Scremerston 3 3 2 8
(Cargie’s Kiln)
Saltpan How
limekiln 2
4. Cocklaw 3 4 2 9
Dunes Nature
Reserve
5. Kennedy 3 2 2 7
Limeworks
6. Holy Island 4 0 2 6
limekilns
pre-modern 1
pre-modern 2
9. Easington 0 0 1 1
Grange Mill
10A. Easington 2 3 0 5
Demesne ‘A’
10B. Easington 3 4 0 7
Demesne ‘B’
11. Budle 4 3 1 9
limekiln
12. 4 3 1 8
Spindlestone
limekiln
13. St Aidan’s 0 0 2 2
Dunes
14. Seahouses 3 0 2 5
Harbour
15. Swinhoe 2 2 1 5
Quarry
16. Windmill 3 4 1 8
Hillstead
Quarry
17. Beadnell 4 2 2 8
Harbour
18. Beadnell 0 0 2 2
Point
19. 1 1 1 3
Newtonbarns
20. Embleton 1 1 1 3
North
21. Dunstan 1 1 0 2
Hill Farm
Quarry
22. Dunstan 3 3 1 7
Square
23. Embleton 1 2 1 4
Mill
24a. Littlemill 4 4 0 8
West Quarry A
24b. Littlemill 4 3 1 8
West Quarry B
25. Longbank 1 2 0 3
Quarry
7.2 Discussion
On the basis of the scoring outlined in Table 1, taking into account the state of survival,
current threats, and potential for public access and interpretation, the ‘top ten’ priority sites
are presented in Table 2. These are ranked 1, 2 or 3, depending on whether their total
score was 9, 8 or 7. For reasons discussed above no great weight should be placed upon
the absolute score of any one site (a site scoring 9 should not necessarily be prioritised
over one scoring 7 or 8) but we believe that this table does present the top ten priorities for
future projects.
TABLE 2: Ten High-Priority Sites

Rank Site No. and Name Score
1 Budle (Site 11). 9

1 Cocklaw Dunes Nature Reserve (Site 4). 9
2 Beadnell Harbour (Site 17). 8
2 Littlemill West Quarry (Sites 24A & 24B combined) 8
2 Scremerston (Cargie’s kiln) (Site 1). 8
2 Spindlestone (Site 12). 8
2 Windmill Hillstead Quarry (Site 16). 8
3 Dunston Square (Site 22). 7
3 Easington Demesne (Sites 10A & 10B combined) 7
3 Kennedy Limeworks (Site 5). 7
It should certainly not be assumed, however, that any sites not on the ‘top ten’ list are of
no interest or importance. Every kiln is unique and of at least local importance, and some
have interesting features which add to their value even if the kilns themselves are of little
interest; for example, the kiln at Dunston Hill Farm Quarry with adjacent windmill that
survives in good condition. The kilns on Holy Island and at Seahouses Harbour are some
of the most impressive to be seen anywhere in Northumberland, but their current good
condition and ongoing management by the National Trust (and hence lack of current
threat) dictates that they do not feature in the top ten. Opportunities that may arise to
undertake research, conservation or interpretative work at sites outside the top ten should
not be discouraged by this report, which seeks only to present a list of current priorities.
Conservation and interpretation at all the top ten sites would be a large-scale
undertaking. It would be more realistic to focus on a smaller number of sites, perhaps
those with particularly amenable landowners, or where funding is more readily available
such as through an HLS agreement. In some cases there might be a particularly high
degree of public interest in a site, and public participation might be a key factor in
acquiring funds. Set out below are brief outlines of work that might be considered
necessary or desirable at each site; these brief outlines, which should be read in
conjunction with the photographs of each site provided with this report, would need to be
worked up into detailed project designs for sites at which work is proposed.
Berwick upon AONB boundary
Tweed 1km surrounding
1
AONB
A1 4
Holy Island
5
Farne Islands
Coldstream
10 11
Belford 12 Seahouses
1617
Wooler
A1
A6
97 22
Craster
24
Alnwick
Alnmouth
Amble
0 30km Rothbury
Illus. 193: Plan showing the Ten High-Priority Sites in relation to the AONB boundary (numbers keyed to Gazeteer entries).
7.3 Description of the Ten High-Priority Sites
BUDLE (Site 11, Score 9).

Structurally largely intact, including substantial ramp. Masonry of stone with attractive
brick arches. Accessible site with fie views over Budle Bay. Threats from weather, stock
erosion, walkers, tree roots/windblow and burrowing animals. Urgent need for detailed
architectural survey before current small-scale collapse intensifies. Repointing essential
to arrest erosion and prevent further collapse.
COCKLAW DUNES (Site 4, Score 9).

Attractive location with views up and down the coast. Built onto bedrock at interface of
sand dunes and beach. Much of structure survives, but in a critical condition. Serious
collapse underway, including loss of facing stones and erosion of exposed core.
Undercutting also a problem through erosion of sand dunes. Major structural collapse
potentially imminent. Urgent need for detailed survey, to be followed by consolidation of
masonry and stabilisation of adjacent ground.
BEADNELL HARBOUR (Site 17, Score 8).

Well-known and much-visited site, owned and managed by the National Trust. Used for
storage by fishermen, leading to some untidiness. Generally well conserved but some
erosion to seaward side, and one large lintel threatening to collapse – currently supported
by two unsightly temporary supports behind temporary metal fencing. Requires detailed
condition assessment and some remedial work. Interpretation panel is dated and tatty – a
new one should be provided.
LITLEMILL WEST QUARRY (Sites 24A & 24B combined, Score 8).
Two separate kilns, but considered here as one site, just outside the boundary of the
Northumberland Coast AONB. Owned by the Howick Estate and not open to public
access without permission (there is an occupied estate cottage on the site), although the
larger kiln is visible from public roads. The smaller, older kiln is generally well-preserved,
although the outer edge of the upper loading platform is beginning to collapse on the
north-east side, and the keystone of the round-headed access arch beneath it has also
slumped out of position. The larger, later kilns block is in good condition with only minor
cracking externally. Internally some of the draw hole surrounds, which appear
undisturbed since abandonment, contain loose brickwork but are generally sound. The
open pots at loading platform level present a real hazard; although this area is fenced off
at the top of the loading ramp, the fence is insecure and hazard notices would benefit
from improvement. In addition to security improvements, both kilns here would benefit
from limited consolidation work and, if opened to public access, interpretation panels
concerned with the kilns and associated features, including ramps, internal railways, coal
drops and extensive quarries.
SCREMERSTON, CARGIE’S KILN (Site 1, Score 8).

A small kiln in a splendid location, built onto bedrock at edge of beach. Largely intact but
some loss of upper walls; also erosion of turf cover in places leading to loss of core.
Some undercutting at the foot of the walls that could lead to rapid collapse of entire
structure, but could be relatively easily dealt with. Requires detailed survey and lilmited
underpinning, along with consolidation of upper masonry and reinstatement of turf cover.
SPINDLESTONE (Site 12, Score 8).

Imposing structure, kiln and ramp largely intact but worrying cracks in masonry that might
indicate the threat of potential collapse. Requires detailed survey and assessment by a
structural engineer, followed by consolidation as appropriate. Trees growing on the
structure must be removed.
WINDMILL HILLSTEAD QUARRY (Site 16, Score 8).

Located in pasture adjacent to public open space. Much of the structure, including
lengthy ramp, survives, but is being actively eroded at an alarming rate. Pot largely intact
and not infilled – currently something of a safety hazard (particularly since it is adjacent to
an are of modern housing) despite provision of flimsy ‘safety’ fence. Stock erosion and
burrowing seem to be the main problems. Requires urgent survey before further collapse.
Survey should also include extensive and fascinating earthworks that surround the kiln on
all sides. Conservation of both masonry and earthwork urgently needed.
DUNSTON SQUARE (Site 22, Score 7).

Medium sized kiln, of stone masonry with brick arches. Splendid views to Dunstanburgh
Castle; two Second World War pill-boxes (unusually built of concrete-filled sacks) directly
associated with the site. Some loss to upper levels and cracks through masonry. Large
trees growing on ramp. Needs detailed survey and analysis by structural engineer,
followed by appropriate consolidation.
EASINGTON DEMESNE (Sites 10A & 10B combined, Score 7)

Two separate kilns and associated quarries but close together so considered here as one
site. Site 10B is largely intact, though masonry has fallen from its higher levels and but
serious collapse of arches and other masonry is imminent. A few trees growing out of
structure – risk of root damage and windblow. At the time of survey there was standing
water within and around the structure – possibly a drainage problem? Site 10A is entirely
covered with trees, some of which have been recently planted, hindering inspection of the
structure. Pot appears largely intact, though in a fragile state. Ideally the trees should be
cleared from kiln, which should then be properly surveyed and conserved.
KENNEDY LIMEWORKS (Site 5, Score 7).

A very extensive site with several kilns and other features including wagonway/railway,
smithy, various enclosures and probably drops or product storage units. Now survives
largely as earthworks but with some in situ masonry, notably the upper parts of kiln pots.
The principal threat to the site appears to be from visitors walking over it; although the
site is well outside the main tourist centre of the island, it does lie on a well-used network
of footpaths used by walkers and bird watchers. A detailed topographical survey of the
entire site is needed in order to assess the character, function and survival of earthwork
and masonry remains, allowing decisions on remedial works to standing masonry and
earthworks. Such a survey would also provide material for effective dissemination of
information about the site, including signage and information panels.
In addition to undertaking survey and conservation work at particular kilns, an overall

approach could be taken to the public interpretation of a number of the more interesting
and accessible sites. Rather than designing on site interpretation individually for each
site, an overarching interpretive project (‘Historic Limekilns of the Northumberland Coast’)
might be preferable. This could provide much information through a specially designed
section of the AONB website (based on the information in this report) and new
interpretive panels of a standard design could be provided on the ground to stress the
individual characteristics of each site. Such panels could be designed in conjunction with
the National Trust and English Heritage where appropriate, and should direct people to
the website for further information. Events could also be designed around the kilns,
including community-based projects to undertake architectural survey of the structures,
photography, and research into their origins and history.
It is also worth commenting that many of the kilns examined in this report are part of more
extensive limeworks sites which also incorporate quarries and transport systems, which
together form a complex of features providing the opportunity for enhanced
understanding and interpretation of the kilns. One of the more interesting features in this
regard is at Dunston Hill farm quarry, where the surviving stone-built tower of a windmill
pump to remove water from the quarry still stands (and on the Ordnance Survey is
confused for the limekiln, which does not survive).
Furthermore, many sites are associated, directly or visually, with other cultural heritage
sites of interest. The kilns at Seahouses and Beadnell, for example, are associated with
harbour structures, while Dunston Steads is closely associated with two World War Two
pill boxes. The town of Berwick-upon Tweed is distantly visible form the top of Cock Law
Dunes limekiln near Scremerston, while Dunstonburgh castle is visible from both Dunston
Hill and Donston Steads farm kilns.
With regard to interpretation, the value of sites is increased not only by their association
with other cultural heritage sites, but by their ecological value. Kilns themselves, as well
as associated features such as quarries, particularly flooded quarries, provide a range of
habitats both terrestrial and aquatic for numerous species of animals and plants. Such
habitats and the species they support should be taken into account when managing the
conservation as well as the interpretation and use of the kin structures themselves and
the former limeworks sites of which they form a part.
ORACLE Heritage Services and the Archaeological Practice Ltd. would be able to help
design a follow-up project to this report and to seek funds on behalf of the
Northumberland Coast AONB for survey, conservation and interpretive work, all of which
could include a degree of direct public participation, at a selection of sites.
8. CONCLUSIONS
8.1 The surviving limekilns within the Northumberland Coast AONB are attractive historic
and architectural features of the area. They are reminders of a distinct part of the human
development of the coast and of other areas supplied by the limekilns and also of its
geological background. Some of the kilns are statutorily protected and a few are actively
maintained by the National Trust. Others are not protected by any designation, their disuse
exposing them to increasingly rapid degradation. Some of the kilns lie within the remains
of larger limeworks and have associated earthworks and structures around them. All the
surviving kilns and many of the surrounding earthworks and structures would benefit from
detailed field archaeological survey, in a number of cases to enhance work carried out by
Stafford Linsley and students of the former Department of Lifelong Learning at Newcastle
University.
8.2 The story of the lime industry in the area touches upon a number of other historic
themes and potential areas of research including the revolution in agriculture which took
place both in Northumberland and in areas of Scotland supplied by the coastal kilns over
the 18th and 19th centuries; the developments in sea transport over the same period
including the improvement or introduction of harbours and jetties along the coast, on
occasion specifically to facilitate the coastwise movement of lime; and the revolution in land
transport which came about with the introduction of railways in the mid 19th century which
allowed the wider terrestrial movement of lime. Because of these links, interpretation of the
kilns would benefit from a broad, multi-thematic approach.
8.3 All the surviving kilns, other than those in the care of the National Trust, are in a state
of active and sometimes speedy decay. All are worthy of retention, but some survive more
substantially than others and could be consolidated at manageable cost. Available public
access to a number of these sites would make consolidation and restoration both feasible
and attractive.
8.4 In addition to undertaking survey and conservation work at particular kilns, an overall
approach could be taken to the interpretation of a number of the more substantially
surviving and easily accessed sites. Rather than on-site interpretation, an overarching
interpretive project (‘Historic Limekilns of the Northumberland Coast’) might be
preferable. This could provide information on the structures and the industry through a
specifically designed section of the AONB website. Any interpretation thought necessary
on site to enhance a particularly important or publicly accessed kiln or group of features
could be designed in conjunction with the National Trust and English Heritage where
appropriate, and would be able to direct people to the AONB website for further
information.
8.5 Events could also be designed around the kilns, including community-based projects
to undertake architectural survey (basic recording has been undertaken on a number of
sites by Stafford Linsley and students of the Department of Lifelong Learning at The
University of Newcastle) and photography as well as research into their origins and
development.
9. REFERENCES
Atkinson, F, 1974, The Industrial Archaeology of North-East England, 1, London.
Bailey , J. and Culley, G. (1797) General view of the agriculture of the county of
Northumberland with observations on the means of its improvement.
Bailey, J. and Culley, G. (1805) An agricultural survey of the county of Northumberland.
Bainbridge, J W, 1991, ‘Lime Kilns of north Northumberland’ in History of the Berwickshire

Naturalist’s Club, 45 (111-137).
Boynton, R S, 1980, Chemistry and Technology of Lime and Limestone, London.
Jermy, R.C. (1992) Lindisfarne’s limestone past: quarries, tramways and kilns
Northumberland County Library.
Jobey, G, 1966, ‘A note on sow kilns’, Univ. Newcastle Agricultural Society Journal, 1966.
Linsley, S, 1992, ‘Eighteenth Century to Nineteenth Century Agrarian Transformation and

Industrial Revolution’ in Pevsner et al. The Buildings of England: Northumberland, London.
Northumberland Coast AONB Historic Environment Working Group (2010) Explore the
archaeology of the Northumberland Coast AONB and heritage coast Northumberland
Coast AONB Partnership.
O’Sullivan, O. and Young, R., 1995, Lindisfarne Holy Island. English Heritage.
Robson, D.A. (1965) A guide to the geology of Northumberland and the Borders.
Starmer, G, 1995, ‘Limekilns and typologies’ in Industrial Archaeology News, 92,2.
Trueman, M, 1990, ‘A Lime Burning Revolution’ in Association for Industrial Archaeology

Bulletin 17, 2 unpag.
Williams, A. and Williams, E., 1996, Excavation of a Late Medieval limekiln on Beadnell
Point, Northumberland in Archaeologia Aeliana 5th series. XXIV.
Williams, R., 2004, Limekilns and lime burning. Shire Publications Ltd.
APPENDIX 1: Quarries Appearing on the First Edition Ordnance Survey Plan within
the Survey Area between Amble and Seahouses.
An examination of the First Edition Ordnance Survey Series was conducted as part of a
research exercise investigating the possible presence of limekilns not listed on the county
Historic Environment record. The detailed results of this investigation were fully recorded,
as presented here, for the area of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty (and a kilometre wide buffer on its landward side) between Amble and
Seahouses.
Thirty quarries were identified in this area, eleven of which fell within the AONB. Four of
the sites identified included a limekiln, but none of these sites were included in the AONB.
This brief study suggests, therefore, that the Heritage environment record provides a
reasonably comprehensive coverage of the AONB with regard to limekilns present, and
shown on historic Ordnance Survey maps, from the mid-19th century onwards.
No. Area
Q1 N of Lesbury West of Field House, between Railway line and main
road, east of stream
Q2 N and W of Dunsheugh, 3 quarries and kiln in land surrounding Dunheugh to north
SW of Longhoughton and west. Quarry to the north is within the study area; the
kiln is just over 1km outside the AONB boundary,
therefore excluded from the main Gazeteer of kiln sites.
Q3 Ratcheugh, W of Irregular shaped quarry north of Ratcheugh
Longhoughton
Q4 W of Ratcheugh, W of Rectangular shaped quarry
Longhoughton
Q5 Ratcheugh Crag, W of Small irregular shaped quarry
Longhoughton
Q6 Littlehoughton Irregular shaped quarry
Q7 W of Howick Grange Irregular shaped quarry west of Howick Grange
Q8 Little Mill Small quarry east of Little Mill quarries and kiln
Q9 SW of Craster Between Pasture House and Peep O’Sea
Q10 Hips Heugh, S of Craster S of Craster on east side of main road
Q11 W of Hips Heugh, SW of On the opposite side of road to Q10, south of Craster
Craster South Farm
Q12 Dunstan Quarry N of Craster South Farm on border of AONB
Q13 North of Whinny Hill N of Stamford, W of limekiln 23
Q14 NE of Dunstan Square Field next to Dunstan Square
Q15 NE of Spittleford On south side of Embleton Burn
Q16 Christonbank limeworks Quarry and limekiln, located just over 1km outside the
AONB boundary, therefore excluded from the main
Gazeteer of kiln sites.
Q16a Christonbank limeworks 2 small quarries along field boundary, south-east of
&b Christon bank limeworks, and possibly associated with it.
Q17 W of Embleton East of Christonbank limeworks, north of field boundary
mentioned above
Q18 W of Embleton East of Christonbank limeworks, south of field boundary
mentioned above
Q19 N of Embleton Immediately north of Embleton on W side of road, marked
on modern OS as quarry (dis)
Q20 NW of Embleton Small quarry NW of Embleton
Q21 North Farm, Embleton N of North Farm, N of Embleton
Q22a Low Newton by the Sea On either side of road connecting Low Newton by the Sea
&b with High Newton-by-the-Sea
Q23 W of Beadnell SW of East Fleetham, N of Swinhoe burn
Q24 W of Beadnell Hill Crest, W of East Fleetham
Q25 S of North Sunderland W of Southfield, on W side of road
Q26 S of Braidcarr Point, On coast between Braidcarr Point and Snoot or North
North Sunderland Sunderland Point
Q27 North Sunderland Quarry on E side of main road SW of Q26
Q28 N of Elford 2 quarries and an old limekiln shown on the 1st edition
Ordnance Survey map straddling the road N of Elford.
The kiln is just over 1km outside the AONB boundary,
therefore excluded from the main Gazeteer of kiln sites.
Q29 SW of New Shoreston, In-between road defining AONB and road N of Elford
NW of Seahouses
Q30 SW of New Shoreston, W side of road defining AONB
NW of Seahouses
Further work on quarries and quarrying in the region is merited using geological sources
to identify possible associations between the lime industry and the quarries noted in the
attached table. Furthermore, it is likely that older estate maps will contain useful
information on the nature of some of the quarries shown on the historic Ordnance Survey
maps, as well as identifying others, some of which almost certainly will reveal themselves
to be sites of, or directly related to the supply of, limekilns in the early 19th century and
earlier.
Quarry 1-North of Lesbury, west of Field Quarry 2-West of Longhoughton (1895) Quarry 6-Littlehoughton (c1895)
House (1895)
Quarry 2-North and west of Dunsheugh, Quarry 4&5-West of Longhoughton (1895) Quarry 7-Howick Grange (c1895)
also W of Longbank, SW of Longhoughton (c1895)
Illus. 194-9: Additional Quarry Sites 1-7 (Keyed to Appendix 1)
Quarry 8-East of Little Mill West Quarry (c1895) Quarry 10-South of Craster (1895) Quarry 12-West of Craster (1895)
Quarry 9-West of Peep O’Sea, South of Quarry 11-South of Craster (1895) Quarry 13-West of Dunstan Hill (c1895)
Craster (c1895)
Quarry 14-North of Craster (1895) Quarry 16-Christonbank limeworks, west Quarry 17&18-West of Embleton (c1895)
of Embleton (c1895)
Quarry 15-Spitalford (c1895) Quarry 16a&b-Immediatley south of Quarry 19-North of Embleton (c1895)
Christonbank limeworks (c1895)

Quarry 20-North west of Embleton (c1895) Quarry 22a&b-Low Newton-by-the-Sea (c1895) Quarry 25-South of North Sunderland (c1895)
Quarry 21-North of Embleton (c1895) Quarry 23&24-West of Beadnell (c1895) Quarry 26-North Sunnerland (1890)

Quarry 27-North Sunderland (1890)
Quarry 28-North of Elford (1895)
Quarry 29a30-North west of Seahouses (c1895)

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LIMEKILNS IN THE NORTHUMBERLAND COAST

AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

AN APPRAISAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUE

STUDY CARRIED OUT FOR NCAONB

THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL PRACTICE LTD.

4. DEVELOPMENT OF THE LIME INDUSTRY

5. BURNING AND USING LIME

6. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS OF SURVEY

Frontispiece: Distant view of Beadnell Harbour limekilns from the south.

Illus. 04: Traditional European flare kilns, Central Bosnia, 2009.

Illus. 10-15: Photographs of Cargie’s Kiln, Scremerston - March 2010.

Illus. 16: Modern aerial photograph of Cargie’s Kiln, Scremerston.

Illus. 18-19: Photographs of Scremerston Saltpan kiln site – April 2010.

Illus. 20: Modern aerial photograph of Scremerston Saltpan kiln site.

Illus. 21: Scremerston limekiln site shown on

Illus. 22-25: Photographs of Scremerston limekiln site – April 2010.

Illus. 26: Modern aerial photograph of Scremerston limekiln site.

Illus. 28-34: Photographs of Cocklaw Dunes limekiln, Scremerston – April 2010.

Illus. 45-52: Photographs of the Lindisfarne Castle Limeworks – April 2010.

Illus. 53: Modern aerial photograph of the Lindisfarne Castle Limeworks.

Illus. 73-78: Photographs of Budle Bay limekiln – March 2010.

Illus. 81-89: Photographs of Spindlestone limekiln – March 2010.

Illus. 90: Modern aerial photograph of Spindlestone limekiln site.

Illus. 97-102: Photographs of the Seahouses Harbour limekilns – March 2010.

Illus. 136-138: Photographs of the Newtonbarns limekiln site – March 2010.

Illus. 139: Modern aerial photograph of the Newtonbarns limekiln site.

Illus. 144: Modern aerial photograph of Embleton North limekiln site.

Illus. 164: Modern aerial photograph of Dunstan Square limekiln site.

Illus. 170-173: Photographs of Little Mills limekiln ‘A’ – April 2010.

Illus. 179-186: Photographs of Little Mills limekiln ‘B’ – April 2010.

Illus. 190: Modern aerial photograph of Little Mills limeworks site.

Illus. 192: Modern aerial photograph of Longbank Quarry limekiln site.

Illus. 194-199: Additional Quarry Sites 1-7 (Keyed to Appendix 1).

Illus. 200-205: Additional Quarry Sites 8-13 (Keyed to Appendix 1).

Illus. 206-211: Additional Quarry Sites 14-19 (Keyed to Appendix 1).

Illus. 212-217: Additional Quarry Sites 20-26 (Keyed to Appendix 1).

Illus. 218-20: Additional Quarry Sites 27-30 (Keyed to Appendix 1).

Goswick Holy Island

0 30km Rothbury Amble

4. DEVELOPMENT OF THE LIME INDUSTRY

4.1 Early Evidence

4.2 Agricultural Lime

Descriptions of limekilns and the methods of their operation in Northumberland are

In 1788, William Marshall described Northumberland limekilns as follows:

Illus. 04: Traditional European flare kilns.

6. THE CURRENT SURVEY

Additionally, in 1992/3, Glasgow University Archaeology Department (GUARD) prepared a

6.2 Site Gazetteer

quarry sites in green keyed to Appendix 1.

2b. Scremerston Saltpan How ‘Old Limekiln’, Ancroft

Block A: Northern Kilns

Block B: Southern Kilns

Block C: Lime Storage Bays?

6.2.2 Limekiln, Holy Island Not located; HER 5399

6.2.10a Easington Demesne Limekiln ‘A’, Easington NU 11966 35463; HER

6.2.10b Easington Demesne Limekiln ‘B’, Easington; NU 12014 35331, HER

6.2.13 St Aidan’s Dunes Limekiln, North Sunderland and Seahouses NU 21372