Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Post-medieval Lime Kiln

Monument Types

• LIME KILN (LIME KILN, Post Medieval - 1540 AD to 1900 AD)

Full description

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Large complex of chalk pits on either side of Hollingbourne Hill, both cut back into the hillside or quarrying away the slope below. 3 kilns on 1908 map. all dissused: two in main pit on west side of the road (at TQ 8491 5582 and TQ 8490 5579 with a building adjacent) and one across the road (at TQ 8490 5572). (1) Of the first nothing remains above ground and the third may have been completely removed by the pit being levelled. The second kiln stands to a height of 4m and has a complete draw arch and front wall in yellow stock brick with blue edging accessed from a short track from the road. It would have been charged from a level area adjacent to the main quarry entrance, as would the other one in the main pit. A large fragment of pot is situated some 10m from the kiln on the south side. This seems to be the in situ remains of another kiln. Due to its unlikely position (blocking access to the standing kiln) it could be the remains of an earlier one part demolished when the other was built. A brief inspection suggested it to be about the same diameter but constructed of red brick and much vitrified inside.

<1> N/A, Ordnance Survey Map. Old Monarch record with attached monuments, 3rd ed. OS Map 1908. (Map). SKE6458.

Sources and further reading