Couple discover 18th century lime kiln under ‘neglected pile of rubble’ on their land

An unsightly pile in the corner of a North York Moors field has revealed a well-preserved historic limestone kiln, thanks to a collaboration between the landowners, the National Park Authority and a local archeology company.

The discovery delighted Elaine and Dave Newham, who had no idea what the messy mound at the edge of their land was hiding. Elaine said: “It was completely neglected, just a pile of dirt covered with discarded stones, bushes and nettles.

“It was marked on an old map as a furnace, so I knew that was there, but I had no idea if anything was left of it.”

While researching the types of grants available to farmers and landowners in the National Park, Elaine saw that funding was available through the Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme to help preserve historic structures as well as enabling more people to learn about they. Through this scheme North York Moors National Park was able to provide a grant of just over £12,000 to support the excavation work.

Trees and vegetation were cleared and experts from Staithes-based Quercus Archeology set about carefully investigating the mound, which measured around 300m2. This revealed a well-preserved section of the kiln’s main combustion chamber, lined with handmade bricks, and a hole (kiln mouth) from which the fire would have been fueled.

The kiln would have been produced sometime lime to improve local farmland, most likely in the 18th century. After being transported from a nearby limestone quarry, the raw product would be burnt in a kiln to produce lime (also known as quicklime), before being dispersed over a field.

Located on the edge of Scarborough on the North York Moors, the site is now undergoing further investigation, with the hope that the structure can be restored as an educational asset for the benefit of the local community. New trees were also planted nearby to replace those removed at the beginning of the project.

Conservation Landscape Agriculture Officer Dave Arnott said: “Although lime kilns are not an uncommon sight in the North York Moors landscape, they remain an important link to our agricultural and industrial past. It is fantastic that Elaine and Dave want to preserve this legacy. for future generations and I can see the potential of the site.”

Stephen Timms, Director of Quercus Archeology said: “I’ve been an archaeologist for 30 years and it never ceases to amaze me what’s right under your feet. We did not expect to see such a well-preserved furnace under what looked like a large pile of rubble.

“It was great to be involved in such a positive project which not only adds to our understanding of rural life in the North York Moors but also helps Elaine and David contribute to the local community as part of the Farming in scheme the Protected Landscapes. “

Elaine continued: “It was so moving to see what came out, a very rewarding process when you think it could have been left as it was and lost. What’s next for our oven, you’ll have to watch this space!” You can explore the lime kiln yourself on Sketchfab.