View W of a pair of post-Medieval stone-built limekilns on the W side of the Porthclais stream at Porth Clais Harbour, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK.
View W of a pair of post-Medieval stone-built limekilns on the W side of the Porthclais stream at Porth Clais Harbour, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK. Two pairs of kilns face each other across the stream, each backed by a quarry. Built/in use c 1650 to the C19th (marked on OS maps as disused by 1908). According to the National Trust sign: "Limestone was burnt in these kilns, as at every inlet where small sailing ships could find shelter to unload. It was then taken by horse and cart for spreading on the fields; a little was used for mortar." Imported limestone & coal, shipped from Milford Haven, were burned in layers in the kilns to produce quicklime (calcium oxide) which was collected via the ground level openings. Mixing quicklime with water creates calcium hydroxide or slaked lime (and a lot of heat) which could be used for plaster, mortar & limewash, but was mainly spread on the local fields to reduce acidity.
Size: 3817px × 4961px
Location: Porth Clais Harbour Limekilns, St David's, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK
Photo credit: © Mick Sharp / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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