The demand for lime to improve agriculture in Britain rose rapidly in the eighteenth and into the nineteenth century. In areas where limestone was found there developed a local industry with field kilns supplying the surrounding area within a few miles carting distance. In Northumberland there also developed a coastal trade with ships carrying burned lime to a range of destinations from larger banks of kilns situated at suitable harbours. With the coming of the railways many of the earlier kilns were closed down as it became economic to produce lime at large comercial units which supplied whole regions.

Today there are examples of all of these phases in the history of limeburning to be found across Northumberland and seeking them out can provide many pleasant walks and an introduction to some beautiful countryside.

There is not much written on the subject but a good start is: 'Lime Kilns of North Northumberland' by J.W. Bainbridge, in History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, vol. 45, part 2 (1991) pp. 111-138.

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Page last updated 21.4.2023