The initial single kiln on the site could have been erected around 1804 and initially used to provide lime for mortar in the construction of the nearby blast furnace. Four additional kilns were built to the east side of the original one when a separate limeworks was established. The draw tunnels served two kiln bowls each via a cross passage at the inner end of each. In 1812 the value of lime produced was £636 14s 11d, which equates to 1273 tons at 10s per ton.

Between 1826 and 1837 two further kilns were added on the west side of the line, set at an angle to the other kilns. These kilns have draw tunnels of larger proportions than those built earlier.

By the late 1840's the demand for agricultural lime in the area had declined significantly and it is thought that the limeworks had ceased production by 1850 on the closure of the Ashby to Willesley Basin tramway, which had been the main route for limestone to be burned.