Lime Kilns, Adjacent to 8 Springvale Road, Ballywalter BT22 2PE

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

NOTE: Since the date of survey a metal handrail has been added on top of the lime kilns and Information boards affixed to the rendered back walls within the arches. The survey description below refers to the building at the date of the full survey:

Rubblestone-built pair of lime kilns at rear of beach, immediately south of Ballywalter village accessed from Springvale Road, at north eastern corner of Ballywalter Park and opposite Ballywalter Park East Gate Lodge (HB24 04 025).

The kilns are located in centre of newly constructed public park with coastal footpath across frontage (undergoing renovation at the time of survey).

The kilns are of 'draw' type designed for continuous firing / production of quicklime for building and agricultural use.
The charging platform is on higher ground, at same level as public road and is accessed from NW. The main front elevation with symmetrical draw arches faces SE and is at lower level concurrent with the public footpath located at the rear of Ballywalter Beach.

The draw arches on the SE elevation have 2 brick deep head and matching brick vaulting. The inner draw arch over the draw apertures has 1 1/2 brick deep head with brick walling above. Both draw apertures have been infilled with sand/cement render finish.

Joints to rubble stonework are galleted on all three visible elevations. Galletting is less evident below arch springing line on SE elevation.

Materials: rubblestone with brick detailing

Setting:
Located immediately south of Ballywalter village accessed from Springvale Road, at north eastern corner of Ballywalter Park and opposite Ballywalter Park East Gate Lodge (HB24 04 025). The kilns are located in centre of newly constructed public park with coastal footpath across frontage.

Historical information

A structure matching the size and location of the present lime kilns is shown on the OS map of 1858 and specifically marked as such (‘L.Ks’) on that of 1920-21. It is probable that the kilns were constructed to supply mortar for the creation of present house and other structures at close by Ballywalter Park, and therefore may be dated to c.1846-51.

Given the position of the kilns, it is likely that the raw lime was brought in by boat, possibly from south Co. Antrim, or possibly Co. Louth.

References - Primary sources
1 OS map, Co, Down Sheet 12 - 1834, 1858, 1900-01, 1920-21

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
F. Structural System
H-. Alterations detracting from building
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

R. Age
S. Authenticity
Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance
X. Local Interest

Evaluation

NOTE: Since the date of survey a metal handrail has been added on top of the lime kilns and Information boards affixed to the rendered back walls within the arches. The evaluation below refers to the building at the date of the full survey:

A pair of Rubblestone-built lime kilns, located immediately south of Ballywalter village on the edge of the beach and separated from the estate of Ballywalter Park (HB24 04 025) by Springvale Road.
These 'draw' type kilns were designed for the continuous firing / production of quicklime, often for both building and agricultural use. A structure matching the size and location of the present lime kilns is shown on the OS map of 1858 and specifically marked as such (‘L.Ks’) on that of 1920-21 and it is therefore probable that the kilns were constructed primarily to supply mortar for the creation of the house and Estate buildings at Ballywalter Park, and may be dated to c.1846-51.
Structurally intact, the kilns have finely proportioned brick heads and vaulting to the lower draw arches and apart from the blocking up of the apertures for public safety are remarkably free from alteration. They enjoy a prominent setting in a mini-public park overlooking the beach and are of local interest.