Parc le Breos Limekiln and Quarries

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument consists of the remains of a limekiln, in which lime is made by calcining limestone. The kiln dates to the mid 19th century and also consists of a charging ramp and nearby quarry faces. It is constructed of rubble stone and is roughly 5m high, with one pot and drawing arch. The hearth has a corbelled back with cast iron lintels. The south flank wall of the kiln slopes up to a flat, low parapet above the drawing arch. The north flank wall returns to the bank with a rounded corner and then slopes downwards. The bowl is lined with firebrick, differentiating it from many kilns in South Wales. The kiln is located on the floor of the dry valley of Parkmill, opposite the Parc le Breos long cairn.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of industrial manufacturing processes. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The structure itself may be expected to contain archaeological information concerning chronology and building techniques. A lime kiln may be part of a larger cluster of monuments and their importance can further enhanced by their group value.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.