Limestone Quarry and Kiln at Oxwich

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. Its dates to the early 19th century and is of Gower type, with a range of associated earthworks and a quarry. The kiln is formed by a curving wall built into the north eastern end of a stone revetted ramp. There is one beehive-shaped drawing arch corbelled into the front of the kiln, with a circular firebrick bowl above the arch and a low loading platform in front of the drawing arch. The low inner parapet to the bowl lining may be from early 20th century re-use.

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.