The Moira Limekilns probably started as a single kiln, but grew into something much more impressive!
A single kiln was needed to provide lime for nearby blast furnace (built in 1804), but 6 more were added in two phases of development.
The limestone was brought down to the Moira Limekilns from Ticknall and Breedon, by tramway and the Ashby Canal, to burn it into “quicklime”. The lime products were used in blast furnaces to smelt iron-ore, in building construction (as a mortar) and more extensively in agriculture – to improve the quality of the soil for growing crops.
The clay soils in the Woulds were greatly improved by liming and a demand of 1500 tons per annum would not be an unreasonable estimate for the Woulds alone!
The bank of 7 kilns have now been sensitively repaired and information boards kindly explain it all.
They now rest in the confines of a country park and in front of the kilns is a delightful wildflower meadow – it was once criss-crossed with tramlines. The path crossing the meadow will lead you to the entrance of Pit Prop Wood or back to the car park past a pond. A short stroll away is also the Moira Furnace Museum, where you can learn all about the Earl of Moira’s industrial endeavours and grab a warm drink – happy days!
Furnace Lane, Moira, Swadlincote DE12 6AT
The Moira Limekilns probably started as a single kiln, but grew into something much more impressive!
A single kiln was needed to provide lime for nearby blast furnace (built in 1804), but 6 more were added in two phases of development.
The limestone was brought down to the Moira Limekilns from Ticknall and Breedon, by tramway and the Ashby Canal, to burn it into “quicklime”. The lime products were used in blast furnaces to smelt iron-ore, in building construction (as a mortar) and more extensively in agriculture – to improve the quality of the soil for growing crops.
The clay soils in the Woulds were greatly improved by liming and a demand of 1500 tons per annum would not be an unreasonable estimate for the Woulds alone!
The bank of 7 kilns have now been sensitively repaired and information boards kindly explain it all.
They now rest in the confines of a country park and in front of the kilns is a delightful wildflower meadow – it was once criss-crossed with tramlines. The path crossing the meadow will lead you to the entrance of Pit Prop Wood or back to the car park past a pond. A short stroll away is also the Moira Furnace Museum, where you can learn all about the Earl of Moira’s industrial endeavours and grab a warm drink – happy days!
Furnace Lane, Moira, Swadlincote DE12 6AT
