ACTIVITIES
Archaeology Projects (external)
Lime Kilns by Rosemary Akers (Nesletter Summer 2002)
Lime Kilns
Between I960 and 1964 a member of NDAS, Norah Reid, decided to look at
Lime Kilns in the North Devon Area.
She did not expect to find them all but she did record 67: Her work was
well illustrated and involved much background information and history
of the lime industry going back to the late 17th century. She did much
of her work on her own, though members of the society sometimes went with
her.
Unfortunately, sometime later she moved away and would not leave the survey
with the society. Some years later ~ I think about 1987 ~ she returned
her work to a friend and member who had often helped her, saying that
she hoped that the survey would be useful and encourage further work.
Linda Blanchard arranged a meeting to look at the work and a visit to
kilns at Instow and in the Bideford area. Plans were made to encourage
groups to look at different areas. South Molton were very active and completed
and published a record of their area. Ann Goodwin and I took on Combe
Martin where six kilns were listed ~ we found 18 ~ one more we never found!
We also took on Ilfracombe and Heddon's Mouth. We did some research into
masters and workers and the industry generally.
Sadly all the other suggested areas have had no work done on them.
Ann and I always enjoyed our outings and measured and recorded all we
found, though some grid references only led us to a heap of rubble badly
overgrown and brambly. When Ann left the area she left all the records
with me hoping that I would make good use of them. Regrettably I have
not managed any more work on them and I'd be delighted if any members
would be willing to complete this area ~ and take on any of the other
areas ~ I would be glad to help in any way.
The museum has a copy of the original survey and much more information
which is helpful and very interesting.
Please get in touch with me.
Rosemary Akers
Copyright © 2007 North Devon Archaeological Society