Promoting awareness of the archaeology and history of north Devon
Promoting awareness of the archaeology and history of north Devon
Lime Kilns by Rosemary Akers (Nesletter Summer 2002)
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