I first saw the lime kilns at Little Mill in 2009. I was travelling by train on the East Coast Main Line up to Edinburgh. I literally spat my coffee out as we zoomed past it. I had to find it......
Limestone extraction at Little Mill began in the 18th century. A circular shaped kiln was constructed to convert the stone into useable lime. Those early quarrying operations are now grass covered lumpy fields.
In the 19th century a much larger kiln was constructed. It is one of the biggest ever built in Britain.This lime kiln supplied lime for export via the Morpeth to Tweedmouth railway, which was built in the 19th century, and runs alongside the quarry.
The kilns are Grade 2 listed and sit right alongside a public footpath and the railway.
I set out this day with the intentions of a nice day out and to make contact with the local inhabitants - it is on my list for a lightpainting exercise.
As the day unfolded I had many pleasant surprises and found lots more than I had bargained for.....
I apologise for the lack of quality and overprocessing in the images. The light was against me this day.
The larger kiln as you see it from the railway.
Sections of railway above the kilns. Early points can be seen.
Inside the kilns. This is what I wanted to see. The archwork is simply stunning. Calcites and mosses line the heat fused stonework.
Working in this place would have been very difficult. Extreme heat and poisonous fumes would have shortened many a mans life.
The stone for this kiln was taken from over the railway tracks. The quarry workings were massive.
Whilst on the footpaths and bridleways I came across some old ruined cottages. They form a row of four terraced properties. Removal of roofing slates saw their demise. If I had the money I would restore them - they really are beautiful.
Basic services were provided for the houses. I came across this toilet, though it does look quite modern?
In all it was a very interesting day out. The weather was good, the locals friendly and the artifacts fascinating. I will definately return to this site at a later date.
Thanks for looking.
Limestone extraction at Little Mill began in the 18th century. A circular shaped kiln was constructed to convert the stone into useable lime. Those early quarrying operations are now grass covered lumpy fields.
In the 19th century a much larger kiln was constructed. It is one of the biggest ever built in Britain.This lime kiln supplied lime for export via the Morpeth to Tweedmouth railway, which was built in the 19th century, and runs alongside the quarry.
The kilns are Grade 2 listed and sit right alongside a public footpath and the railway.
I set out this day with the intentions of a nice day out and to make contact with the local inhabitants - it is on my list for a lightpainting exercise.
As the day unfolded I had many pleasant surprises and found lots more than I had bargained for.....
I apologise for the lack of quality and overprocessing in the images. The light was against me this day.
The larger kiln as you see it from the railway.
Sections of railway above the kilns. Early points can be seen.
Inside the kilns. This is what I wanted to see. The archwork is simply stunning. Calcites and mosses line the heat fused stonework.
Working in this place would have been very difficult. Extreme heat and poisonous fumes would have shortened many a mans life.
The stone for this kiln was taken from over the railway tracks. The quarry workings were massive.
Whilst on the footpaths and bridleways I came across some old ruined cottages. They form a row of four terraced properties. Removal of roofing slates saw their demise. If I had the money I would restore them - they really are beautiful.
Basic services were provided for the houses. I came across this toilet, though it does look quite modern?
In all it was a very interesting day out. The weather was good, the locals friendly and the artifacts fascinating. I will definately return to this site at a later date.
Thanks for looking.