Old Lime Kiln, Millers Dale

This limekiln is to the west (Buxton side) of the old railway station at Millers Dale, approximately 350 yds along the path (former railway line) on the right-hand side. It is the newer of two kilns; there is another Old Lime Kiln to the east of the old railway station. There are also photographs showing the Top of this Kiln and the diagram on the accompanying Plaque.

The text on the plaque says:

You are in front of East Buxton Limekilns. The massive concrete buttresses were added in the 1920's but the original rock-cut kilns were opened in 1880 and worked until 1944.

During the 19th century there was an increased demand for quicklime for the chemical and steel industries and for agriculture. To meet this demand many limestone quarries and kilns opened next to railways where coal could be easily brought in and the processed quicklime taken away.

Go inside and when you are used to the gloom, see the gritstone-lined drawing tunnels, two from each kiln. A man and boy would work in here to draw out the quicklime from each 'eye' - an unpleasant job as the lime was caustic. It was then riddled to grade it into lumplime and small lime. Each was then taken by barrow to railway trucks. About 30 tons came out each day.

The smaller 'toot' holes above the 'eyes' were used to gauge the temperature and to clear away any slag or 'crozel' that might block the kiln. Firebricks lining the kilns had to be replaced every 2 or 3 years.

You can reach the top of the kilns by going up a slope starting 130 yards to the right.

(Commentary provided by Janet Kirk)