19th century limekiln (long disused)

Beside the Underhill Path between Corfe Castle and Cucknowle is a fairly well preserved - and partially restored - lime kiln.

Quicklime, used by burning chalk or limestone, has a variety of uses both in farming and in building.  This kiln was a relatively small one.  There are a number of sites on this hillside where chalk has been excavated, presumably for processing in this kiln.

The chalk was brought by horse and cart on a ramp to the top of the kiln.  It was then tipped into the charging hole, which has a diameter of about five feet.  Alternating layers of coal and chalk were added, and a fire lit using the layer of coal at the very bottom of the funnel.  The alternating layers ensured that the burning was a continuous process.

There is a separate chamber at the left of the building, accessible from outside: perhaps a shelter for the limeburners. The larger chamber gives access to the drawing eye at the bottom of the charging hole, where the fire was lit and the quicklime raked out.

On cold nights burning kilns were an attraction for vagrants, who would keep warm by sleeping on top.  This was risky, as a fall into the charging hole was fatal.


Today the kiln provides shelter from the rain or the summer heat.