The western of two lime kilns at Abereiddy marked on OS 1st edtion mapping. This lime kiln stands at the top of the beach, a second lime kiln c. 40m to the northeast is within the outbuildings of a complex of cottages. The lime kiln is in a semi-ruinous state, with the eastern kiln-eye and lintel totally collapsed. The kiln walls on the northern and western sides retain their structural integrity, while the kiln-eye on the western side is in use as a store, and fitted with a wooden door. In its original form, the lime kiln would have measured c.6.5m in diameter and stood approximately 3m in height.

The lime kiln is at considerable risk of coastal erosion following the collapse and destruction of the edge of the low sea wall on the western edge of the car park during 2013. During RCAHMW survey work undertaken in 2024, the western wall of the lime kiln was recorded as being 4.5m from the eroding edge of the car park, having previously been some 20m distance in 2013. The lime kiln was recorded via a photogrammetric survey, the results of which can be viewed here https://skfb.ly/oS9Q8

Contextual Information 

Lime kilns are a characteristic feature along the coastlines of west Wales. They are predominantly of 19th century date, although some were built prior to that, and some continued in use into the 20th century. They were used for burning limestone to make lime for use in agriculture and building. The former through spreading on the fields as a fertiliser and to counteract soil acidity, and the latter to make lime mortar. Their coastal position related to the need in many places to import the limestone for burning, and the culm (coal) that was used for fuel. Proximity to the shoreline reduced the need to move the limestone and coal very far after unloading. 

Coastal lime kilns are generally round or square in shape and normally slightly wider than they are tall. They have a conical opening in their top, called a crucible, into which the limestone and culm was layered. Openings on either side, called the kiln eyes, connected to the base of the crucible and served for lighting the kiln and to allow air to be drawn into the crucible. After burning, the lime could be raked out via the kiln eyes. The kiln eyes come in many different shapes and sizes, from arched, to flat-topped, to tall and narrow. 

Lime kilns were often constructed in pairs, with a small rectangular cottage for the kiln keepers in between them. At smaller landing places only a single kiln might have been built. In nearly all cases some sort of ramp was needed to carry the limestone and coal to a point where it could be added into the crucible from above. Many lime kilns are found built against the valley sides within coves or harbours, allowing the access ramp to be cut from the adjacent bank side, rather than needing to be built.  

Sources include:
Dyfed Archaeological Trust HER Ref: 43260, 15982 https://archwilio.org.uk/her/chi3/report/page.php?watprn=DAT15982

NAW Aerial Photography 2006-9

OS 1st edition 25in mapping

J. Whitewright, RCAHMW March 2024