Peak Forest limeworks

The limeworks at Peak Forest operated earthen 'Sale Kilns' for the commercial production of lime from at least the beginning of the 18th century through, possibly beyond, the first quarter of the 19th century. This image shows just part of the south-eastern section of a limeworks that operated over its life some 138 individual kilns. Not all operated at once and the numbers in use varied from 4 to 10 at different times in the 18th century. The burned lime was sold and removed by pack horse and sometimes by cart. The operation of the kilns was leased by the Chatsworth Estate to various limeburners apart from a perion in the early 19th century when limeburning was taken in house.

Three kilns can be seen here starting with a large one just left of centre. A second kiln is againt the track to the right of centre, and a third lies just left of the trees at the far end of the track which is heading for the turnpike road. The land to the left of the kilns is where the limetone for burning in the kilns was quarried and barrowed to the kilns. The large mound to the left comprises waste material taken from another kiln just out of shot.