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Disused limekilns in various degrees of dilapidation can be seen all over Britain. The best-known are probably those near harbours or coves but there are many on farmland, in disused quarries or beside inland waterways. Limeburning appears to have been practised in prehistoric times in the Middle East but the more extensive use of lime for mortar and as an agricultural manure may be attributed to the Romans. The author describes the development of limeburning, the different types of limekiln and siting considerations. The chemical process, the sources of raw materials and types of fuel are covered and the decline of the industry is discussed.

• In just five months in 1538 890 loads of lime were burnt to provide mortar for Henry VIII's Nonsuch Palace in Surrey.
• Between one and two tons of lime per acre are recommended as a rotational dressing for agricultural land every four to six years. Much more is required for the initial correction of acidity. To produce one ton of quicklime, two tons of limestone must be burnt. This explains why limekilns were so numerous and why so many limestone quarries and chalkpits were opened to meet this demand.
• The Montgomeryshire Canal was built primarily for the lime trade. At its peak 56,000 tons of lime were transported annually and there were ninety-two limekilns along a 26 mile stretch.