History

The limestone industry of the Gower reached its peak in the late C19 when burnt lime was supplied to local industries and was exported across the Bristol Channel. The 2 large kilns at Coltshill Quarry demonstrate the increased scale of industrial limeworking in the C19. Exploitation of limestone on land at Coltshill Farm was established by the mid C19. The Oystermouth Tithe Map of 1844 shows the 2 large kilns (although they are not referred to in the apportionment) as well as 'Quarry Fields' and 'Kiln Fields' nearby. The kilns later became part of a larger concern at Coltshill known as Norton Lime Works. The capacity of the kilns was probably 30 waggon loads per charge, and the combined output of the 2 kilns was said to be 6600 tons per year. They were probably operated continuously and supplied the Cwmfelin Steel and Tinplate Works until its closure in 1957-8. Production continued until the early 1960s, supplying other steelworks. The kilns were subsequently infilled. (The quarry was subsequently the site of an Asphalt Coating Works and is now redeveloped as a housing estate.)

Exterior

A lime kiln of coursed rubble stone with a tall stack now truncated and overgrown, cut into a steep bank to facilitate charging from the top and drawing from the bottom. A brick-vaulted draw arch to the front (E) side projects in front of the stack and is of 2 phases distinguishable by a butt joint. Flanking the draw arch are raked buttresses enclosing a loading bay, principally of bedrock with stone coping. In front of the draw arch is a bedrock platform cut down to create a loading bay.

Reasons for Listing

Listed as one of a pair of large kilns representing a once important local industry and its development in the C19.

External Links

• Cadwr Listing
• Wikidata Q29499744

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Wiltshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Pioneers of Modern Design: From William Morris to Walter Gropius (Penguin Art & Architecture)
• 
  Department for Communities Listed Historic Buildings of Northern Ireland: Information Guide for the 2nd Survey of Historic Buildings
• 
  Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990: Updated version
• 
  Somerset: South and West (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of Historic Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas