Esplanade Lime Kilns, The Esplanade, Lynmouth, Devon
These lime kilns probably date from the late 18th century. They were built from rubble stone that has been whitewashed and have an earth-covered roof. The top of the kilns forms part of a promenade. The kiln is in the form of a double bastion - each one contained a hearth. There was a big demand for lime along the North coast of Devon, especially for use on the local acid soils. Lime was used to improve the soil making it more neutral and better for growing crops. There was a regular trade in lime across the River Severn estuary from South Wales from early times until the coming of the railway. Limekilns were often built right on the coast to make it easier to transport the limestone and fuel and then the finished lime.
