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Tuckenhay Lime Kilns - Update
Tuckenhay Lime Kilns - Project History
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Tuckenhay Lime Kilns - Update
Location: Devon
An interpretive Board is being prepared at present and will show a drawing of the kiln, how it was constructed and filled from the top with layers of coal, brushwood and limestone. One of the members, after considerable research, has written the text. Bollards have been produced which will act as a safety measure to prevent people stepping back into the road, and will also prevent cars from being parked in front of the kilns. We have been very careful to ensure safety, not only for those working on the kilns but also for the public who may stop and look at them. Insurance cover has been taken out for this.
Along the front of the kilns appears to be the remains of a lean-to roof which may have protected the men working the kiln to be protected from the elements. A large number of deeply ingrown tree roots have had to be removed from the stonework and this required scaffolding to be erected for safer working. A very large oak beam (donated) has had to be inserted into the roof of one of the kilns to replace a worn out railway sleeper. This required lifting gear and a professional builder to insert it into the stone work. An expense we had not anticipated.
We shall be producing a leaflet which will be available at the local pubs and at the local Information Office in Totnes but have decided against having a supply by the kilns because of the litter problem. We have been encouraged to set up a web site for the benefit of others who may be thinking of tackling a similar project.
It does seem, from our experience, that there is money and advice available for projects which will show something of our past, but it does require a group of willing volunteers to keep the project going, as well as the support of the local people, and the various official bodies and organisations.
One has to look ahead to the long term maintenance which we anticipate will not be very great, but we have all learnt a great deal during the last year — knowledge which we are more than happy to share with others.
Sheila Johnson, October 2003
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