Limestone quarrying south of Oswestry in the area around Llanymynech
and Llynclys on the border with Powys was one of the driving forces behind
the development of canals, and later railways in north-west Shropshire. Limekilns
were soon established both at the quarries and also at numerous wharves along
the Ellesmere Canal.
Today there are still plenty of remains to be seen if you are prepared
to search amidst the trees and bushes at remote and long abandoned wharves
and quarries. Many are on private land and permission should be sought from
the owners before attempting to view the remains.
Further quarrying and kilns developed on the limestone at Wenlock Edge
and Lilleshall from where stone was also supplied to industry around the
Severn Gorge and across to the Wellington area. Numerous small limekilns
once operated in these areas supplying agricultural lime to the local community
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