Monmouthshire Limekilns


Limekilns at Blackrock Limeworks, Clydach Gorge.

 

The Carboniferous limestone which outcrops along the northern edge of the South Wales coalfield around the heads of the valleys, was ideally situated to serve the ironworks that became established just to the south.

Local agricultural markets were surpassed once the Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal arrived and canalside kilns were soon established. By the early nineteenth century the canal trade was complemented by tramroads to the ironworks and also towards Breconshire and Herefordshire.

There still remain plenty of examples of the kilns erected at this time and anyone exploring the area will soon be rewarded with finding kilns and quarries.

An excellent source of information about the limestone workings around the Head of the Valleys is Early Limestone Railways by John van Laun, published by The Newcomen Society in 2001

If you have any comments please let me know.

Abersychan Quarry Blackrock Limeworks, Clydach Gorge
Cilwrgi, Llandegfedd Clydach Limeworks
Cockshoot Wood, Chepstow Craig-y-Llan, Rudry
Garnclochdy, Llanover Gilwern
Gomer's Castle Goytre Wharf
Llanelly Quarry, Clydach  
Mounton. nr Chepstow Pant Gwyn, Llanhennock
Penhow Penterry Farm, Tintern
Porthcasseg Farm, Tintern Tintern
Wyndcliff Ysgubor Newydd
 

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© David Kitching 2020
Page last updated 17.11.2020