Commemorating the industrial heritage of this area, the kiln at Gradbach, Quarndon has now been restored and enhanced following a donation of limestone from Tunstead Quarry. In addition, the project involved creating a replica kiln to demonstrate how the kilning process would have worked in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Lime kilns are significant heritage assets and can be found across much of Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park. The kilns, along with limestone and lime production, have played a major role in the industrial past and present of the area.
Dr Catherine Parker Heath, cultural heritage officer at South West Peak Landscape Partnership, said: “Working with several funders, experts and volunteers we have given the kiln some much-needed care, improved its structure and prevented it from collapsing into the nearby road.
"To see the process of lime burning taking place in the replica kiln, close to how it would have been done in the past, has really helped bring history alive!"
She added that the future care of the kiln will be supported by the High Peak Scouts, who will use the project to help them achieve a newly-created Derbyshire Archaeology Badge.
Graham Cooper, lime business director at Tarmac, added: “We are very pleased to have been able to donate stone from our Tunstead quarry for use in the Gradbach project and the replica kiln. The work the partnership has done to protect the 200-year-old lime kiln is very impressive and we look forward to hearing more about this project in the future.”
The Tunstead Quarry is one of the largest limestone quarries in Europe. Lime produced at the quarry is used in a range of manufacturing processes and applications including electricity generation, water treatment, soil stabilisation and steel manufacturing.
