The Solva limekilns are a row of disused limekilns in the harbour of the village of Solva, Pembrokeshire,

Wales Wales ( cy, Cymru ) is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is bordered by England to the Wales–England border, east, the Irish Sea to the north and west, the Celtic Sea to the south west and the ...

. The kilns have a Grade II

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Description

The row of four linked limekilns is located on the south side of the harbour above the high water line at the base of the Gribyn headland. The kilns are built from rubble stone and include the foundation outline of a watchman's hut. The kilns are circular, with wall thickness ranging from . Each kiln has (or had) a circular hole at the top, approximately across, and entrance holes at the base. There are straight sections of wall linking the row of kilns.

History

There were originally twelve limekilns in Solva and the burning of

limestone Limestone ( calcium carbonate ) is a type of carbonate sedimentary rock which is the main source of the material lime. It is composed mostly of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of . Limestone forms wh ...

was one of the main industries of the village. An 1811 report about the village describes "the hot vapour, and the dirt and noise of carting incident to them, make them very offensive proving a great drawback on a residence". Initially on the harbour edge there were only three kilns, according to a watercolour painting dating from 1795. The village's limekilns were used until about 1900. The row of kilns were restored in 1981-2.

References

{{coord, 51.87262, -5.19063, format=dms, type:landmark_region:GB, display=title Grade II listed buildings in Pembrokeshire Lime kilns in Wales