Grove Lime Kiln facts for kids
The Grove Lime Kiln is an old, unused building on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. It was built in the 1800s. This special kiln is found near HM Prison Portland and a village called The Grove. It is owned by the prison service. Since 2009, the lime kiln has been a Grade II Listed building. This means it is an important historical building that is protected.
The Grove Lime Kiln is one of only a few lime kilns still standing on Portland. Another old kiln from the 1800s is at Easton Lane, which is now a house. There are a few others around the island too, showing how important lime production once was here.
What is a Lime Kiln?
A lime kiln is like a giant oven used to make something called lime. People made lime by heating limestone rock to very high temperatures. This process changed the limestone into a powdery material called quicklime. Quicklime was very useful! It was used in building materials like mortar and plaster. It was also used in farming to improve soil, and in other industries.
History of the Kiln
HM Prison Portland started in 1848. Its main purpose was to use prisoners to work in the Admiralty Quarries. These quarries produced the famous Portland stone, which was used to build many important structures, like the breakwaters of Portland Harbour.
The Grove Lime Kiln was built around 1900. It was part of the work done at the quarries. Prisoners built and operated the kiln, making lime from the local stone. In 1921, the prison changed. It became a Borstal Institution, which was a special type of prison for young offenders. Because of this change, the quarry work and stone cutting stopped. It is believed that the lime kiln also stopped working around this time.
Why is it Special?
The Grove Lime Kiln is made of Portland stone on the outside, with a rubble core inside. It was built against a raised bank. This bank had a ramp on the right side. This ramp made it easier to load the kiln with fuel and broken limestone. The kiln itself is shaped like a cylinder that gets narrower towards the top. The loading ramp is more rectangular.
In 2009, the kiln was officially made a Grade II Listed building. Experts said it is a "well-preserved" and "distinctive" part of the lime industry. They also noted its "special historic interest" because of its connection to the Portland quarries and the prison. It shows how prisoners helped with important work in the 1800s and early 1900s.
Images for kids
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The entrance to the kiln.
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Inside the kiln, looking up.
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The top of the kiln, where materials were loaded.
