purserd99
Craven Limeworks - 29th March 2017
Built in the late 19th century, the Hoffmann kiln at Langcliffe was once the source of a key local industry. It now stands as an important part of Craven’s industrial past.
The kiln is lined with firebricks to withstand the intense heat produced inside. Behind the firebricks is a limestone rubble core, which helped to keep the heat in. In the roof are the small chutes down which crushed coal was dropped to keep the limestone burning. At floor level, there are flue holes in the walls. Air was drawn from the outside under the burning limestone and the smoke went up the central core of the kiln to the chimney. Iron dampers on the roof allowed workers to regulate the draught in the flue system.
The Hoffmann kiln at Langcliffe closed in 1931. Competition from elsewhere and a general downturn in sales had led to the closure of the kiln and its associated quarry. The kiln was fired up one more time in 1937, but in 1939 it was shut down permanently. In 1951, arrangements had been made to ceremoniously demolish the chimney, but it came down of its own accord the day before with no one there to see it.
Craven Limeworks - 29th March 2017
Built in the late 19th century, the Hoffmann kiln at Langcliffe was once the source of a key local industry. It now stands as an important part of Craven’s industrial past.
The kiln is lined with firebricks to withstand the intense heat produced inside. Behind the firebricks is a limestone rubble core, which helped to keep the heat in. In the roof are the small chutes down which crushed coal was dropped to keep the limestone burning. At floor level, there are flue holes in the walls. Air was drawn from the outside under the burning limestone and the smoke went up the central core of the kiln to the chimney. Iron dampers on the roof allowed workers to regulate the draught in the flue system.
The Hoffmann kiln at Langcliffe closed in 1931. Competition from elsewhere and a general downturn in sales had led to the closure of the kiln and its associated quarry. The kiln was fired up one more time in 1937, but in 1939 it was shut down permanently. In 1951, arrangements had been made to ceremoniously demolish the chimney, but it came down of its own accord the day before with no one there to see it.