Isleham Lime Kilns LGS

This collection of 4 disused lime kilns dating from c.1860 sits within a quarry site where the Totternhoe Stone as well as the bounding West Melbury Marly Chalk and Zig Zag Chalk were quarried. The kilns are now scheduled as an Ancient Monument (Grade II building).

Some of the interior of the kiln structure can be seen through the window grills and there is an informative notice next to them showing the process of lime burning. The outer lintels of the access doors are of Totternhoe Stone. There is full public access all around the kilns, but no access inside where bats may be roosting. The kilns would have burned mostly the poorer quality WMMC and Zig Zag, with the more prized, harder Totternhoe Stone being used for building. There is evidence of substantial quarrying in Isleham for the Totternhoe Stone since medieval times.

The Totternhoe Stone, an important local building stone dug from the site, was used (and is visible) in some of the access tunnels of the lime kilns. There are onsite interpretation boards with details of the lime making process.

The site is a distinctive and characteristic green space within the village, with open access (although entrance into the kilns is not allowed). Bats roost inside the kilns – if you go near the entrances, take care not to disturb them.