The restoration of the Llanymynech Lime Kilns

The once thriving limestone quarries and lime burning kilns at Llanymynech, which serviced the huge demand for lime in the 19th and 20th centuries, fell into disuse in 1914 and finally closed in the 1930s. The area is now recognised as one of national historical significance and the Llanymynech Limeworks Heritage Project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Shropshire County Council and others to conserve what is left and to make it truly accessible to a wide range of visitors.
Way markers, ‘orientation’ and interpretation boards and other devices will guide visitors around the area but people will be free to enjoy, and learn from, the site in their own way. A few parts will be fenced off for safety or conservation reasons, particularly during the period that the buildings are being worked on.

The £900,000 project grew as a result of local enthusiasm to make the most of this amazing asset that has links with the newly restored section of the Montgomery canal and plans to revive the railway.
The buildings and structures in the Heritage Area are in various states of repair. Some will be ‘stabilised’, others will be restored. In all cases there will be an explanation of their original form and function.

The original roof over the Hoffman Kiln will be restored and the former stables block turned into a learning centre for schools and other groups. Volunteers will be carrying out scrub clearance on the archaeologically rich inclined planes that lead down from the quarries above.
Small sections of tramway line, possibly with replica trucks (welded to line), may be laid in appropriate places to indicate selected tramway routes.

The Llanymynech Limeworks Heritage Project is part of a more general initiative to draw together the many interests and attractions in the area. The Project has developed as a result of the enthusiasm of people in the local community and of people from a wider area with particular interests.