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MAP SMELT MILL LEAD MINE ARCHIVE

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Wearhead Lime Kiln today
 
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Limestone

Limestone is made from shells of sea creatures, which died millions of years ago. Layers have been built up over millions of years and squashed together till they formed limestone.

Limestone is always quarried as it such a common rock and appears close to the surface. Most limestone quarries in Weardale are 19th century, but there are some whose origins are in the Medieval period.

Limestone Kilns were usually built into the side of hills. Inside they were shaped like an inverted cone. Layers of Limestone then coal would be fed into the top alternatively. The fire would be lit at the bottom. As the flame rose and heated up the limestone, it would be turned into burnt lime, which was raked out at the bottom and taken away to be crushed. The level of limestone and coal would decrease within the cone so there would be a man at the top keeping it filled.

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PREHISTORIC BURIALROMAN PERIOD FARMANGLO-SAXON ROYAL PALACEMEDIEVAL VILLAGEMEDIEVAL CASTLEPOST-MEDIEVAL LEAD WORKINGTWENTIETH CENTURY COAL MINE