1-158-760 - Oxford Science Archive/Heritage Images

'Lime Kilns. A View at Clifton near Bristol, Gloucestershire', 1798. The kilns were filled from the top with limestone and a fuel such as culm (coal or anthracite dust). After burning, the resulting lime was drawn off at the bottom of the kilns under the lean-to. Horses are shown pulling a cart up the ramp that leads to the top of the kilns. A lime burner's cottage is next to the kilns as the process of burning each charge was a long one and needed supervision. In the 18th century lime became important to agriculture for applying to land as a soil improver, to the growing chemical industry, and to building in a time of rapid urban expansion.