Little Mill Lime Kilns

The Grade II listed Little Mill Lime Kilns are situated near Longhoughton in Northumberland and were built sometime between 1725 and 1825. They lie next to the main east coast railway which began life as the Morpeth to Tweed mouth line and was built in the 1847.

Client
Howick Estates
Architect/client representative
Patrick Parsons Structural Engineers, Newcastle
Contract value
£452,000

At this time a large commercial circular kiln, one of the biggest built in England was constructed and then a bank of kilns which still survive was erected supplying lime for export through Berwick utilising the new rail link. Lime was needed both for the construction and the farming industries where it was spread on acidic upland pastures to “sweeten” the ground for grazing.

Circular in plan, the single pot lime kilns are constructed from coursed rubble with a charging ramp leading into the kiln from the south and three segmental-headed drawing arches separated by massive buttresses.  Historic Property Restoration were engaged to carry out extensive masonry consolidation works over 3 successive years during the lime seasons. The works involved taking down and rebuilding the first 10 courses of the wall tops, consolidating the core of the kiln walls where they had collapsed, removal of vegetation, rebuilding the facing stonework and rebuilding the boundary walls.

The Dean and Chapter and its Fabric Advisory Committee is thrilled with the quality of work produced by HPR Ltd. The skills exhibited in stone masonry are particularly fine. Managers and staff have developed good relations with the client team – we couldn’t have asked for better attitude or commitment.

Lindy Gilliland Testimonial -
Lindy Gilliland - Newcastle Cathedral Project Manager

"From my personal perspective, this was one of the best projects I have been involved with over the last 35 years as a Chartered Building Surveyor, RIS Accredited in Building Conservation. My client role on this was a complete pleasure, because you and your team were first class, complementing the excellent professional design team. Well done!"

Richard Dunn -
PCC Project Co-ordinator, for St John the Baptist Church, Wilberfoss

"May I take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for your professional and unfailingly helpful conduct during this project. We particularly appreciate the efforts made to overcome the deficiencies and problems arising from the previous contractor."

Andrew Bodenham -
Blackett Ord Conservation

"HPR recognise, and allow for, the necessary archaeological recording to take place during consolidation work and the disruptions that this may cause to their planned programme of work comes as no surprise to them. This awareness means that their workforce is able to be pro-active in informing the archaeologist of any possible instances when recording may be necessary."

Mick Krupa -
NPHT Archaeologist at Nenthead Smeltmill

"Historic Property Restoration carried out the first phase of the refurbishment of the Grade II listed Town Hall. The company were extremely professional in their approach throughout the entire process as befits a company with extensive experience in the conservation and restoration sector."

David Lodge -
Greater Morpeth Development Trust

"Historic Property Restoration deliver good quality work to programme and budget on a regular basis. They are reliable and value for money."

Ian Merritt -
English Heritage Conservation and Maintenance Manager
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