SDO15200 - Whitesheet Hill Quarry, Toller Fratrum, Dorset. Assessment of Limekilns

‘A rapid assessment of two limekilns and other surviving quarry features in Whitesheet Hill Quarry, Toller Fratrum, Dorset was carried out by Terrain Archaeology in December 2007. This was undertaken in advance of the proposed reopening of the quarry. The limekilns are the only major structure surviving in the quarry. They were built in the early 1950s on the site of an earlier limekiln and were the last to be built in Dorset. They were constructed using concrete for construction instead of the usual stone and brick of earlier Dorset kilns. They were a modern version of the traditional style of draw kiln, but were larger than most rural limekilns because they were intended for commercial purposes. They survive in reasonable condition. The proposed development includes the demolition of the limekilns. It is recommended that a measured plan and elevation of the limekilns be recorded prior to demolition and that a watching brief be undertaken during demolition to record the elements of their construction.’