Survey Data
Reg No
30409109
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Technical
Original Use
Kiln
Date
1840 - 1880
Coordinates
104333, 221300
Date Recorded
23/09/2008
Date Updated
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Description
Freestanding round-plan kelp kiln, built c.1860, now ruined. Coursed rubble granite walls with possible flue remaining to north-east. Second later rectangular kelp kiln to south-east situated on elevated bedrock and aligned east-west, having roughly dressed rubble granite walls with roughly dressed coping, and square-headed funnelled openings to short sides with roughly dressed granite lintels to side elevations, and paired square-headed openings to long sides.
Appraisal
Kelp kilns are a feature of Atlantic coasts, though they rarely survive intact. They would have been an important asset to the local community, providing valuable employment. Black seaweed was gathered and burnt in the kilns to produce kelp which was sold to agents and used in the bleaching of linen and the manufacture of glass. These kilns are well situated on an elevated area of bedrock and were located close to a small harbour to which the harvested seaweed would have been brought.