The pit method was widely used in medieval Europe and suggests lime layers
were intermixed with fuel and burnt insitu.

paul courtney
Leicester
UK

----- Original Message -----
From: "Susan Houghton" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2004 5:55 PM
Subject: Limestone kilns, pit style


> We have located limestone kilns, the second grouping found during the
> phased project.  I am picking up the research, and from the beginning we
> have had difficulty in finding information on pit style as opposed to
> formally constructed furnaces for the production of lime.
> No such formal kiln is known in the area.  We do have a bit of
> interesting documentation, a ledger stating 'Cash to Irishmen for build
> lime kiln'.
> Our features are simply lenses of burned and unburned limestone mixed
> with ash and charcoal flecks.  The lenses may have 2 distinct layers,
> one composed of larger rock and the other of finer gravels.
> I am wading through a great deal of information on the production of
> lime, and am searching for any information on short-term pit kilns.
> Thanks for your help,
> Susan
>
>
> Susan Houghton, RPA
> Laboratory Supervisor
> Cultural Resources
> Burns & McDonnell
> 9400 Ward Parkway
> Kansas City, Missouri  64114
> Tel: 816-333-9400 x2264
> Fax: 816-822-3515
> [log in to unmask]
>