Lower Peak Forest Canal

Hyde Lime Kilns

The three Hyde lime kilns were situated just to the north of Hyde Lane Change Bridge and they stood on land both owned and occupied by the Peak Forest Canal Company. The layout of these kilns is unusual because in plan view they form a triangle rather than being in the more customary linear arrangement. The top of the kiln pots was probably at canal level for the convenience of charging them with limestone arriving by boat. Similarly, any coal arriving by boat could be conveniently tipped into the pots.

On the other hand, Thomas Brown (Resident Engineer for the Peak Forest Canal Company) and his business partner, William Clayton, occupied the surrounding field and this indicates that there was probably a small coalmine somewhere in this field. It would seem logical that coal gained from this mine would be used to fire the kilns but, somehow, this would require hoisting up to the top of the kilns. It is known that there were small coalmines in this vicinity and this is confirmed by the presence of Pit Field Cottages that stood off Wellington Street on the west side of the nearby Throstle Bank Canal Bridge.

The kiln draw tunnels, used for the removal of burnt lime and ash, were below canal level but their location cannot be positively identified from the map. It can only be assumed that they were somewhere in the south and/or west facing walls. As burnt lime was removed from below canal level it would seem that the output was taken away by horse and cart rather than by boat. This might explain the absence of a lime shed where boats could be loaded under cover to keep the lime dry.