Monument record TQ 76 SW 104 - West Kent Portland Cement Works, Burham

Summary

Lime burning was carried out on the site from the early 19th century. A bank of kilns is marked on the 1st Edition O.S. map. Probably in the 1870s cement kilns were developed, with alterations in the 20th century. The aim was to produce quick drying cement. To the south of the site there are the remains of a kiln wall as well as debris from the demolished kilns. There are traces of concrete floors to the west of the site and traces of buildings to the east. An elevated tramway can be sited by a row of square section concrete columns. There are also circular concrete structures which may have been the bases of silos built in the 20th century.

Location

Grid reference Centred TQ 71386 62373 (559m by 241m)
Map sheet TQ76SW
County KENT
District TONBRIDGE AND MALLING, KENT
Civil Parish BURHAM, TONBRIDGE AND MALLING, KENT

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

Lime burning site from early 19th century, a bank of kilns are marked on the 1st Edition O.S. Cement kilns were developed probably in the 1870s, with alterations in the 20th century to produce quick drying cement.
There are the remains of a kiln wall to the south of the site as well as destruction debris from the kilns. There are traces of concrete floors to the west of the site., and traces of buildings at the east. A row of square section concrete columns mark the line of an elevated tramway. There are also some 20th century circular sunken concrete structures which may have been the bases of silos.
(1) JM Preston, Industrial Medway.

In a desk-based assessment covering the site completed in August 2019, the suviving features were documented. Ther report notes that kiln walls on the southern boundary will retained during planned residential development. (2)


CgMs, 2019, Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment, Peters Village, Southern Extension, Near Burham, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE53529.

<1> Jim Preston Personal Communication (Verbal communication). SKE13236.

<2> CgMs, 2019, Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment, Peters Village, Southern Extension, Near Burham, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE53529.

Sources/Archives (3)

  • --- Unpublished document: CgMs. 2019. Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment, Peters Village, Southern Extension, Near Burham, Kent.
  • <1> Verbal communication: Jim Preston Personal Communication.
  • <2> Unpublished document: CgMs. 2019. Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment, Peters Village, Southern Extension, Near Burham, Kent.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

  • Non-Intrusive Event: Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment, Peters Village, Southern Extension, Near Burham, Kent (Ref: CC/24598) (EKE19731)

Record last edited

Jan 9 2023 2:17PM