A lime burning business was carried on by the Foord family at Eastry from 1811 -1914. Beneath their house – ‘Beckets’ at the corner of Belmont Terrace and Woodnesborough Lane, a chalk mine was developed on several levels. Access was originally by shaft but an inclined tunnel was later driven to the surface to emerge by a limekiln. The lateral extent of the mine is unknown but it was finally abandoned following pressure from villagers who were worried that their houses were being undermined. It was subsequently turned into a folly and village festivities were held underground.

During the Second World War the long gallery was used by the Home Guard as a rifle range and the workings were later opened to the public as a show cave for a short time. It was during this period that two elaborate paintings resembling stained glass windows were placed on the walls. The mine is now on private property and access is strictly controlled but the owners have preserved the workings.