The kiln at Funton site is suggested to be of the Staffordshire type. The Staffordshire kiln was patented in 1904. The Staffordshire type kiln is a development form of transverse-arch, continuous-chamber kiln, which itself evolved from the Hoffman kiln, one of the earliest continuous kilns, developed in the mid-C19. The transverse-arch, continuous-chamber kiln used transverse arches, at right angles to the direction in which the fire travelled, to create physical separation between the chambers, and allow an increased width and there for capacity of the chambers over the original design.
The Staffordshire type kiln was particularly advanced in its design: alloing the firing process to be very closely controlled at each, production stage, producing a better quality product with less wastage.

English Heritage concluded that the Staffordshire kiln at Funton ‘is of some technological interest, however it is a late example which has been visually altered, and is not exceptional’

Listed status was not granted.

Abstract from the English Heritage (Listing) Advice Report dated 27 Nov 2009 (1)

<1> English Heritage, 2009, Funton Brick Kilns, Ibstock Brick Funton Factory, Sheerness Road, Lower Halstow, Listed Building Assessment (Unpublished document). SKE31367.