Newcastle University Students Develop Conservation Plan for Marsden Lime Kilns

A group of eight archaeology students from Newcastle University have begun working on a conservation management plan for Marsden Lime Kilns in South Tyneside. The plan aims to ensure the long-term care, conservation, and maintenance of the site, which is listed but on English Heritage's At Risk register. The students' work is part of the Heritage Skills in Education project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which inspires young people about careers in the built heritage sector. Marsden Lime Kilns is a significant part of South Tyneside's industrial heritage, with the square kilns built in the 1870s to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the limestone quarrying at Marsden.

Key Takeaways:

• Eight archaeology students from Newcastle University are developing a conservation management plan for Marsden Lime Kilns, which is owned by civil engineering firm Owen Pugh.
• The plan will assess the long-term care, conservation, and maintenance of the site, which is listed but on English Heritage's At Risk register.
• The students' work is part of the Heritage Skills in Education project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which aims to inspire young people about careers in the built heritage sector.
• Kimberley Colman, a second-year archaeology student, will lead the team and gain industry skills that will be beneficial for her future career.
• John Briggs, estates and development manager at Owen Pugh, says that the company values supporting young people in developing their professional skills.
• Andie Harris, learning and skills manager at the North of England Civic Trust, emphasizes the importance of the project in providing young people with hands-on experience in the heritage sector.

Statistics:

• The Heritage Skills in Education project has been working with schools, colleges, and universities across the North East to inspire and inform young people about careers in the built heritage sector.
• Manchester Lime Kilns were built in the 1870s to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the limestone quarrying at Marsden.
• The kilns were used to produce quicklime as an agricultural improver, which was also an important element of the steel and chemical industry and used to make cement.
• The preservation of Marsden Lime Kilns is essential for its industrial heritage significance and potential for restoration in the future.

Sources:

• North of England Civic Trust
• Newcastle University
• Owen Pugh
• English Heritage
• South Tyneside Council
• Heritage Lottery Fund
• The North of England Civic Trust's Heritage Skills in Education project